"Best day EVER!"
I.e. the day stall rest ends. :) He promptly rolled in the muddiest mud he could find - which is pretty dang muddy, because we got a lot of rain last night - and ruined all the work I did on him while he was on stall rest. Alas. He'll just shed out that much faster when I groom the dried mud off.
I have the Peruvian Death Flu right now, so I didn't ride to see how his hocks feel now, but I'm looking forward to doing so as soon as I can hold up my head. (Okay, maybe a little overdramatic, but I do feel like crap, far too much like crap to do anything more than the necessary barn chores and then crash out.)
Still, I think he'll be much happier with the injections.
I got to hop on a borrowed horse on Sunday and go hack around the local XC course. The horse was a sweet guy, and I made new friends, which is always a good thing. :) Nothing was jumped, but that was okay. I'm happy to have gone and seen the facility - now when I take Apollo we won't BOTH be new to it. It's always nice when one of us can really, truly be confident, as opposed to my usual "um, sure. Yes, horse, we are totally okay. I think. Aren't we?" when I'm uncertain or in a totally new place for the first time. Gotta get over that.
Anyway - off to rest the Peruvian Death Flu. Updates as events warrant ... :)
Wednesday, February 3, 2016
Tuesday, January 26, 2016
BLOG HOP! And updates. (TL;DR, I know.)
BLOG HOP TIME!! woop woop
1. Most influential person on your riding?
On my riding? Gary Mittleider. Before I moved back to Idaho with Reveille in tow, I thought I could ride reasonably well. Not wonderfully, but competently. How very, very wrong I was. Gary took the hot mess I (and Reveille) was and did his very best to help me and her learn to ride and be ridden. I sort of learned how, and then I got Apollo. Things started to change quickly at that point. I still hear Gary's voice in my head when I ride, even 16 months after I left Idaho. Even yesterday: "Okay, what happens when you soften?" "He softens." "Right. So soften." :)
2. Piece of tack you would love to splurge on?
Does it have to be tack? Because I pretty much have the tack I need now. (teaser!) What I would really like to splurge on is a trailer. Aluminum, 2 horse straight load, dressing room, closeable windows, etc.
Alternatively, I could use a new pair of tall boots. I love my Mountain Horse boots, but they're too big, both in the foot and in the calf. I am much smaller than I was when I bought them, and I can slip them on and off without unzipping them. I could also use a new pair of paddock boots; my Dublins (which I do like) have come apart at the heel seams.
3. Top 5 riding playlist?
Uh. I don't ride with music very often any more. Sometimes, but rarely. I like to use it to keep rhythm during trot sets or other "working on rhythm" workouts. Let's see ... my Ride playlist, on random:
Where Did You Sleep Last Night - Nirvana
Spanish Ladies - Celticopia
The Obvious Child - Paul Simon (excellent for trot sets!)
Fiction (Dreams in Digital) - Orgy
Baby Did A Bad Bad Thing - Chris Isaak
4. Most important aspect of your barn?
Not sure what this is asking for. The most important to me? It's my enterprise. I'm not the owner, but I'm the manager of horse care. So the things I'm picky about are stalls and keeping things tidy and organized. I want to be able to lay my hands on a thing the moment I want it, not have to look around. I want my stuff to stay clean if I put it away clean. Like feed-soaking buckets. How damn hard is it to rinse the things once you've used them? You don't even need to use much water - just a little, swish it around to get the stuff that sticks to the sides out, and then you can even dump that water in the next bucket! Imagine!
Ahem. Yes. Also? The arena. I so want to get it sorted and fixed. And then eventually covered. This "no riding when rain" sucks.
5. Three winter riding goals?
Well ... easy. Ride, ride, and ride. In all seriousness, there are a couple things that have held me back this winter. First, the arena. Long story short, the toe boards didn't go in correctly the first time, which caused the footing to wash out. Now we need to take up all the toe boards, install heavy-duty landscape fabric, reinstall the toe boards correctly, replace the footing, and then get and spread a bunch more footing to replace the stuff that washed out.
 |
| The arena in question. See how the toe boards are floated on top of the footing instead of down at the base? That's what we're fixing. |
Second, Apollo himself. He's been very, very bitchy about engaging and loading his hocks. It's understandable - he did race, and he's done some jumping since, and he did get that nasty wound right after I got him. Still, engaging and carrying through the hocks is really required for the things we want to do, and it's made life difficult for us both over fences and in dressage. So - he's having his hocks injected on Friday, hallelujah. Then a bunch of days of stall rest, then back to work.
 |
| We can do many things. Plus, I'm pretty sure I look better than this now. |
Last, I went through a tough spell there for a while, emotionally and physically. Work got done, but no riding.
So yes. My goals are to ride, to ride, and to ride. My eventual goal is to get to just one recognized event this year - if not more. Preferably more. So I need to get on the stick and work on getting us fit and ready to go! We're missing a few shows already because of the hock and arena issues. My teacher and I were discussing goals, and she said that I should shoot for AECs next year, because my "horse is a winner." I melt - someone believes in my horse! :D
My own, personal goal for me and Apollo is to complete the BN3DE at Heart of the Carolinas in 2017. Maybe we'll be ready for a Novice by then, but for our first full long format, let's not push it, eh?
UPDATES TIME! woop?
So, as mentioned, Apollo hasn't had to do much lately, mostly because he is really uncomfortable through those hocks when I ask him to work them. I'm sure that a more committed person or a better disciplined person would have found a way, but ... as mentioned, I was having some emotional issues. The vet comes out Friday to do the hock injections, and I am really, really excited.
The goal - MY goal - is to get the arena fixed by the time Apollo's off stall rest. This requires cooperation and assistance from WC, the husband of the property owner couple, and that the Rototiller be fixed. He took it to the shop, so with any luck, it'll be done soon.
I did take Apollo out for a hack yesterday, thinking a calm walk would be good for him, get him moving without having to really load the hocks or anything. Just ... walk. Long, slow miles, to quote Denny. Alas ...
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| Don't be fooled. This is the face of a rotten beast. A naughty pony. |
The other boarder and I took the TBs out to the pasture and commenced the walk. Her guy was a little up, Apollo was rather nervous; I thought I had Apollo pretty well in hand. I was tense, though, and apparently that was all it took for the recycling pick-up truck to turn into a TERRIBLE MONSTER. Apollo bucked, he crowhopped ... I said "fuck" and went over his shoulder. Bad, bad rider; that shouldn't have gotten me off. I decided I wasn't going to salvage it and let myself fall. Not the least bit of damage, but ... Apollo wasn't getting off that easy. We went and worked in the teeny-tiny arena by the barn. We might have just walked, but by God it was the walk I dictated, with bend, and carrying as best he could in the mud with ouchy hocks. The other boarder came back too, also dismounted - I said "Oh no! Not you too?!" She hadn't gotten dumped, but it was apparently a near thing.
So ... either walks around his pasture or in the tiny arena only. If it isn't raining. And even then I worry a bit. Meh. Must not let fear take over. Mindkiller and all, yknow?
Also ... I have done it. I have en-saddled myself! I had thought I would be able to buy a friend's saddle, but as it turned out, hay, vet bills, etc. ate up the money I had. I had thought to maybe buy Nicku's old saddle; Nicku, did your friend buy it? :)
Anyway, as it turned out ... I found the saddle I wanted at a price I couldn't have beaten if I'd tried. It's a Wolfgang Solo by Custom Saddlery; it's the smooth leather Signature one. Obviously not new, either, but new enough. I am so stupid excited, I can't even tell you. I can show you:
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| Black leather love! Okay, that sounded weird. You know what I meant. |
I am so going to plop it on Apollo tomorrow and see how it fits - I have an appointment pending with my lovely saddle fitter, English Saddle Fit in TN, and she'll fit it perfectly to him. Meanwhile, I dunno if I can stay out of it! I have stirrup leathers coming tomorrow, and Compositi Reflex stirrups soon:
I might end up putting these on the jump saddle and using the flex stirrups on the dressage saddle; we'll see. But for a day, who cares if my leathers are brown and the saddle is black?? Must ... ride ... new ... saddle ...
And last topic: Apollo is looking way better. No ribs (in this photo he's holding himself a bit oddly, not actually ribby), starting to come back with a topline - although I know he needs a lot more work, he's coming back.
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| January 25, 2016 |
As a comparison, this is what he looked like in May. Ribby, too bony in the spine, not shiny.
I thought he had a jumper's bump, but no - indeed not. That's something else entirely. He just needed updated feed (to Healthy Edge for pelleted feed and alfalfa added to his hay routine) and work. Hooray! I'll check in on his progress again in May. :)
Saturday, January 2, 2016
Calling All Tack Hos!
Hey! I know I have friends out there who are devoted tack hos, and I know for sure I have friends of friends who are! Y'all are bargain tack hunters extraordinaire, so I'm hoping you can help me out.
I'm looking for a few things used, in good condition, for good prices. I'm not as awesome at finding the deals, so I thought I'd throw this out there.
What I need most of all is a black, monocrown, cob size, Five Star Tack headstall. I'd buy the whole bridle for the right price, but what I really need is the headstall. My dressage bridle has a torn keeper on the throatlatch from where I had it ensmallened (totally a word!) for Apollo's delicate little head, and it's not going to be an easy fix. Plus, a smaller headstall would be fantastic.
The next thing I'm looking for is a 22-24", black, leather, elastic on both ends, anatomic, dressage girth. I'd prefer the Total Saddle Fit one, but I'm open to suggestion.
Can anybody out there help me work some magic? I've checked ebay, of course, and struck out there. Where else should I be looking? Do you have any lines on either of these things?
Help me, internet tack hos. You're my only hope.
I'm looking for a few things used, in good condition, for good prices. I'm not as awesome at finding the deals, so I thought I'd throw this out there.
