Well, I Tried It
As planned, I tried the Ansur Westernnaire. I was super comfy, and seemed well balanced. I did not find myself being thrown into a chair seat, but was easily able to keep a more vertical, correct position.
However, it's pretty clear to me that I do not particularly like riding in a western saddle. (Sorry, Muriel) There is just too much leather between me and my horse. Chance wasn't too sure about it either, but he did just fine, giving me a nice smooth little trot to test out the balance. I did not canter (lope) as I did not feel quite secure...but that's always been an issue when I ride western after not having done it for a long time. Since I really wasn't planning on riding for a full session in the saddle, I didn't bother to "get used to it."
So, were I in the market for a western saddle, the Ansur/Northwestern treeless model would be tops on my list. The quality it beautiful and, as I said, it just put in me a very natural, balanced position. If I had a few days to practice in in, I'm sure I would feel far more confident and comfortable. The seat is soft and felt good too.
After perhaps ten minutes, of western effort, I took Chance back into the barn and switched to the Excel dressage saddle. I was "home" again! Curiously enough, my natural position in the Excel was about the same as in the Westernnaire, so both saddles encourage the correct, balanced, vertical seat, but the closer contact of the Excel gives a much better feel for the horse under me.
That said, I rode Chance for a nice schooling session with lots of bending from one rein to the other, asking him to stretch down and into the bit. He's not quite steady at it, but he certainly does have the concept. The big issue is getting both the stretch down and some nice forward strides all along. He uses the canter as an evasion when I push the trot too forward for him. Since he's not yet confirmed in this "on the bit" concept, he does not always step with enough energy and will break into a nice little canter rather than trot with more power. But, the potential is there as every now and then he gives me the impulsion he needs and he feels great. I am sure that as he builds some muscle and gains even more confidence in his balance, he'll be fine.
I am far, far behind in his training at this point. As I've noted before, he's so much fun out on the trails that I've ridden him more out there for fun than I've ridden in schooling. Granted, I could do a lot of softening exercises on the trail, and I will, eventually, but just going out to have fun is well....fun.
Oh the other hand, I am pleased that Chance has not backtracked in any of the dressage training I have given him. Each ride builds on the last, even when there are months in between. Essentially, he lost nothing with virtually the entire winter off. As long as he progresses that way, we'll get trained--together.
Considering my back, I did not try to ride anyone else. If the weather holds, I'll get on Tucker tomorrow.
Then, I guess we just have to wait to see if it snows....again. *sigh*
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Thanks All
Back is Much Better
Wednesday morning, and I have not yet ridden. I did not want to jar my back after the adjustment Monday morning. So far, so good.
All your advice and good wishes are well taken and appreciated. As some of you noted, a good part of the equation is that I am not exercising as much as I should. The winter did not help--although clearing snow was quite physical. *lol* But then I got that respiratory thing in December that lingered through January and it didn't help.
What I need to do is start swimming again. But, I have been a coward about that, mostly because it has stayed cold outside. I took my swimming gear to school the other day when I subbed, and chickened out by the end of the day. The thought of jumping into the pool itself was not bad, but the thought of going back outside afterwards into the cold--even though I'd dried off--just chilled me to the bone. (I'd been kind of cold all day even though I was inside the school.)
Miserable weather looms again in the forecast, with the possibility of snow Thursday night....although we are on the rainy side of the storm that's hitting the Northeast. This is the winter that never ends.
And it's been the unhealthiest winter I've known in a while as well. I just found out from the woman who had the Ansur demo that her husband actually had pneumonia that day! He is on the mend, thank goodness, but he is at least the third or fourth person I know who suffered from it this year. That does not include anyone from school, either, so my list of people is much shorter to start off with than it's been in years past. Nearly everyone in my church choir has been sick--we kind of joke about "passing it around along with the Peace," so we don't shake hands Sunday mornings--and several of my other friends and relatives have been ill too. I don't quite remember hearing this from so many people.
OK, health report over for now.
I may go out to ride later today. If so, I will post again.
Wednesday morning, and I have not yet ridden. I did not want to jar my back after the adjustment Monday morning. So far, so good.
All your advice and good wishes are well taken and appreciated. As some of you noted, a good part of the equation is that I am not exercising as much as I should. The winter did not help--although clearing snow was quite physical. *lol* But then I got that respiratory thing in December that lingered through January and it didn't help.