What I need most of all is a black, monocrown, cob size, Five Star Tack headstall. I'd buy the whole bridle for the right price, but what I really need is the headstall. My dressage bridle has a torn keeper on the throatlatch from where I had it ensmallened (totally a word!) for Apollo's delicate little head, and it's not going to be an easy fix. Plus, a smaller headstall would be fantastic.
The next thing I'm looking for is a 22-24", black, leather, elastic on both ends, anatomic, dressage girth. I'd prefer the Total Saddle Fit one, but I'm open to suggestion.
Can anybody out there help me work some magic? I've checked ebay, of course, and struck out there. Where else should I be looking? Do you have any lines on either of these things?
Help me, internet tack hos. You're my only hope.
Wednesday, December 2, 2015
Christmas Wish (really, wishing, not actually thinking it'll happen) List!
HolyBully asked what's on our horsey Christmas wish lists ... weeeeelllll, I guess, if you're asking ... :)
More than anything, this 18" Hennig Sofa with short flaps at Maryland Tack Exchange:
A Hennig. With short flaps. And an adjustable gullet (by a saddle fitter; I happen to know an excellent one at English Saddle Fit in TN!!). And a seat size I fit in. And in a price range I could conceivably swing, if I ignored what I should do and did what I want to do with money that's supposed to be coming in any.day.now.
Like, this is the unicorn of saddles. MT has one that somehow, magically, fit almost any horse and almost any rider. I loved it when I got to ride in it. I am so tired of trying to ride in a correct dressage seat in my jump saddle - which is lovely and perfect for jumping! - and I am anxious to get a new dressage saddle. This new-to-me dressage saddle.
I'll need a new set of black 48" stirrup leathers; child-size to go with the short flaps, of course.
And another set of stirrups; might as well go with the neato ones! I might swap these onto my jump saddle and put the flex stirrups on the dressage saddle, but ... nah. These on the dressage. Maybe. If I tend to lose them the same way I did in my other saddle. But these are the lowest priority; I have other irons I can use until I get the pretties.
Other than that ... my sister already got me a needed item: a new medium-weight turnout for Apollo! Hooray! He'll be wearing it tomorrow.
I'd love to have a stable blanket for him, actually, so his turnouts can dry overnight if needed.
And a show coat. A Kerrits Kompetitor's Koat, or a FITS Zephyr coat. Yknow ... something that I can wear in the heat and humidity without dying.
And a good raincoat. Because apparently, based on my teacher's posts and other friends' posts, it rains at every horse show. I'm going to have to get used to jumping in the rain. :/
And several long sleeve technical, sweat-wicking tops. A few short sleeve, but several long sleeve. Because sweat happens even when I need a long sleeve shirt.
So that's my horsey wish list. What's on yours? :)
More than anything, this 18" Hennig Sofa with short flaps at Maryland Tack Exchange:
A Hennig. With short flaps. And an adjustable gullet (by a saddle fitter; I happen to know an excellent one at English Saddle Fit in TN!!). And a seat size I fit in. And in a price range I could conceivably swing, if I ignored what I should do and did what I want to do with money that's supposed to be coming in any.day.now.
Like, this is the unicorn of saddles. MT has one that somehow, magically, fit almost any horse and almost any rider. I loved it when I got to ride in it. I am so tired of trying to ride in a correct dressage seat in my jump saddle - which is lovely and perfect for jumping! - and I am anxious to get a new dressage saddle. This new-to-me dressage saddle.
I'll need a new set of black 48" stirrup leathers; child-size to go with the short flaps, of course.
And another set of stirrups; might as well go with the neato ones! I might swap these onto my jump saddle and put the flex stirrups on the dressage saddle, but ... nah. These on the dressage. Maybe. If I tend to lose them the same way I did in my other saddle. But these are the lowest priority; I have other irons I can use until I get the pretties.
I sold the girth, too, so a 22" Total Shoulder Fit girth to go with it:
Other than that ... my sister already got me a needed item: a new medium-weight turnout for Apollo! Hooray! He'll be wearing it tomorrow.
I'd love to have a stable blanket for him, actually, so his turnouts can dry overnight if needed.
And a show coat. A Kerrits Kompetitor's Koat, or a FITS Zephyr coat. Yknow ... something that I can wear in the heat and humidity without dying.
And a good raincoat. Because apparently, based on my teacher's posts and other friends' posts, it rains at every horse show. I'm going to have to get used to jumping in the rain. :/
And several long sleeve technical, sweat-wicking tops. A few short sleeve, but several long sleeve. Because sweat happens even when I need a long sleeve shirt.
So that's my horsey wish list. What's on yours? :)
Saturday, November 21, 2015
Inspired/Reminded by Chasing the Dream:
So I was reading through my blogroll, and I was reminded by Checkmark115 at Chasing the Dream of two things. First, that I hadn't talked much about Apollo's relatively recent development:
He hates, hates the trailer I have available to me.
Like rearing and bolting when I tried to load him a while ago kind of hate.
This is SO unusual for this horse - he's so easygoing. But after the first trip in the trailer, from my first barn here to Council Creek back in January, he decided he hated the thing. The second time I tried to load him, we'd pulled the trailer into the drive, outside of the pasture where it usually lives. He was hesitant and a little difficult, but we got him in with the longe whip. After that, he got worse and worse. I tried to load him and not tie him - nope, he flailed and bashed his head and freaked further. I tried to load him and tie him but not close the divider - nope, flailed and freaked out.
I gave it a break for a while, then in late September started working on trailer training without any time pressure or place to actually go. That was the full-on rear, many bolt, very leap, so pull back episode. This was about 3 weeks before I got married, btw, and of course, I managed to sprain? break? somehow damage my left ring finger in the process. Sigh. Clearly I needed to change my approach, which had been punishing him for doing the wrong thing and praising him for doing the right thing.
I'd put a stud chain on his halter at first, but I realized I could use it better - instead of pulling on it to say "don't do that," which upset him a lot, I just let it do its thing when he pulled. I changed my mind and attitude to be just patient - I decided I had all the time in the world, nothing he could do would freak me out or scare me (I did put my helmet on, though, just in case), and he would end up on the trailer. Whenever. We had time. So the chain went on, I led him up to the trailer, he halted, I let the chain be a little tight, I kept my back to him and kept the pressure but didn't pull, and as soon as he stepped forward again I loosened the chain and praised. Lather, rinse, repeat. The first time it took 30-40 minutes to get him loaded, clipped in, and divider closed, and the "lather" part was literal.
The second time, 15 minutes, no lather.
Third time, 10 minutes, no lather.
Thursday, 5 minutes, no lather. It took more like 10 minutes, maybe 15, to load him back up at NT's place, but it was a low-key 10-15 minutes rather than a panicked shitshow, so I'll take it. There was a lot going on, and it was dinnertime at NT's, so I can't really be too upset with Apollo not wanting to load. Maybe I should be - yes, horses SHOULD be obedient and quiet at all times, and loading is important - but upset doesn't get me anywhere, as we've seen. I also did it by myself, rather than having to ask for help. That's actually really important to me, that I be able to load my horse myself, because I don't often have people with me any more. So more calm, patient loading work seems to be in order, but I am pleased with how well he's come along.
The second thing ... I'm going to leave that for another day, because I need motivation to blog! :) Hint: it's made of leather.
He hates, hates the trailer I have available to me.
Like rearing and bolting when I tried to load him a while ago kind of hate.
This is SO unusual for this horse - he's so easygoing. But after the first trip in the trailer, from my first barn here to Council Creek back in January, he decided he hated the thing. The second time I tried to load him, we'd pulled the trailer into the drive, outside of the pasture where it usually lives. He was hesitant and a little difficult, but we got him in with the longe whip. After that, he got worse and worse. I tried to load him and not tie him - nope, he flailed and bashed his head and freaked further. I tried to load him and tie him but not close the divider - nope, flailed and freaked out.
I gave it a break for a while, then in late September started working on trailer training without any time pressure or place to actually go. That was the full-on rear, many bolt, very leap, so pull back episode. This was about 3 weeks before I got married, btw, and of course, I managed to sprain? break? somehow damage my left ring finger in the process. Sigh. Clearly I needed to change my approach, which had been punishing him for doing the wrong thing and praising him for doing the right thing.
I'd put a stud chain on his halter at first, but I realized I could use it better - instead of pulling on it to say "don't do that," which upset him a lot, I just let it do its thing when he pulled. I changed my mind and attitude to be just patient - I decided I had all the time in the world, nothing he could do would freak me out or scare me (I did put my helmet on, though, just in case), and he would end up on the trailer. Whenever. We had time. So the chain went on, I led him up to the trailer, he halted, I let the chain be a little tight, I kept my back to him and kept the pressure but didn't pull, and as soon as he stepped forward again I loosened the chain and praised. Lather, rinse, repeat. The first time it took 30-40 minutes to get him loaded, clipped in, and divider closed, and the "lather" part was literal.
The second time, 15 minutes, no lather.
Third time, 10 minutes, no lather.
Thursday, 5 minutes, no lather. It took more like 10 minutes, maybe 15, to load him back up at NT's place, but it was a low-key 10-15 minutes rather than a panicked shitshow, so I'll take it. There was a lot going on, and it was dinnertime at NT's, so I can't really be too upset with Apollo not wanting to load. Maybe I should be - yes, horses SHOULD be obedient and quiet at all times, and loading is important - but upset doesn't get me anywhere, as we've seen. I also did it by myself, rather than having to ask for help. That's actually really important to me, that I be able to load my horse myself, because I don't often have people with me any more. So more calm, patient loading work seems to be in order, but I am pleased with how well he's come along.
The second thing ... I'm going to leave that for another day, because I need motivation to blog! :) Hint: it's made of leather.
Friday, November 20, 2015
Say this with a straight face, I dare you.
So we have a boarder committed to coming out to our barn - yay! I think she'll be a great fit when she finds her horse and moves in. I'm excited about it - it'll be nice to have someone to ride with, and she's got a great attitude. Another boarder might come board with us, but no commitment yet. I'm pretty pleased; more work for me = income! And healthier me, and income for the property owners, et cetera. The barn is, as always, a work in progress, but it's definitely workable and cool.
I took Apollo up to NT's yesterday, where we had a very fun, productive lesson. We didn't jump high at all - it was all about communication and adjustability in stride and gait. Apollo has been really stiff lately through his jaw, shoulder, and hip, so we worked hard on that by doing a lot of bending on circles before we started jumping, then asking for clear bend in the corners when jumping lines. Eventually, Apollo released, and we could move the focus to getting me to take the emergency brake off and encourage him to come on a bigger, freer stride.
I discovered that the key to coming through the course well was having Apollo round and engaged in the Very First Corner - which, of course, I knew intellectually but hadn't really learned physically. And then, after that first line, I needed to really swing my hips and allow him to keep cantering forward and freely instead of locking my seat up and putting that brake on. Finally, once we got the brake off, I felt like I was back in the place I was when I left Idaho. I felt like I had control and confidence and calm, despite Apollo shouting "Vive la resistance!" at every opportunity. Must, MUST go up much more often for lessons!!
Amusing: for a clinic with Sinead Halpin, the working students had set up a vertical with dressage letter cones under it. The cones spelled SPAM. No new phenomenon - at Aspen Farms, they often have a jump with their letters and spell ASPEN. :) So in K's lesson before mine, NT would say "okay, canter up the 3-stride cavaletti line, then the crossrail, then the vertical in the middle, then go all the way around and come up over SPAM." However ... when a friend of the barn, who has a wicked sense of humor, came out and watched for a bit, she rearranged the letters a bit and added R and M. For my lesson, I got "okay, canter up the 3-stride cavaletti line, then the crossrail, then the vertical in the middle, then go all the way around and come up over SPERM."
*dies laughing*
Apollo gave the cones a hard look on the first approach, much like he did in a lesson with Gary one summer, when he would. not. go. over. a vertical with black dressage-fence-pipe-holders under it. But this time, I just sat up, put my leg ON, and told him GO. And he went. :) SPERM ain't no thang, people.
I took Apollo up to NT's yesterday, where we had a very fun, productive lesson. We didn't jump high at all - it was all about communication and adjustability in stride and gait. Apollo has been really stiff lately through his jaw, shoulder, and hip, so we worked hard on that by doing a lot of bending on circles before we started jumping, then asking for clear bend in the corners when jumping lines. Eventually, Apollo released, and we could move the focus to getting me to take the emergency brake off and encourage him to come on a bigger, freer stride.
I discovered that the key to coming through the course well was having Apollo round and engaged in the Very First Corner - which, of course, I knew intellectually but hadn't really learned physically. And then, after that first line, I needed to really swing my hips and allow him to keep cantering forward and freely instead of locking my seat up and putting that brake on. Finally, once we got the brake off, I felt like I was back in the place I was when I left Idaho. I felt like I had control and confidence and calm, despite Apollo shouting "Vive la resistance!" at every opportunity. Must, MUST go up much more often for lessons!!
Amusing: for a clinic with Sinead Halpin, the working students had set up a vertical with dressage letter cones under it. The cones spelled SPAM. No new phenomenon - at Aspen Farms, they often have a jump with their letters and spell ASPEN. :) So in K's lesson before mine, NT would say "okay, canter up the 3-stride cavaletti line, then the crossrail, then the vertical in the middle, then go all the way around and come up over SPAM." However ... when a friend of the barn, who has a wicked sense of humor, came out and watched for a bit, she rearranged the letters a bit and added R and M. For my lesson, I got "okay, canter up the 3-stride cavaletti line, then the crossrail, then the vertical in the middle, then go all the way around and come up over SPERM."
*dies laughing*
Apollo gave the cones a hard look on the first approach, much like he did in a lesson with Gary one summer, when he would. not. go. over. a vertical with black dressage-fence-pipe-holders under it. But this time, I just sat up, put my leg ON, and told him GO. And he went. :) SPERM ain't no thang, people.
Sunday, November 15, 2015
Brief thoughts on horsekeeping
1. Comparing horse keeping to mommy wars is insulting and inaccurate. Insisting that stalls be cleaned daily instead of weekly isn't prissy - it's basic health. Poop or pee in stall? Take it out. Period. It's like not changing your kid's diaper but once a day.
2. Flake shavings - we hates them forever, precious. Yes, they *look* all fluffy and soft to human eyes, but they're difficult to clean, and they don't provide any more soft places to sleep than a more horse-friendly bedding. Like pellets. We love pellets, precious. They clean easily, are soft, last a long time, and compost well. They don't look golden and fluffy, but I swear, they're a better choice. Especially for a barn that doesn't have a big shed where truckloads of sawdust or fine shavings can be dumped. Pellets store easily.
3. Yes, we do have mice, despite the cat's best efforts. If you leave bags of grain out, they will get nibbled. We have a chest freezer for your very own grain storage; I know it might take a minute of thought on how to arrange the bags of grain in it so all five fit, but I swear it can be done. Even without opening the bags and just storing the grain in the freezer.
4. Those who say it can't be done should probably get out of the way of the person doing it.
5. Logic is good, mmkay? Woo-woo has its place, but that place is after thinking rationally and functionally.
2. Flake shavings - we hates them forever, precious. Yes, they *look* all fluffy and soft to human eyes, but they're difficult to clean, and they don't provide any more soft places to sleep than a more horse-friendly bedding. Like pellets. We love pellets, precious. They clean easily, are soft, last a long time, and compost well. They don't look golden and fluffy, but I swear, they're a better choice. Especially for a barn that doesn't have a big shed where truckloads of sawdust or fine shavings can be dumped. Pellets store easily.
3. Yes, we do have mice, despite the cat's best efforts. If you leave bags of grain out, they will get nibbled. We have a chest freezer for your very own grain storage; I know it might take a minute of thought on how to arrange the bags of grain in it so all five fit, but I swear it can be done. Even without opening the bags and just storing the grain in the freezer.
4. Those who say it can't be done should probably get out of the way of the person doing it.
5. Logic is good, mmkay? Woo-woo has its place, but that place is after thinking rationally and functionally.
Monday, September 14, 2015
Tae Kwon LEAP
All righty - I'm going to use this little survey as a springboard to get myself back into blogging! So, survey, and then a few updates on the state of the 'Pollo Pony. :)
Four names that people call me other than my real name:
1. Rinsie
2. Rinz / Linds
3. Hon
4. Babygirl
Four jobs I've had:
1. Programmer
2. Editor
3. Technical Writer
4. Technical Support Analyst
Four movies I've watched more than once:
1. Clue
2. Real Genius
3. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (original)
4. A Room With A View
Four books I'd recommend:
1. Dune by Frank Herbert
2. The Dark is Rising by Susan Cooper
3. Young Men and Fire by Norman McLean
4. The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
Four places I've lived:
1. Atlanta, GA
2. Kuna, ID
3. Saratoga, CA
4. Austin, TX
Four places I've visited:
1. Guatemala
2. London
3. Machynlleth, Wales
4. San Juan Islands, Canada/WA
Four places I'd rather be right now:
1. Bed
2. Barn
3. Road Less Traveled Eventing, Lenoir City TN
4. Mittleider Eventing, Kuna ID
Four things I'd rather not eat:
1. Bell peppers. Love hot peppers, bell peppers are gross.
2. Boeuf Bourgignon
3. Hot dogs
4. Capers
Four of my favorite foods:
1. Pesto
2. My mom's chocolate chip cookies
3. Seafood in general; low country boils and sushi in particular
4. Dim sum
Four TV shows I watch:(recommend, really)
1. Firefly
2. Criminal Minds
3. Daredevil
4. The Flash
Four things I'm looking forward to this year:
1. Going home for Christmas
2. Riding a lot
3. Things getting better at work (or the alternative)
4. A new dressage saddle
Four things I say a lot:
1. Okay, good deal.
2. Oh, for shit's sake!
3. What a good [boy / girl]!
4. Hm. I don't know. I'll have to get back to you on that one.
So at last update, we'd just diagnosed Apollo with mild navicular in his RF. He then spent two weeks up at NT's while I was away on a work trip. He got fed and fed and fed, and NT rode him for the two weeks. He ALSO got a bodywork appointment, which was awesome. The upshot of this two weeks was that he came back all tuned up, much stronger and more muscled, albeit with terribly past their shoe-by date feet. Ready to rock and roll!
Then, while trying to load him up to take him on a trail ride at a friend's barn, he got stupid, unseated his RH shoe, and *stomped* on the clip and nail. Blood (his), tears (mine ... okay, I'm exaggerating), whole nine yards. (Sparing you the photo.) I got it clean and wrapped up immediately, which I think saved me an abscess from hell. My excellent farrier came by a few days later, trimmed him, and shod him with pads and soft packing up front to cushion that navicular and prevent any development of the same in the LF.
NT came out for a lesson, since she was in the area, and I had an asthma attack. Less than fun.
But we've been working on getting him pushing from behind, really engaging his hocks and getting that inside hind to really track up. This is our constant battle, honestly. I feel like he might benefit from hock injections or from something like Adequan, but right now the next two things on the Buy list are hay and stall mats/bedding. So I ride him with a huge emphasis on that power and push on the flat, and I'm working a lot of gymnastics and Circle of Death for jumping exercises. Power and push for him, position for me.
I'm down to one saddle now. I sold both Collegiates, jump and dressage, in the last week. The money goes into the New Dressage Saddle fund. I have about half-ish of what I need for a nice used saddle now, and any minute now I'm expecting paychecks for freelance work. Anybody who wishes to contribute may contact me directly. *grin*
We also finally have the arena up and running! Lovely thing. There are some tweaks to make - like putting some landscaping fabric around the kick board so that the (#@*&% footing doesn't run out when it rains ...