What I need to do is start swimming again. But, I have been a coward about that, mostly because it has stayed cold outside. I took my swimming gear to school the other day when I subbed, and chickened out by the end of the day. The thought of jumping into the pool itself was not bad, but the thought of going back outside afterwards into the cold--even though I'd dried off--just chilled me to the bone. (I'd been kind of cold all day even though I was inside the school.)
Miserable weather looms again in the forecast, with the possibility of snow Thursday night....although we are on the rainy side of the storm that's hitting the Northeast. This is the winter that never ends.
And it's been the unhealthiest winter I've known in a while as well. I just found out from the woman who had the Ansur demo that her husband actually had pneumonia that day! He is on the mend, thank goodness, but he is at least the third or fourth person I know who suffered from it this year. That does not include anyone from school, either, so my list of people is much shorter to start off with than it's been in years past. Nearly everyone in my church choir has been sick--we kind of joke about "passing it around along with the Peace," so we don't shake hands Sunday mornings--and several of my other friends and relatives have been ill too. I don't quite remember hearing this from so many people.
OK, health report over for now.
I may go out to ride later today. If so, I will post again.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Ouchers....
Tarnation...
I was having some back pain last week, so, very cleverly, I went to the chiropractor to get adjusted. Apparently my pelvis was very "out" and it threw the rest of my back out. My chiro--with a stern lecture of course--adjusted me and I felt fine. He did tell me I needed to go back the next week.
I was great on Thursday, great on Friday, fine all night. Then I got up Saturday, the morning was I driving up to NY for the saddle demo and....somewhere along the way as I was feeding the horses, or loading the car...something went back out of place. Sharp pain through the muscles in my middle back on the right side.
So, there I was, facing a long drive with major back pain and a saddle demo to do.
Been there, done that....so I was able to cope. I took some Tylenol and managed to get through the day without screaming in pain. Just a bunch of "ouches."
Of course, unless I set up an emergency appointment, the chiro office is closed on Sunday. This morning, I took some Ibuprophen, put my back brace on, gritted my teeth, fed the Boys and headed off for church. Not sure if it was the back brace or the painkillers, but something helped enough that I've made it through the morning OK.
I just unloaded all but the Western saddle from the car, and I'm feeling some twinges again, so I've taken another dose of Ibuprophen--seems to work better on muscles than Tylenol. I'm not feeling up to riding, so I still have not tried this Westernaire myself. I need to ship it to Ohio for the beginning of next week, so I have a day or so yet to test ride in it before I have to send it off. Right now, I'm not sure I could lift it up to Chance's back.
Please note, I said Chance here. I am not about to try it on Tucker. Not only is he too tall (17h), but he's already been ridden in a western saddle and since I'm not quite as secure in one, I'd rather not experience that. I'll opt for "steady Eddie" Chance on this one. I did rig up the billets (cinch straps) from my own Wintec onto the Ansur for now. They will work for a test ride. The Ansur should have had nice leather ones, but there was a mix up when the saddle was shipped to me without them attached.
But, as I've said, that's not on the agenda for today.
Ouchers.
I was having some back pain last week, so, very cleverly, I went to the chiropractor to get adjusted. Apparently my pelvis was very "out" and it threw the rest of my back out. My chiro--with a stern lecture of course--adjusted me and I felt fine. He did tell me I needed to go back the next week.
I was great on Thursday, great on Friday, fine all night. Then I got up Saturday, the morning was I driving up to NY for the saddle demo and....somewhere along the way as I was feeding the horses, or loading the car...something went back out of place. Sharp pain through the muscles in my middle back on the right side.
So, there I was, facing a long drive with major back pain and a saddle demo to do.
Been there, done that....so I was able to cope. I took some Tylenol and managed to get through the day without screaming in pain. Just a bunch of "ouches."
Of course, unless I set up an emergency appointment, the chiro office is closed on Sunday. This morning, I took some Ibuprophen, put my back brace on, gritted my teeth, fed the Boys and headed off for church. Not sure if it was the back brace or the painkillers, but something helped enough that I've made it through the morning OK.
I just unloaded all but the Western saddle from the car, and I'm feeling some twinges again, so I've taken another dose of Ibuprophen--seems to work better on muscles than Tylenol. I'm not feeling up to riding, so I still have not tried this Westernaire myself. I need to ship it to Ohio for the beginning of next week, so I have a day or so yet to test ride in it before I have to send it off. Right now, I'm not sure I could lift it up to Chance's back.