Harrowing the arena is both easier and harder than I expected. I have to admit that the tractor is kind of intimidating. It's old and a bit rickety, and it takes holding your mouth right and the wind blowing north-north-west (like madness) to get it to lift the bucket, drop the arm, go into neutral, etc. Just when I thought I had gotten the hang of it, this happens:
I'm really hoping for a four-wheeler or something instead; tractors be scary, yo.
That's all I have for the moment. I'll try to be better about updating, but no promises. :)
Four names that people call me other than my real name:
1. Rinsie
2. Rinz / Linds
3. Hon
4. Babygirl
Four jobs I've had:
1. Programmer
2. Editor
3. Technical Writer
4. Technical Support Analyst
Four movies I've watched more than once:
1. Clue
2. Real Genius
3. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (original)
4. A Room With A View
Four books I'd recommend:
1. Dune by Frank Herbert
2. The Dark is Rising by Susan Cooper
3. Young Men and Fire by Norman McLean
4. The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
Four places I've lived:
1. Atlanta, GA
2. Kuna, ID
3. Saratoga, CA
4. Austin, TX
Four places I've visited:
1. Guatemala
2. London
3. Machynlleth, Wales
4. San Juan Islands, Canada/WA
Four places I'd rather be right now:
1. Bed
2. Barn
3. Road Less Traveled Eventing, Lenoir City TN
4. Mittleider Eventing, Kuna ID
Four things I'd rather not eat:
1. Bell peppers. Love hot peppers, bell peppers are gross.
2. Boeuf Bourgignon
3. Hot dogs
4. Capers
Four of my favorite foods:
1. Pesto
2. My mom's chocolate chip cookies
3. Seafood in general; low country boils and sushi in particular
4. Dim sum
Four TV shows I watch:(recommend, really)
1. Firefly
2. Criminal Minds
3. Daredevil
4. The Flash
Four things I'm looking forward to this year:
1. Going home for Christmas
2. Riding a lot
3. Things getting better at work (or the alternative)
4. A new dressage saddle
Four things I say a lot:
1. Okay, good deal.
2. Oh, for shit's sake!
3. What a good [boy / girl]!
4. Hm. I don't know. I'll have to get back to you on that one.
So at last update, we'd just diagnosed Apollo with mild navicular in his RF. He then spent two weeks up at NT's while I was away on a work trip. He got fed and fed and fed, and NT rode him for the two weeks. He ALSO got a bodywork appointment, which was awesome. The upshot of this two weeks was that he came back all tuned up, much stronger and more muscled, albeit with terribly past their shoe-by date feet. Ready to rock and roll!
 |
| drooooooooooool don't stop ever |
NT came out for a lesson, since she was in the area, and I had an asthma attack. Less than fun.
But we've been working on getting him pushing from behind, really engaging his hocks and getting that inside hind to really track up. This is our constant battle, honestly. I feel like he might benefit from hock injections or from something like Adequan, but right now the next two things on the Buy list are hay and stall mats/bedding. So I ride him with a huge emphasis on that power and push on the flat, and I'm working a lot of gymnastics and Circle of Death for jumping exercises. Power and push for him, position for me.
I'm down to one saddle now. I sold both Collegiates, jump and dressage, in the last week. The money goes into the New Dressage Saddle fund. I have about half-ish of what I need for a nice used saddle now, and any minute now I'm expecting paychecks for freelance work. Anybody who wishes to contribute may contact me directly. *grin*
 |
| HOW many horses have you got in there?? Where do they all fit?? |
We also finally have the arena up and running! Lovely thing. There are some tweaks to make - like putting some landscaping fabric around the kick board so that the (#@*&% footing doesn't run out when it rains ...
 |
| Arena! |
Harrowing the arena is both easier and harder than I expected. I have to admit that the tractor is kind of intimidating. It's old and a bit rickety, and it takes holding your mouth right and the wind blowing north-north-west (like madness) to get it to lift the bucket, drop the arm, go into neutral, etc. Just when I thought I had gotten the hang of it, this happens:
 |
| I was wondering why it felt funny. |
I'm really hoping for a four-wheeler or something instead; tractors be scary, yo.
That's all I have for the moment. I'll try to be better about updating, but no promises. :)
 |
| LOOK AT MAH SEXAY HORSE! LOOOOOOK! Seriously, he's looking way better than he was, even though he's filthy in this pic. |
Friday, July 17, 2015
The verdict on horse stress.
So as it turns out, my horse stress was a little warranted. Apollo came up lame two weeks ago on Sunday, when I'd taken him up to NT's over the Fourth. I jumped to hot nail or abscess, since he'd just been shod that Friday. Farrier came out, pulled the heel nails in his RF, and I scheduled the vet to come do radiographs - if it was an abscess, I felt like he'd abscessed a few times on that foot already, so it was time to see what was what.
He was rather sounder on Wednesday for the vet but not totally sound, so hot nail was the diagnosis. Rads didn't show any abscessing, buuuuuut ... he does have mild navicular disease in that RF.
Sigh. Now, navicular isn't the doom it was 20 years ago, but it's not nothing either. Fortunately it's mild, and he did come back to sound after I buted him for several days. So we have a treatment plan that includes pour-in pads, avoiding hard or irregular footing (XC isn't necessarily irregular; I'll avoid the dry, rutted pastures though), and close monitoring. If he deteriorates to a point at which he can't jump without pain any more, then we won't jump any more. If he deteriorates to a point at which he can't be ridden without pain any more, I'll retire him. And if he can't move at all without pain, I'll take the pain on me and let him go.
BUT.
Signs point to successful management right now. So we're not going to consider the worst case scenario, just know what we'll do if it comes about.
We also did a titer for EPM, which came back kind of bafflingly - two of his levels indicate non-problem, one is elevated. His inflammation marker was high, but then again, we know that he had some inflammation going on based on the rads. Pedal osteitis, is what the vet called it.
So the plan for that is "wait and see." More like wait, keep him as healthy and fit as humanly and equinely possible, feed him until he pops, and if he shows symptoms or deteriorates inexplicably, then start treating.
And yes, feed him. Vet said she thought the roach in his back was a combination of inflammation and needing weight on. Apollo is very much enjoying the heaping piles of food he's getting now! He now gets:
Pasture 24/7 (not really good quality, but green growing forage, as much as he wants)
Morning:
3 qt Strategy Healthy Edge
1.5 qt beet pulp, soaked
1.5 qt alfalfa pellets
1/2 scoop electrolytes
2 scoop Cool Calories
2000 IU vitamin E
Evening:
4.5 qt Strategy Healthy Edge
1.5 qt beet pulp, soaked
1/2 scoop electrolytes
2 scoop Cool Calories
2000 IU vitamin E
1 scoop Nu-Hoof Maximizer
2 flakes alfalfa hay in a nibble net
grass hay to fill out the nibble net
This seems like a LOT to me ... but he is perking up, seeming shinier and more cheerful, so I think he's feeling good. He's sound again, which can't be hurting his attitude either. I'd be interested in recommendations for supplements, especially herbal, and must have science to back it up, that help reduce general inflammation.
And I'll be getting alfalfa to feed him through the winter, too, rather than just the grass hay. I just don't think he does as well on grass hay. *shrug* This might be my horse-owner idiosyncrasy, though. Everybody's got at least one conviction or habit or practice that's considered weird in their area, and alfalfa hay is mine. The idea scandalizes people around here, that horses can just eat alfalfa. SMH. I'll own it: I'm weird.
But my horse won't be thin any more. :)
He was rather sounder on Wednesday for the vet but not totally sound, so hot nail was the diagnosis. Rads didn't show any abscessing, buuuuuut ... he does have mild navicular disease in that RF.
Sigh. Now, navicular isn't the doom it was 20 years ago, but it's not nothing either. Fortunately it's mild, and he did come back to sound after I buted him for several days. So we have a treatment plan that includes pour-in pads, avoiding hard or irregular footing (XC isn't necessarily irregular; I'll avoid the dry, rutted pastures though), and close monitoring. If he deteriorates to a point at which he can't jump without pain any more, then we won't jump any more. If he deteriorates to a point at which he can't be ridden without pain any more, I'll retire him. And if he can't move at all without pain, I'll take the pain on me and let him go.
BUT.
Signs point to successful management right now. So we're not going to consider the worst case scenario, just know what we'll do if it comes about.
We also did a titer for EPM, which came back kind of bafflingly - two of his levels indicate non-problem, one is elevated. His inflammation marker was high, but then again, we know that he had some inflammation going on based on the rads. Pedal osteitis, is what the vet called it.
So the plan for that is "wait and see." More like wait, keep him as healthy and fit as humanly and equinely possible, feed him until he pops, and if he shows symptoms or deteriorates inexplicably, then start treating.
And yes, feed him. Vet said she thought the roach in his back was a combination of inflammation and needing weight on. Apollo is very much enjoying the heaping piles of food he's getting now! He now gets:
Pasture 24/7 (not really good quality, but green growing forage, as much as he wants)
Morning:
3 qt Strategy Healthy Edge
1.5 qt beet pulp, soaked
1.5 qt alfalfa pellets
1/2 scoop electrolytes
2 scoop Cool Calories
2000 IU vitamin E
Evening:
4.5 qt Strategy Healthy Edge
1.5 qt beet pulp, soaked
1/2 scoop electrolytes
2 scoop Cool Calories
2000 IU vitamin E
1 scoop Nu-Hoof Maximizer
2 flakes alfalfa hay in a nibble net
grass hay to fill out the nibble net
This seems like a LOT to me ... but he is perking up, seeming shinier and more cheerful, so I think he's feeling good. He's sound again, which can't be hurting his attitude either. I'd be interested in recommendations for supplements, especially herbal, and must have science to back it up, that help reduce general inflammation.
And I'll be getting alfalfa to feed him through the winter, too, rather than just the grass hay. I just don't think he does as well on grass hay. *shrug* This might be my horse-owner idiosyncrasy, though. Everybody's got at least one conviction or habit or practice that's considered weird in their area, and alfalfa hay is mine. The idea scandalizes people around here, that horses can just eat alfalfa. SMH. I'll own it: I'm weird.
But my horse won't be thin any more. :)
Monday, June 29, 2015
Enter a contest!
Contest time at All In! 700 entries ... Karley is really good about blogging regularly, and she and Henry are a great team! Go read her entry, and check out this contest!
Friday, June 26, 2015
Two things: first, like everyone else, I'm sending all my love and best thoughts to Lauren. If anyone reading this hasn't seen the GoFundMe for her, here it is: Gift for Lauren. I only wish I could give more.
Second, thank you all for your supportive words to me. I'm getting a lid on the crazy, mostly, and a good look at Apollo's legs tells me that yes, my fear of ringbone is ridiculous. He does have nicks and dings and scar tissue from cutting himself - his skin keloids up like it's its job - but he's sound. I do think, though, that I should probably consider hock injections sooner rather than later. I think that would make him more comfortable in work.
As for the jumper's bump,yeah, it's there. Slight, but there. I'm imagining things. It's not a jumper's bump, it's a slight roach. Part of the problem, I think, is that he needs another 50-75 pounds. He's got good muscling, but he needs MOAR. So - plan is to continue schooling and exercising and doing horsey calisthenics to strengthen and build muscle, and I also picked up some Cool Calories to give him a better fat layer. I never had this trouble in Idaho, and he started perking up significantly when I started him on alfalfa. So ... apparently alfalfa is what he eats. Can do. It's just money, right? (*cries as little moths fly out of wallet*)
Looks like I won't be able to run River Glen at the end of July. Not because of crisis of confidence or anything like that, but because I have to be in Manhattan for work the week before. I might could do the Starter on Saturday, but the possibility of having to work through the weekend is significant. So ... later in the year it is.
And ... plans for the new arena at our barn are UNDERWAY! SQUEEEE! Good footing! Dressage training! JUMPING! *dies*
Second, thank you all for your supportive words to me. I'm getting a lid on the crazy, mostly, and a good look at Apollo's legs tells me that yes, my fear of ringbone is ridiculous. He does have nicks and dings and scar tissue from cutting himself - his skin keloids up like it's its job - but he's sound. I do think, though, that I should probably consider hock injections sooner rather than later. I think that would make him more comfortable in work.
As for the jumper's bump,
Looks like I won't be able to run River Glen at the end of July. Not because of crisis of confidence or anything like that, but because I have to be in Manhattan for work the week before. I might could do the Starter on Saturday, but the possibility of having to work through the weekend is significant. So ... later in the year it is.
And ... plans for the new arena at our barn are UNDERWAY! SQUEEEE! Good footing! Dressage training! JUMPING! *dies*
Wednesday, June 24, 2015
Sudden stress.
So I'm suddenly consumed by horse stress. So many stresses. Self-doubt, really: am I taking the correct care of my horse? Am I riding him correctly? Am I actually injuring my horse? What is this lump? Do I need to call the vet? Is he neurologic? Was that a normal stumble or toe-dragging? *pulls hair out* Yeah. Stress.
Last week, I arrived at the barn to discover that beloved ponykins had knocked over the panels in front of the barn designed to keep horses out of the barn. I discovered him with his head in the pelleted feed bin, munching away; all three feed bins (beet pulp, alfalfa pellets, and Tribute Kalm n' EZ) were open, as well as the bin holding the cookie bag. He'd also eaten several flakes of the compressed alfalfa bale I'd bought the week before. ARGH. I checked him out, and he seemed to be fine; vet recommended 3 days of Banamine just in case, and cold hosing his front feet, again just in case. He didn't get *too* much more feed than he gets, total, in a day, and he hadn't had breakfast that day, but still.
Oh, and? He'd pulled both his front shoes, likely the day before but possibly that day. Gah. One hell of a party in the pasture - no shoes, trash bin knocked over, panels over, eating straight from the carton ...
Temp, pulse, respiration, gut sounds, and manure were all good, no pain in his fronts, and they stayed that way. So no real stress there, just a Thing That Happens Sometimes With Horses.
But ... I'm all freaked out that he's got a jumper's bump. And that he's too thin. And that he has no muscle. And that he has ringbone. And that he might be neurologic.
I mean, seriously. These worries are, in order, probably silly; enh, he's a TB, he doesn't really do "fat;" patently silly; unlikely because he's sound, his x-rays never showed any hint of it, and the vet never mentioned it; and unlikely.
But at the same time ... part of me wants to collapse in a neurotic weepy pile with worry. If he's got a jumper's bump, WHY? HOW? Did he always? I'm looking for older photos of his back. I know I have some. And I always do horsey situps with him - getting him to tuck his hindquarters by running spurs lightly down the back of his quarters - and tummy tucks, and leg stretches, all to keep his topline strong and his back, hindquarter, and ab muscles strong and supportive. I do carrot stretches with him too. Am I imagining things? And it leads into ...
Am I riding him correctly, working to strengthen his muscles and his correct carriage, the way I intend to ride? Am I getting enough hind leg engagement? (Almost certainly not, but I work at getting more and more.) Is working on this uneven, unlevel surface - his pasture, with somewhat hard footing - hurting him, rather than helping? I had thought that it'd be good for him, that he'd improve his balance - if we can be balanced and engaged on THIS surface, we can damn well be balanced and engaged in a nice dressage arena, was my thought. But is it not helping? I can't see his hind end, so am I imagining any improvement? I watched the video of last year's derby, and I realized that I rode pretty well. So I *can* ride ... or I *could*. Can I still? AM I still?
And on this unlevel surface, he does of course stumble. He sometimes stumbles in the fancy arena at NT's place, too, but not nearly as much. Do I need to worry? Is he neurologic? He jumps fine, doesn't get tangled up in himself ... I think. Is his constant desire to have his head rubbed and his rubbing his face on his legs as soon as I dismount a symptom of Head Shaker Syndrome? Are the various lumps and bumps on his pasterns ringbone? They didn't show up on his rads when we took them, but did I cause it? Does it develop late? IS MY HORSE DYING AND I JUST DON'T KNOW IT???
Aaaaarrrrgggghhhhhh!
And THEN ... there's all the stress about whether we can and should get out to school XC and then go to a little jumper show this weekend. I need to get the trailer mats organized tonight, and I hope that will help Apollo's loading issue. I honestly think that mats plus not squshing him in with the divider will solve the issue - I think he was feeling really unstable and like he doesn't have enough room as it was. The trailer *is* a bit too small for him.
Do I suck as a rider? As a horse mom? Suddenly I feel the way I imagine first time parents must feel, especially if they don't have parents of their own still living. Like, totally adrift and wondering what I'm screwing up today.
Last week, I arrived at the barn to discover that beloved ponykins had knocked over the panels in front of the barn designed to keep horses out of the barn. I discovered him with his head in the pelleted feed bin, munching away; all three feed bins (beet pulp, alfalfa pellets, and Tribute Kalm n' EZ) were open, as well as the bin holding the cookie bag. He'd also eaten several flakes of the compressed alfalfa bale I'd bought the week before. ARGH. I checked him out, and he seemed to be fine; vet recommended 3 days of Banamine just in case, and cold hosing his front feet, again just in case. He didn't get *too* much more feed than he gets, total, in a day, and he hadn't had breakfast that day, but still.
Oh, and? He'd pulled both his front shoes, likely the day before but possibly that day. Gah. One hell of a party in the pasture - no shoes, trash bin knocked over, panels over, eating straight from the carton ...
Temp, pulse, respiration, gut sounds, and manure were all good, no pain in his fronts, and they stayed that way. So no real stress there, just a Thing That Happens Sometimes With Horses.
But ... I'm all freaked out that he's got a jumper's bump. And that he's too thin. And that he has no muscle. And that he has ringbone. And that he might be neurologic.
I mean, seriously. These worries are, in order, probably silly; enh, he's a TB, he doesn't really do "fat;" patently silly; unlikely because he's sound, his x-rays never showed any hint of it, and the vet never mentioned it; and unlikely.
But at the same time ... part of me wants to collapse in a neurotic weepy pile with worry. If he's got a jumper's bump, WHY? HOW? Did he always? I'm looking for older photos of his back. I know I have some. And I always do horsey situps with him - getting him to tuck his hindquarters by running spurs lightly down the back of his quarters - and tummy tucks, and leg stretches, all to keep his topline strong and his back, hindquarter, and ab muscles strong and supportive. I do carrot stretches with him too. Am I imagining things? And it leads into ...
 |
| Jumper's bump? Or just my mind playing tricks on me? |
Am I riding him correctly, working to strengthen his muscles and his correct carriage, the way I intend to ride? Am I getting enough hind leg engagement? (Almost certainly not, but I work at getting more and more.) Is working on this uneven, unlevel surface - his pasture, with somewhat hard footing - hurting him, rather than helping? I had thought that it'd be good for him, that he'd improve his balance - if we can be balanced and engaged on THIS surface, we can damn well be balanced and engaged in a nice dressage arena, was my thought. But is it not helping? I can't see his hind end, so am I imagining any improvement? I watched the video of last year's derby, and I realized that I rode pretty well. So I *can* ride ... or I *could*. Can I still? AM I still?
And on this unlevel surface, he does of course stumble. He sometimes stumbles in the fancy arena at NT's place, too, but not nearly as much. Do I need to worry? Is he neurologic? He jumps fine, doesn't get tangled up in himself ... I think. Is his constant desire to have his head rubbed and his rubbing his face on his legs as soon as I dismount a symptom of Head Shaker Syndrome? Are the various lumps and bumps on his pasterns ringbone? They didn't show up on his rads when we took them, but did I cause it? Does it develop late? IS MY HORSE DYING AND I JUST DON'T KNOW IT???
Aaaaarrrrgggghhhhhh!
And THEN ... there's all the stress about whether we can and should get out to school XC and then go to a little jumper show this weekend. I need to get the trailer mats organized tonight, and I hope that will help Apollo's loading issue. I honestly think that mats plus not squshing him in with the divider will solve the issue - I think he was feeling really unstable and like he doesn't have enough room as it was. The trailer *is* a bit too small for him.