Please note, I said Chance here. I am not about to try it on Tucker. Not only is he too tall (17h), but he's already been ridden in a western saddle and since I'm not quite as secure in one, I'd rather not experience that. I'll opt for "steady Eddie" Chance on this one. I did rig up the billets (cinch straps) from my own Wintec onto the Ansur for now. They will work for a test ride. The Ansur should have had nice leather ones, but there was a mix up when the saddle was shipped to me without them attached.
But, as I've said, that's not on the agenda for today.
Ouchers.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Up To New York
Just Back Two Hours Ago
I drove up to New York to do an Ansur saddle demo today. I'm not sure if I sold the saddles but there were certainly some very interesting results.
One lovely Morgan mare picked up her canter on first asking when she was ridden in the Ansur treeless saddles. Apparently, she tends to run into the departs--which she did when her owner rode her in the treed saddle today. In the Ansurs, both the Excel and Classic, she cantered right off. Very interesting, as noted. I've heard of this reaction before, but it was my first time seeing it.
The other horse shows some evidence of being cold backed in that he threatens to and then does buck when he first moves off under saddle. Today, in the Excel, he made one little "bouncy" step with his hind end, and then settled into some lovely trot work. However, when we tried the Westernaire, treeless western saddle on him, he was not a happy camper. I saw all the bad moves he was prepared to make and we cut that demo ride short. It could be that he does not like the saddle pressure in the back as the western saddle does cover more back area than the English. Because then, we tried two other Ansur English models on him--the Elite jumping saddle, and the Carlton all-purpose--and he was absolutely fine. As a matter of fact, he was so good that his owner actually cantered him--something she has done only once in the time she's owned him. She said she just felt so secure and he felt so relaxed, she had to try. He had a lovely canter as well, with good balance for a horse you'd suspect was green. Cool!!
It would be nice if these clients bought Ansurs, as I really think both horses were much happier in the treeless saddles. But, it's a big expense and a decision most people need to consider for a day or so. Either way, it was very rewarding to see significant changes in the horses from the saddles. I love when that happens. I've been riding in an Ansur for over ten years myself, so I firmly believe in both the concept of treeless saddles and in the product, so I enjoy representing the company.
It was a long day--a bit over 2 hours of driving each way and several hours at the stable--but I enjoyed myself.
And as you may well guess, the Boys had another day off because of it.
I drove up to New York to do an Ansur saddle demo today. I'm not sure if I sold the saddles but there were certainly some very interesting results.
One lovely Morgan mare picked up her canter on first asking when she was ridden in the Ansur treeless saddles. Apparently, she tends to run into the departs--which she did when her owner rode her in the treed saddle today. In the Ansurs, both the Excel and Classic, she cantered right off. Very interesting, as noted. I've heard of this reaction before, but it was my first time seeing it.
The other horse shows some evidence of being cold backed in that he threatens to and then does buck when he first moves off under saddle. Today, in the Excel, he made one little "bouncy" step with his hind end, and then settled into some lovely trot work. However, when we tried the Westernaire, treeless western saddle on him, he was not a happy camper. I saw all the bad moves he was prepared to make and we cut that demo ride short. It could be that he does not like the saddle pressure in the back as the western saddle does cover more back area than the English. Because then, we tried two other Ansur English models on him--the Elite jumping saddle, and the Carlton all-purpose--and he was absolutely fine. As a matter of fact, he was so good that his owner actually cantered him--something she has done only once in the time she's owned him. She said she just felt so secure and he felt so relaxed, she had to try. He had a lovely canter as well, with good balance for a horse you'd suspect was green. Cool!!
It would be nice if these clients bought Ansurs, as I really think both horses were much happier in the treeless saddles. But, it's a big expense and a decision most people need to consider for a day or so. Either way, it was very rewarding to see significant changes in the horses from the saddles. I love when that happens. I've been riding in an Ansur for over ten years myself, so I firmly believe in both the concept of treeless saddles and in the product, so I enjoy representing the company.
It was a long day--a bit over 2 hours of driving each way and several hours at the stable--but I enjoyed myself.
And as you may well guess, the Boys had another day off because of it.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
WTF....Fiddle Dee Dee!
This is What I Woke Up to on Wednesday Morning
I did go in to substitute, so aside from driving in the darn stuff, I didn't have to deal much with it. Too little to plow or shovel, and most melted by the afternoon. However, there seems to be a chance more of the stuff will flutter down tonight and tomorrow.
This does not make me a happy camper. A week ago it was over 70F.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Saddles and More Saddles
Rain Yesterday, Friends Today
As for saddles....I know have in my temporary possession, an Ansur Elite jumping saddle, a Westernaire treeless western saddle and my saddles, all for a soon to come Ansur saddle demonstration. My car will be full when I finally go.
I have to ride in the Westernaire first, which I was going to do today. But, then I realized I wasn't sure if I had a good western pad to use and a cinch for the saddle. I do own at least two cinches, but be darned if I could find either one--it's been over 20 years since I rode western. I did have my saddle pads--one fuzzy one that's OK and one nice blanket pad that needed washing. So, I washed and hung it out of the fence to dry along with a long girth to use with the jumping saddle. Then, I headed off to the tack store to see if I could find a cinch.
Picking the right length was a bit of a challenge. I ended up getting a 28" once since my dressage girths range from 24"-28" and the western saddle is not much different...I hope. Then, I realized I was supposed to meet a friend for an early dinner--we like to hit The Olive Garden before the soup and salad lunch special stops--so I had to head over to the restaurant.
By the time I got back home, it was time to feed the Boys, so the notion of trying the saddle today kind of vanished in a twinkling. Now it's supposed to rain again tomorrow, so looks like I'll have to put it off for another day.
I am not a western rider, although I did a little competing western "back in the day." But I will be interested to see how the treeless western saddle feels. And, since I am a saddle company representative, I really think I need to have ridden in all the saddles I show to prospective clients. I've ridden in the jumping saddle already, and I must admit, were I still competing hunter/jumper, I'd have one in an instant. Treeless is the way to go for my horses, and that saddle is both super comfortable for me, but it also put me in just the right balanced position for riding hunter/jumper. Like the dressage saddle, Ansur seems to have really thought out the needs of riders and made saddles super well suited to the discipline they are intended for.
On my Sunday demo, the woman is a trail rider and the Excel dressage saddle suited her perfectly. Sure enough, the Endeavor, the trail model is based on the Excel balance and seat design with just a few little tweaks. There is another trail saddle--the Enduro--that's based upon the Westernaire seat, so riding in the saddle I have will give me a good feel for the Enduro as well.
I substitued at the Academy on Monday, but it was rainy and cold anyhow. I'd thought perhaps I might want to take a swim after school, but I simply could not bring myself to go to the pool to get wet and then have to drive home in the chill. Guess I am a summer whimp when it comes to swimming after all.
As for saddles....I know have in my temporary possession, an Ansur Elite jumping saddle, a Westernaire treeless western saddle and my saddles, all for a soon to come Ansur saddle demonstration. My car will be full when I finally go.
I have to ride in the Westernaire first, which I was going to do today. But, then I realized I wasn't sure if I had a good western pad to use and a cinch for the saddle. I do own at least two cinches, but be darned if I could find either one--it's been over 20 years since I rode western. I did have my saddle pads--one fuzzy one that's OK and one nice blanket pad that needed washing. So, I washed and hung it out of the fence to dry along with a long girth to use with the jumping saddle. Then, I headed off to the tack store to see if I could find a cinch.
Picking the right length was a bit of a challenge. I ended up getting a 28" once since my dressage girths range from 24"-28" and the western saddle is not much different...I hope. Then, I realized I was supposed to meet a friend for an early dinner--we like to hit The Olive Garden before the soup and salad lunch special stops--so I had to head over to the restaurant.
By the time I got back home, it was time to feed the Boys, so the notion of trying the saddle today kind of vanished in a twinkling. Now it's supposed to rain again tomorrow, so looks like I'll have to put it off for another day.
I am not a western rider, although I did a little competing western "back in the day." But I will be interested to see how the treeless western saddle feels. And, since I am a saddle company representative, I really think I need to have ridden in all the saddles I show to prospective clients. I've ridden in the jumping saddle already, and I must admit, were I still competing hunter/jumper, I'd have one in an instant. Treeless is the way to go for my horses, and that saddle is both super comfortable for me, but it also put me in just the right balanced position for riding hunter/jumper. Like the dressage saddle, Ansur seems to have really thought out the needs of riders and made saddles super well suited to the discipline they are intended for.