Do I suck as a rider? As a horse mom? Suddenly I feel the way I imagine first time parents must feel, especially if they don't have parents of their own still living. Like, totally adrift and wondering what I'm screwing up today.
Friday, June 12, 2015
Before Enlightenment
So. The health saga goes on (and on ... and on ...) but I am determinedly focusing on a solution, not the problems, so I'll gloss over that. Suffice to say that even if I don't feel 100%, I'm busting my ass to do all my normal stuff. Including ride, do barn chores, work on improving the place, all that good stuff.
I'm working on developing Apollo's hind engagement - one of those things covered in "chop wood, carry water" - and he's doing well! Lots of transitions between and within gaits, making sure that I don't school shit. Today's plan, if it's not raining, is trot sets. Tomorrow's plan, if it's not raining, is hack, then Sunday, if all goes as planned, up to NT's place for a dressage lesson in between barn chore shifts.
That barn chore shifts thing is something I'm really excited about. Hang out with excellent people and learn from them by osmosis; get exercise doing something I enjoy; and work off lessons. How could this be bad? :D The only drawback is the drive up there, but ... it's workable. Especially if I'm working off lessons. So some number of Sundays during the month, I'll get to hang out with the team.
Plus, things are shaping up at the home barn. SO exciting there too. BO and I went to Tractor Supply last night, and it's amazing how much difference a good manure cart makes in keeping things tidy. It was downright fun to clean the stall. (The refill of PDZ helped too.) The push broom makes me happy, and I'm bringing a leaf style rake from home. We also picked up some 3/4 inch matting for the trailer floor. I think this, plus changing the way I buckle Apollo in, will make a huge difference in Apollo's willingness to trailer. The mats will need trimming and Tetris-ing to fit precisely, but that will happen Saturday. That way they'll be ready to go for Sunday early.
Next, a few loads of gravel to level out the stall Apollo's in, then I'll get actual stall mats for his stall, and bed it appropriately, and things will be MUCH better come winter. And now, but yknow. Winter is a big deal. Just need to figure out how we'll schedule letting him out in the mornings. A bridge to cross when we get there, really. Just things doing better and better.
Oh, and - I had decided to skip the River Glen Horse Trials in July/August, thinking we weren't ready ... nah. If we can get onto the course a couple of times and work hard in the meantime, we can at the VERY least do Starter, if not BN as planned. Excelsior!
Today: Trot
Sat: Hack
Sun: Dressage
Mon: Off
Tues: Longe in side reins
Weds: Dressage
Thurs: Dressage
Fri: Off
Sat: Jump
Sun: Jump? Dressage?
I'm working on developing Apollo's hind engagement - one of those things covered in "chop wood, carry water" - and he's doing well! Lots of transitions between and within gaits, making sure that I don't school shit. Today's plan, if it's not raining, is trot sets. Tomorrow's plan, if it's not raining, is hack, then Sunday, if all goes as planned, up to NT's place for a dressage lesson in between barn chore shifts.
That barn chore shifts thing is something I'm really excited about. Hang out with excellent people and learn from them by osmosis; get exercise doing something I enjoy; and work off lessons. How could this be bad? :D The only drawback is the drive up there, but ... it's workable. Especially if I'm working off lessons. So some number of Sundays during the month, I'll get to hang out with the team.
Plus, things are shaping up at the home barn. SO exciting there too. BO and I went to Tractor Supply last night, and it's amazing how much difference a good manure cart makes in keeping things tidy. It was downright fun to clean the stall. (The refill of PDZ helped too.) The push broom makes me happy, and I'm bringing a leaf style rake from home. We also picked up some 3/4 inch matting for the trailer floor. I think this, plus changing the way I buckle Apollo in, will make a huge difference in Apollo's willingness to trailer. The mats will need trimming and Tetris-ing to fit precisely, but that will happen Saturday. That way they'll be ready to go for Sunday early.
Next, a few loads of gravel to level out the stall Apollo's in, then I'll get actual stall mats for his stall, and bed it appropriately, and things will be MUCH better come winter. And now, but yknow. Winter is a big deal. Just need to figure out how we'll schedule letting him out in the mornings. A bridge to cross when we get there, really. Just things doing better and better.
Oh, and - I had decided to skip the River Glen Horse Trials in July/August, thinking we weren't ready ... nah. If we can get onto the course a couple of times and work hard in the meantime, we can at the VERY least do Starter, if not BN as planned. Excelsior!
Today: Trot
Sat: Hack
Sun: Dressage
Mon: Off
Tues: Longe in side reins
Weds: Dressage
Thurs: Dressage
Fri: Off
Sat: Jump
Sun: Jump? Dressage?
Wednesday, June 3, 2015
Seriously!
To add insult to injury, turns out I'm allergic to sulfa. The allergy manifests as hives and swollen, painful joints. Fun on its own, I'm sure, but I had spent the day clearing brush ... at some point I must have twisted my ankle a little and strained the ligaments. The sulfa allergy took that minor strain and turned it into a one-legged-lame, wake-me-up-in-the-middle-of-the-night pain.
So before the doc yesterday, I looked like a one-footed leper who'd been in a fist fight.
So before the doc yesterday, I looked like a one-footed leper who'd been in a fist fight.
After the doc and a shot of dex, I look like a slightly gimpy, less itchy leper who's been in a fist fight.
But at least things are on the upswing. I get to see my pony tonight, if only to feed and fly spray, because I'm still in early days on healing bone, and that always means I'm in need of sleep. Matt calls it the regenerative coma. :)
Monday, June 1, 2015
Great weekend! Awful end to it.
Apparently it was not a good weekend for trailering and noses.
But let me start at the beginning.
I went up to NT's place to help clear the trail that goes around the property - it's a cool thing, but it was all but impassable in a few places because of all the brush. So the call was put out for volunteers to help clear it. Well, heck, thought I, I'll kill two birds with one stone and go do work in the morning, then ride in the afternoon!
So I hooked up S' truck to her trailer, packed the trailer, and went to head out Saturday morning. Apollo is turning into kind of a brat about the trailer. I honestly think he just doesn't like it - it's a 3H slant with just a wood floor, no mats, and it's relatively small, so he's squnched in (totally a word) when the divider is closed. So I think he finds it an unpleasant ride, even though it's open and airy. And I am pretty sure he has my number on this, because he refuses to load when it's just me, but when I get a second person behind him with a stick in their hand to help load him, he walks right on. No stick even needed. And he tries to turn around in the trailer and walk out forward as soon as possible when I unhook the lead thingy.
Trail maintenance went well! The trail is really pleasant, and with those steep hills it'll be good conditioning work. Clearing brush was quite the job, though ... oof. If it weren't for a couple of ladies and their power tools on the first pass, we'd have had a much harder job. Once we got the path cleared enough, the bush hog went through. Woot! I brought enough to drink and didn't dehydrate myself this time, too. I am still exceptionally sore today. Although, as you'll see, that might not just be the work ...
Then I had a lesson with NT. At first, I was having trouble getting Apollo on the compressed, powerful trot step he needs, just going back and forth over a gymnastic. I got the trot right, and we started working on Apollo really using himself over fences. He had been jumping a little flat, just pushing off with one foot, not really making any effort. So even though there was a great course set up, including a little liverpool and a shark-tooth that I would have liked to jump, we just worked back and forth over the vertical. It was all about Apollo, and he had to do his job. He hit the fence once, and he really did NOT like that. He hit it, stumbled, and then spooked. Poor kiddo! When he finally got it - push off with both hind feet, bascule for days, and knees to nose, we called it a day. It was pretty damn fun to ride, and NT said it looked great. I have to say, it was nice to have my position squared away and be able to focus on the horse for once!
So after more loading shenanigans, we headed home. Got home, pulled the truck and trailer into the pasture as usual, closed the pasture gate, and parked so I could unload the pony. Opened the rear door, got on the trailer (no escape door), undid the divider, put Apollo's lead rope on his halter, and unhooked him from the trailer lead thing. I was about to unload him when he swung his head around and bashed me in the face.
Y'all, I have never seen stars like that before. Ow ow ow ow. I am not sure if I unloaded him or if he unloaded himself; I don't really remember. My nose was bleeding, my hat was knocked off, my glasses were hanging off my face, etc. I knew this had actually broken my nose. So I staggered over to Apollo, took his halter off, and walked up to the house for help - S *is* a doctor! They weren't home, though, so I called Matt and told him I needed him to pick me up and take me to the emergency room ... and then I fed the horses. Because it hadn't started to really hurt yet, and I knew that it would start, so I better get on the stick in a hurry before I couldn't any more.
X-ray confirms the break, but no displacement - yay. Seriously, I did NOT want to go through setting it.
So I look terrible, all swollen and a nasty black eye (red, actually, since my skin is so pale) and a cut on my nose.
Sigh. Bad juju.
But let me start at the beginning.
I went up to NT's place to help clear the trail that goes around the property - it's a cool thing, but it was all but impassable in a few places because of all the brush. So the call was put out for volunteers to help clear it. Well, heck, thought I, I'll kill two birds with one stone and go do work in the morning, then ride in the afternoon!
So I hooked up S' truck to her trailer, packed the trailer, and went to head out Saturday morning. Apollo is turning into kind of a brat about the trailer. I honestly think he just doesn't like it - it's a 3H slant with just a wood floor, no mats, and it's relatively small, so he's squnched in (totally a word) when the divider is closed. So I think he finds it an unpleasant ride, even though it's open and airy. And I am pretty sure he has my number on this, because he refuses to load when it's just me, but when I get a second person behind him with a stick in their hand to help load him, he walks right on. No stick even needed. And he tries to turn around in the trailer and walk out forward as soon as possible when I unhook the lead thingy.