On my Sunday demo, the woman is a trail rider and the Excel dressage saddle suited her perfectly. Sure enough, the Endeavor, the trail model is based on the Excel balance and seat design with just a few little tweaks. There is another trail saddle--the Enduro--that's based upon the Westernaire seat, so riding in the saddle I have will give me a good feel for the Enduro as well.
I substitued at the Academy on Monday, but it was rainy and cold anyhow. I'd thought perhaps I might want to take a swim after school, but I simply could not bring myself to go to the pool to get wet and then have to drive home in the chill. Guess I am a summer whimp when it comes to swimming after all.
Saddles and More Saddles
Rain Yesterday, Friends Today
As for saddles....I know have in my temporary possession, an Ansur Elite jumping saddle, a Westernaire treeless western saddle and my saddles, all for a soon to come Ansur saddle demonstration. My car will be full when I finally go.
I have to ride in the Westernaire first, which I was going to do today. But, then I realized I wasn't sure if I had a good western pad to use and a cinch for the saddle. I do own at least two cinches, but be darned if I could find either one--it's been over 20 years since I rode western. I did have my saddle pads--one fuzzy one that's OK and one nice blanket pad that needed washing. So, I washed and hung it out of the fence to dry along with a long girth to use with the jumping saddle. Then, I headed off to the tack store to see if I could find a cinch.
Picking the right length was a bit of a challenge. I ended up getting a 28" once since my dressage girths range from 24"-28" and the western saddle is not much different...I hope. Then, I realized I was supposed to meet a friend for an early dinner--we like to hit The Olive Garden before the soup and salad lunch special stops--so I had to head over to the restaurant.
By the time I got back home, it was time to feed the Boys, so the notion of trying the saddle today kind of vanished in a twinkling. Now it's supposed to rain again tomorrow, so looks like I'll have to put it off for another day.
I am not a western rider, although I did a little competing western "back in the day." But I will be interested to see how the treeless western saddle feels. And, since I am a saddle company representative, I really think I need to have ridden in all the saddles I show to prospective clients. I've ridden in the jumping saddle already, and I must admit, were I still competing hunter/jumper, I'd have one in an instant. Treeless is the way to go for my horses, and that saddle is both super comfortable for me, but it also put me in just the right balanced position for riding hunter/jumper. Like the dressage saddle, Ansur seems to have really thought out the needs of riders and made saddles super well suited to the discipline they are intended for.
On my Sunday demo, the woman is a trail rider and the Excel dressage saddle suited her perfectly. Sure enough, the Endeavor, the trail model is based on the Excel balance and seat design with just a few little tweaks. There is another trail saddle--the Enduro--that's based upon the Westernaire seat, so riding in the saddle I have will give me a good feel for the Enduro as well.
I substitued at the Academy on Monday, but it was rainy and cold anyhow. I'd thought perhaps I might want to take a swim after school, but I simply could not bring myself to go to the pool to get wet and then have to drive home in the chill. Guess I am a summer whimp when it comes to swimming after all.
As for saddles....I know have in my temporary possession, an Ansur Elite jumping saddle, a Westernaire treeless western saddle and my saddles, all for a soon to come Ansur saddle demonstration. My car will be full when I finally go.
I have to ride in the Westernaire first, which I was going to do today. But, then I realized I wasn't sure if I had a good western pad to use and a cinch for the saddle. I do own at least two cinches, but be darned if I could find either one--it's been over 20 years since I rode western. I did have my saddle pads--one fuzzy one that's OK and one nice blanket pad that needed washing. So, I washed and hung it out of the fence to dry along with a long girth to use with the jumping saddle. Then, I headed off to the tack store to see if I could find a cinch.
Picking the right length was a bit of a challenge. I ended up getting a 28" once since my dressage girths range from 24"-28" and the western saddle is not much different...I hope. Then, I realized I was supposed to meet a friend for an early dinner--we like to hit The Olive Garden before the soup and salad lunch special stops--so I had to head over to the restaurant.
By the time I got back home, it was time to feed the Boys, so the notion of trying the saddle today kind of vanished in a twinkling. Now it's supposed to rain again tomorrow, so looks like I'll have to put it off for another day.
I am not a western rider, although I did a little competing western "back in the day." But I will be interested to see how the treeless western saddle feels. And, since I am a saddle company representative, I really think I need to have ridden in all the saddles I show to prospective clients. I've ridden in the jumping saddle already, and I must admit, were I still competing hunter/jumper, I'd have one in an instant. Treeless is the way to go for my horses, and that saddle is both super comfortable for me, but it also put me in just the right balanced position for riding hunter/jumper. Like the dressage saddle, Ansur seems to have really thought out the needs of riders and made saddles super well suited to the discipline they are intended for.
On my Sunday demo, the woman is a trail rider and the Excel dressage saddle suited her perfectly. Sure enough, the Endeavor, the trail model is based on the Excel balance and seat design with just a few little tweaks. There is another trail saddle--the Enduro--that's based upon the Westernaire seat, so riding in the saddle I have will give me a good feel for the Enduro as well.
I substitued at the Academy on Monday, but it was rainy and cold anyhow. I'd thought perhaps I might want to take a swim after school, but I simply could not bring myself to go to the pool to get wet and then have to drive home in the chill. Guess I am a summer whimp when it comes to swimming after all.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
A Day Gone By
Morning in Church, Afternoon at a Saddle Demo
Church got out late, so we all kind of rushed to the eatery to have lunch.
Then I had an afternoon Ansur saddle demo. Lovely little Peruvian Paso mare. But what a sad story for her "mom." Her house burned down just over two weeks ago and she lost her Ansur Classic in the fire.
The good thing is that I think both she and her horse fell in love with the Excel dressage saddle. Hopefully, she'll be able to buy one. Right now, she has no saddle at all to ride in.
And the weather is starting to tease us all by getting nicer each day. Although, when I got home from the demo, it had cooled off considerably and the breeze had picked up. I opted out of working my Boys at that point. Instead, I fed them and came inside to snuggle up in my fuzzy bathrobe to warm up.
So, Sunday slipped by, not unpleasantly, but with little accomplished on my plan to get all three Boys somewhat fit.
There's time yet. Patience is the key.
Church got out late, so we all kind of rushed to the eatery to have lunch.
Then I had an afternoon Ansur saddle demo. Lovely little Peruvian Paso mare. But what a sad story for her "mom." Her house burned down just over two weeks ago and she lost her Ansur Classic in the fire.
The good thing is that I think both she and her horse fell in love with the Excel dressage saddle. Hopefully, she'll be able to buy one. Right now, she has no saddle at all to ride in.
And the weather is starting to tease us all by getting nicer each day. Although, when I got home from the demo, it had cooled off considerably and the breeze had picked up. I opted out of working my Boys at that point. Instead, I fed them and came inside to snuggle up in my fuzzy bathrobe to warm up.
So, Sunday slipped by, not unpleasantly, but with little accomplished on my plan to get all three Boys somewhat fit.
There's time yet. Patience is the key.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Brisk Lungeing on a Brisk Day
All Three Were on The Line
Talk about a change in the weather! Yesterday, well over 70, today barely 50...well maybe in the sunshine a bit warmer. And, there was a brisk breeze.
I had gone to the Spring Formal at the school--the Academy--last night, and didn't get home until around 11 PM. It was a really nice affair and I had a good time seeing the students enjoying themselves.
I was kind of tired today, so I opted for lungeing rather than riding.
I worked Chance first, just walk/trot/canter for perhaps 15 minutes or so. I don't exactly time my sessions but rather count circles at each gait. Regardless, it was enough for Chance as he was thinking of quitting at the end. Otherwise, he was a really good boy, and his gaits are quite nice when he moves forward.
Then I took Tucker out for a similar session. He looks fine on the lunge with no sign of a limp. It is interesting that he starts to move better and more forward as the session progresses. This leads me to think that when I ride him, he would benefit from a long warm up period before I ask for even the trot. Maybe as long as the weather and no bug situation holds, I should take him out for a walk in the woods before I school.
Toby was last. He was kind of cute in that instead of starting the session at the trot, he decided, on his own, to canter first. This is actually a good technique for a Thoroughbred as they were bred to gallop and sometimes a canter warmup loosens them up faster than trotting.
The best thing about Toby at this point, is that he he still barefoot and looks simply wonderful. He is striding out with full, strong movement and doesn't at all look to be 21 years old! I still would like to see a bit more weight on him, but he's not skinny. I think part of it is that he has almost no muscling and his topline shows the sharp definition often noted in senior horses. Otherwise, I doubt anyone would suspect he is over 20.
It makes me happy to see Toby sound at his age. I stopped competing him when I realized the work was too much for him--hock soreness from the upper level work. I don't regret that decision when I see him so frisky and bouncy now.