Trail maintenance went well! The trail is really pleasant, and with those steep hills it'll be good conditioning work. Clearing brush was quite the job, though ... oof. If it weren't for a couple of ladies and their power tools on the first pass, we'd have had a much harder job. Once we got the path cleared enough, the bush hog went through. Woot! I brought enough to drink and didn't dehydrate myself this time, too. I am still exceptionally sore today. Although, as you'll see, that might not just be the work ...
Then I had a lesson with NT. At first, I was having trouble getting Apollo on the compressed, powerful trot step he needs, just going back and forth over a gymnastic. I got the trot right, and we started working on Apollo really using himself over fences. He had been jumping a little flat, just pushing off with one foot, not really making any effort. So even though there was a great course set up, including a little liverpool and a shark-tooth that I would have liked to jump, we just worked back and forth over the vertical. It was all about Apollo, and he had to do his job. He hit the fence once, and he really did NOT like that. He hit it, stumbled, and then spooked. Poor kiddo! When he finally got it - push off with both hind feet, bascule for days, and knees to nose, we called it a day. It was pretty damn fun to ride, and NT said it looked great. I have to say, it was nice to have my position squared away and be able to focus on the horse for once!
So after more loading shenanigans, we headed home. Got home, pulled the truck and trailer into the pasture as usual, closed the pasture gate, and parked so I could unload the pony. Opened the rear door, got on the trailer (no escape door), undid the divider, put Apollo's lead rope on his halter, and unhooked him from the trailer lead thing. I was about to unload him when he swung his head around and bashed me in the face.
Y'all, I have never seen stars like that before. Ow ow ow ow. I am not sure if I unloaded him or if he unloaded himself; I don't really remember. My nose was bleeding, my hat was knocked off, my glasses were hanging off my face, etc. I knew this had actually broken my nose. So I staggered over to Apollo, took his halter off, and walked up to the house for help - S *is* a doctor! They weren't home, though, so I called Matt and told him I needed him to pick me up and take me to the emergency room ... and then I fed the horses. Because it hadn't started to really hurt yet, and I knew that it would start, so I better get on the stick in a hurry before I couldn't any more.
X-ray confirms the break, but no displacement - yay. Seriously, I did NOT want to go through setting it.
So I look terrible, all swollen and a nasty black eye (red, actually, since my skin is so pale) and a cut on my nose.
Sigh. Bad juju.
Saturday, May 23, 2015
Review: Woof Wear Smart Event Boots
NOTE: Video entry one back ...
So I haven't had a pair of cross-country boots yet. I kind of had my heart set on a set of white Dalmar event boots, but the money didn't really work out, and I didn't want to pull the trigger too soon, etc. I'm not so much of a tack ho as TSB, but I have to acknowledge that Apollo has a lot of boots. (Note to self: need a replacement set of petals and a strap for the black petal boots) So I've been holding off.
But with the xc schooling scheduled for last week, I decided I needed to pull that trigger. And in order to get them in time for schooling, I needed to order from Amazon Prime. I couldn't find the Dalmar boots at the time - of course, NOW they're back in stock! - and the Woof Wear Smart Event Boots had the same attributes: lightweight, solid protection at the critical points on each leg, perforated neoprene to not hold water or heat, venting, and good velcro. They have good reviews, too, and I didn't feel like they'd rub. Plus, they'd show up in time! So ... trigger pulled.
It's a little odd that I chose the Woof boots, because I really, really hate their brushing boots. I know. I'm the only one in the world who doesn't like them. I just hate the way they wrap - it seems backwards to me to have the back part wrap over the front, then the elastic from front to back. I don't like their shape, I don't like that they don't come in white (okay FINE they come in white), I just ... I don't like them Sam I Am!
Anyway, I tried them on Apollo, and the Medium fit perfectly. I felt like they didn't pull quite tight enough at first, but I adjusted them a bit and for the rest of it I reminded myself they're not supposed to be TIGHT, just secure. And they were. Apollo didn't object, didn't try to rub them off with his nose, and just chippered right along.
We tested them over stadium fences, rather than the planned xc, so I don't have a full review yet, but over stadium they worked beautifully. We did klonk some fences, and he didn't have a single bobble afterward. The boot barely scuffed. When I took them off, his legs weren't any hotter than they are in open front jump boots, and he hadn't sweated his cannon bones off.
If there was one drawback, it was that they did take off a bunch of unshed hair. ;) So not a drawback at all.
Overall, I'll know more when I finally get out on the xc course, but preliminary review is that they're worth buying. I'd recommend finding a better deal than full price, but I'm pleased nonetheless.
Photos of Himself himself wearing them coming soon ...
So I haven't had a pair of cross-country boots yet. I kind of had my heart set on a set of white Dalmar event boots, but the money didn't really work out, and I didn't want to pull the trigger too soon, etc. I'm not so much of a tack ho as TSB, but I have to acknowledge that Apollo has a lot of boots. (Note to self: need a replacement set of petals and a strap for the black petal boots) So I've been holding off.
But with the xc schooling scheduled for last week, I decided I needed to pull that trigger. And in order to get them in time for schooling, I needed to order from Amazon Prime. I couldn't find the Dalmar boots at the time - of course, NOW they're back in stock! - and the Woof Wear Smart Event Boots had the same attributes: lightweight, solid protection at the critical points on each leg, perforated neoprene to not hold water or heat, venting, and good velcro. They have good reviews, too, and I didn't feel like they'd rub. Plus, they'd show up in time! So ... trigger pulled.
 |
| Front boot |
Anyway, I tried them on Apollo, and the Medium fit perfectly. I felt like they didn't pull quite tight enough at first, but I adjusted them a bit and for the rest of it I reminded myself they're not supposed to be TIGHT, just secure. And they were. Apollo didn't object, didn't try to rub them off with his nose, and just chippered right along.
We tested them over stadium fences, rather than the planned xc, so I don't have a full review yet, but over stadium they worked beautifully. We did klonk some fences, and he didn't have a single bobble afterward. The boot barely scuffed. When I took them off, his legs weren't any hotter than they are in open front jump boots, and he hadn't sweated his cannon bones off.
If there was one drawback, it was that they did take off a bunch of unshed hair. ;) So not a drawback at all.
 |
| Exactly what they looked like when they got here, except mine said M ... |
Overall, I'll know more when I finally get out on the xc course, but preliminary review is that they're worth buying. I'd recommend finding a better deal than full price, but I'm pleased nonetheless.
Photos of Himself himself wearing them coming soon ...
Video as promised
Only a week late ... !!
I have caveats: I wasn't riding well! Yes, the jumps are low, but height wasn't what we were going for. Apollo was starting to get tired and hot. I know I need to do better folding at the hip. Just ... don't judge. :) Look at the pretty horsie!
I have caveats: I wasn't riding well! Yes, the jumps are low, but height wasn't what we were going for. Apollo was starting to get tired and hot. I know I need to do better folding at the hip. Just ... don't judge. :) Look at the pretty horsie!
Monday, May 18, 2015
Change of plans
So! This weekend happened. Not quite as planned, but productive anyway. I hauled up to NT's barn on Saturday afternoon - later than I'd planned, but we got there - so as not to have to haul all the way up to the home xc course at ungodly o'clock on Sunday morning to ride at 10:30. The theory was that I'd be able to load up and head out with the rest of the team and follow them over. I swiped some leather cleaner across all my tack before going in for dinner and sleep.
After staggering out to make sure Apollo was fed and happy on Sunday morning, I discovered that the xc schooling had been canceled based on the weather prediction - storms rolling in and more on the way. Bummer. What I really should have done right that second was go grab another hour and a half of sleep, another two liters of water, and food, then go see about a lesson.
What I did was surf Facebook groggily, then go volunteer for a jump lesson in the covered arena. Note the lack of water and food ... this proved to be a bad decision in the long run.
I rode terribly over the first set of jumps. Like, worse than NT has ever seen me ride. My muscles felt like spaghetti, and my body just felt dull and heavy and energyless. My legs were not answering my brain, and I'm not sure my brain knew what to ask of my muscles in the first place.
Fortunately, another student/helper/organizer came in with coffee for NT and information right then, so I took the opportunity to grab a bottle of Vitamin Water (with calories, important) from the truck. Half the bottle later, I felt better, and I was riding a bit better. The whole bottle later, I actually started to ride well, lock my lower leg in, and, yknow, steer. Sheesh. I need to remember how to hydrate in the Southern humidity!
I think the best run at the gymnastic (bounce to one-stride) came when I focused on Denny Emerson's advice on the approach: ALLOW the horse's movement to fold my hip and knee angles and push me into the question mark shape over the fences.
I came away from the lesson with a few thoughts/homeworks:
After staggering out to make sure Apollo was fed and happy on Sunday morning, I discovered that the xc schooling had been canceled based on the weather prediction - storms rolling in and more on the way. Bummer. What I really should have done right that second was go grab another hour and a half of sleep, another two liters of water, and food, then go see about a lesson.
What I did was surf Facebook groggily, then go volunteer for a jump lesson in the covered arena. Note the lack of water and food ... this proved to be a bad decision in the long run.
I rode terribly over the first set of jumps. Like, worse than NT has ever seen me ride. My muscles felt like spaghetti, and my body just felt dull and heavy and energyless. My legs were not answering my brain, and I'm not sure my brain knew what to ask of my muscles in the first place.
Fortunately, another student/helper/organizer came in with coffee for NT and information right then, so I took the opportunity to grab a bottle of Vitamin Water (with calories, important) from the truck. Half the bottle later, I felt better, and I was riding a bit better. The whole bottle later, I actually started to ride well, lock my lower leg in, and, yknow, steer. Sheesh. I need to remember how to hydrate in the Southern humidity!
I think the best run at the gymnastic (bounce to one-stride) came when I focused on Denny Emerson's advice on the approach: ALLOW the horse's movement to fold my hip and knee angles and push me into the question mark shape over the fences.
I came away from the lesson with a few thoughts/homeworks:
- Apollo needs to be stronger through the hind end, able to maintain a compressed, powerful trot on the approach to the fences.
- I need to develop more rider fitness and endurance.
- Apollo also needs more fitness and endurance.
- I need to think not only of Denny's question mark but also of not falling back into my pattern of riding with my upper body too upright. Even slender, I'm ... ah ... top-heavy, so I tend to overcompensate.
- Hydrate correctly next time!!
So alas for no xc, but hooray for gymnastics! As soon as I get the video from the student/helper/organizer, I will post it. :)
Tuesday, May 12, 2015
I hope I have time to start updating more regularly. I have time today, so here's an update! I apologize for the lack of photos, and I'll try to correct that. Photos of me riding will be few and far between, but I'll try.
The mud is abated. Sing hosanna! The pasture situation is still less than ideal, but I'm coping. I'm riding just outside the existing arena - the footing in the little arena, such as it is, is rutted, inconsistently wet and dry, and full of weeds. Plus, it's quite small. So I'm riding in the sloped, also somewhat rutted flatter area in front of the little arena. This is not as ideal as riding in the pasture I had designated as riding space, but it works fine for now. I can jump the natural ditch and the natural bank, and as far as dressage goes ... if I can get Apollo round and balanced up and down the slope and over the ruts and rough ground, he can be balanced and round anywhere. It's good for his muscling, too.
So that dressage and work on muscle and round happened yesterday. I'm not pushing him terribly hard just yet, even though it's almost mid-May. Footing hasn't been good enough to ride consistently until recently, so we're working, but not going to failure or anything. Still, he broke a good sweat, and by the time we finished, I had good, connected work both directions and all gaits.
I'm trying to remember to "not school shit," as Kelly would put it. If I ask for a transition, I want it to be a good transition, or at least the transition I asked for. I want a marching walk, a responsive trot, etc.
Exciting thing of the week is XC schooling on Sunday! Yay! Going up to the local home course with NT and a bunch of students, and I'm really looking forward to it.
Ride on!
The mud is abated. Sing hosanna! The pasture situation is still less than ideal, but I'm coping. I'm riding just outside the existing arena - the footing in the little arena, such as it is, is rutted, inconsistently wet and dry, and full of weeds. Plus, it's quite small. So I'm riding in the sloped, also somewhat rutted flatter area in front of the little arena. This is not as ideal as riding in the pasture I had designated as riding space, but it works fine for now. I can jump the natural ditch and the natural bank, and as far as dressage goes ... if I can get Apollo round and balanced up and down the slope and over the ruts and rough ground, he can be balanced and round anywhere. It's good for his muscling, too.
So that dressage and work on muscle and round happened yesterday. I'm not pushing him terribly hard just yet, even though it's almost mid-May. Footing hasn't been good enough to ride consistently until recently, so we're working, but not going to failure or anything. Still, he broke a good sweat, and by the time we finished, I had good, connected work both directions and all gaits.
I'm trying to remember to "not school shit," as Kelly would put it. If I ask for a transition, I want it to be a good transition, or at least the transition I asked for. I want a marching walk, a responsive trot, etc.
Exciting thing of the week is XC schooling on Sunday! Yay! Going up to the local home course with NT and a bunch of students, and I'm really looking forward to it.
Ride on!
Monday, April 20, 2015
My name is mud.
Mud.
Mud mud mud mud mud. I am so unspeakably tired of rain and mud. It's just not safe to ride right now, because I don't have a sand arena to ride in. Just ... mud. Non-grassy mud or grassy mud, take your pick. Eight inches of it. Even Apollo's stall is mud.
Seriously, this rain has got to stop. Send it to California or Idaho! They need it! We do not. We are flooding.
I suppose I could be tack walking, but honestly, I'm not sure even that is safe. I do not in any way want to jeopardize Apollo's hooves, tendons, ligaments, stifles ... anything. I suppose just walking is workable. Maybe. If it's safe, if it's not too slippery, at least walking will build muscle. Apollo needs more push behind, and it's purely a strength thing.
So all that said, I did haul Apollo up to New Teacher's place yesterday and over that initial weekend. We had a ball over that weekend, even though it was (say it with me) RAINING. Apollo was very good, I sort of remembered how to ride, and we got to hang out with NT and her buddy the saddle fitter. I'd known her buddy from CotH, and I'd always thought she was engaging, so I was glad to meet her too. Anyway, NT and I worked on regularity, push from behind, and bend on the flat, and we worked on reminding my body how to ride over jumps. Yknow, basics like line, pace, speed. Important stuff like that.
Yesterday, we continued work on my position. Mostly keeping my leg on and heel down. I think that's the thing we all need to work on most, the thing we hear from our teachers most often! We worked back and forth in a figure 8, trotting over a vertical with placing poles. It was first set around 2'3 and then NT raised it as I settled in and Apollo got moving. Much with getting him ahead of my leg in the trot, too. NT decided that I'm confirmed and no problem over 2'3-2'6, so she nudged us out of the comfort zone and put the fence up to 2'9-3'. No real problem, but I have to work my leg even better at that height, because Apollo has a nice bascule over fences. Straightness is an issue, too - this will start getting better as both horse and rider get stronger and jump a bunch more jumps.
We moved to doing a much smaller outside line, which pointed out the straightness thing and reminded me that I have to keep him going and going to really have the impulsion and energy we need. Then NT added in a last vertical off a short right turn. Suddenly leads were important! Also, that last vertical had a dry Christmas tree under it to brush it out a bit, and this conversation ensued:
NT: Does he care about brush or fill or anything like that? Some horses care, some don't.
Me: Well, he might, but I'm going to sit in the back seat and say JUMP! when we get there, and he should.
NT: Good! Do it!
And I did, and he did. :) He took a hard look at it before the fence and in the air - I think that peeking through the knees thing is pretty hilarious - but he jumped it no questions asked. We could have stood to be much straighter and have picked a better line, but we got that sorted out in the end.
The best part of the lesson was honestly the fact that we had both improved since that first weekend. I find that a little surprising, just because we haven't been able to ride much, but I'm pleased.
I also hauled Apollo up and back ALL BY MYSELF. No help. Rawk! I didn't get the Hook Trailer Up achievement, but still. This is the first time I've ever hauled by myself. I even had to stop for gas. :D And back up. Nothing was damaged, no mailboxes taken out, nothing. Hehehehe.
So ... yeah. Right now, my world is mud. And my riding pasture has been taken over by a couple of horses, so even if I had an arena, I couldn't ride. Unless the arena had a fence, which would be ideal. With any luck, I'll get a few rain-free evenings this week to at least walk Apollo and tell myself that slogging through the mud slowly is good for his muscles. If not ... well, there's always horsey situps and calisthenics.
Mud mud mud mud mud. I am so unspeakably tired of rain and mud. It's just not safe to ride right now, because I don't have a sand arena to ride in. Just ... mud. Non-grassy mud or grassy mud, take your pick. Eight inches of it. Even Apollo's stall is mud.
Seriously, this rain has got to stop. Send it to California or Idaho! They need it! We do not. We are flooding.
I suppose I could be tack walking, but honestly, I'm not sure even that is safe. I do not in any way want to jeopardize Apollo's hooves, tendons, ligaments, stifles ... anything. I suppose just walking is workable. Maybe. If it's safe, if it's not too slippery, at least walking will build muscle. Apollo needs more push behind, and it's purely a strength thing.
So all that said, I did haul Apollo up to New Teacher's place yesterday and over that initial weekend. We had a ball over that weekend, even though it was (say it with me) RAINING. Apollo was very good, I sort of remembered how to ride, and we got to hang out with NT and her buddy the saddle fitter. I'd known her buddy from CotH, and I'd always thought she was engaging, so I was glad to meet her too. Anyway, NT and I worked on regularity, push from behind, and bend on the flat, and we worked on reminding my body how to ride over jumps. Yknow, basics like line, pace, speed. Important stuff like that.
Yesterday, we continued work on my position. Mostly keeping my leg on and heel down. I think that's the thing we all need to work on most, the thing we hear from our teachers most often! We worked back and forth in a figure 8, trotting over a vertical with placing poles. It was first set around 2'3 and then NT raised it as I settled in and Apollo got moving. Much with getting him ahead of my leg in the trot, too. NT decided that I'm confirmed and no problem over 2'3-2'6, so she nudged us out of the comfort zone and put the fence up to 2'9-3'. No real problem, but I have to work my leg even better at that height, because Apollo has a nice bascule over fences. Straightness is an issue, too - this will start getting better as both horse and rider get stronger and jump a bunch more jumps.
We moved to doing a much smaller outside line, which pointed out the straightness thing and reminded me that I have to keep him going and going to really have the impulsion and energy we need. Then NT added in a last vertical off a short right turn. Suddenly leads were important! Also, that last vertical had a dry Christmas tree under it to brush it out a bit, and this conversation ensued:
NT: Does he care about brush or fill or anything like that? Some horses care, some don't.
Me: Well, he might, but I'm going to sit in the back seat and say JUMP! when we get there, and he should.
NT: Good! Do it!
And I did, and he did. :) He took a hard look at it before the fence and in the air - I think that peeking through the knees thing is pretty hilarious - but he jumped it no questions asked. We could have stood to be much straighter and have picked a better line, but we got that sorted out in the end.
The best part of the lesson was honestly the fact that we had both improved since that first weekend. I find that a little surprising, just because we haven't been able to ride much, but I'm pleased.
I also hauled Apollo up and back ALL BY MYSELF. No help. Rawk! I didn't get the Hook Trailer Up achievement, but still. This is the first time I've ever hauled by myself. I even had to stop for gas. :D And back up. Nothing was damaged, no mailboxes taken out, nothing. Hehehehe.
So ... yeah. Right now, my world is mud. And my riding pasture has been taken over by a couple of horses, so even if I had an arena, I couldn't ride. Unless the arena had a fence, which would be ideal. With any luck, I'll get a few rain-free evenings this week to at least walk Apollo and tell myself that slogging through the mud slowly is good for his muscles. If not ... well, there's always horsey situps and calisthenics.
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