Talk about a change in the weather! Yesterday, well over 70, today barely 50...well maybe in the sunshine a bit warmer. And, there was a brisk breeze.
I had gone to the Spring Formal at the school--the Academy--last night, and didn't get home until around 11 PM. It was a really nice affair and I had a good time seeing the students enjoying themselves.
I was kind of tired today, so I opted for lungeing rather than riding.
I worked Chance first, just walk/trot/canter for perhaps 15 minutes or so. I don't exactly time my sessions but rather count circles at each gait. Regardless, it was enough for Chance as he was thinking of quitting at the end. Otherwise, he was a really good boy, and his gaits are quite nice when he moves forward.
Then I took Tucker out for a similar session. He looks fine on the lunge with no sign of a limp. It is interesting that he starts to move better and more forward as the session progresses. This leads me to think that when I ride him, he would benefit from a long warm up period before I ask for even the trot. Maybe as long as the weather and no bug situation holds, I should take him out for a walk in the woods before I school.
Toby was last. He was kind of cute in that instead of starting the session at the trot, he decided, on his own, to canter first. This is actually a good technique for a Thoroughbred as they were bred to gallop and sometimes a canter warmup loosens them up faster than trotting.
The best thing about Toby at this point, is that he he still barefoot and looks simply wonderful. He is striding out with full, strong movement and doesn't at all look to be 21 years old! I still would like to see a bit more weight on him, but he's not skinny. I think part of it is that he has almost no muscling and his topline shows the sharp definition often noted in senior horses. Otherwise, I doubt anyone would suspect he is over 20.
It makes me happy to see Toby sound at his age. I stopped competing him when I realized the work was too much for him--hock soreness from the upper level work. I don't regret that decision when I see him so frisky and bouncy now.
Friday, March 18, 2011
Saddling Up Two
Tucker and Chance Go For A Ride
I wanted to see how Tucker felt with his new shoes on, so I decided to ride him for a little while in the arena. It was tee shirt weather--maybe even tank top weather--with temperatures up in the 70's. Rather a nice change from winter, but a bit too soon. It's supposed to cool off again tomorrow, so we'll be back to the 40's and 50's again.
Anyhow, I saddled Tucker up using the Le Tixerant girth I got on EBay. He did not try to bite me and hardly seemed to notice the tightening process at all, so that might be a good sign about the girth. I mounted up in the arena, and we moved off on a loose rein. After a little walking, I put my leg on to ask for trot. He laid his ears back, got all fussy and threatened to kick into my leg. I gave him the rein, and nudged again--same reaction. And then, he trotted off. Could be anything, or it could just be Tucker. Once he was going, there was no question of his stopping again. He was perfectly willing to trot along.
I cannot say he felt wonderful, but he was not limping anywhere. For a totally unfit horse, he was pretty good. Even when I picked up some contact, he was still OK. On the other hand, I also would not say he felt either engaged or totally "through" his body. If his hocks are sore, or of he is still just a little foot sensitive, either explanation could account for it.
After perhaps 10 minutes of trot/walk warm up, I decided to try a little canter. I asked for left lead out of the trot and he moved right off in a kind of almost too slow, but definite canter. It was a little more "up and down" rather than really forward, but for the time being, I'll take it. Then I crossed the arena, changed direction and through the trot picked up the right lead canter. After a stride or two, he dropped down into a trot and then got really "I'm going to kick or buck if you ask me to canter on this lead." So, I swapped directions, picked up the left lead again, reversed directions, and moved into the right lead canter again. This time he was fine.
The right lead was the problem one before when I know his hocks bothered him. Since I know his hocks are an issue, I will cope with this for now, hoping that as he gets more fit, he will feel better. I have at least one injection of Pentosan left, maybe two, so I can give him that, and I will increase his joint supplements. If all else fails and he really seems to be uncomfortable, I can have his hocks injected, but I'd rather avoid that expense if I can. I do not need to compete him, so if he can be happy enough playing around in the arena and going out on the trails, that's just fine. After I finished his little school, we took a five minute walk in the woods.
Even so, he came in all lathered under the saddle and between his hind legs. He has always sweated a lot and today was just too warm for his unshedded body.
After I sponged Tuck off, I saddled up Chance and we went for a nice quiet ride through the woods. As usual, he was practically perfect in every way. It was a nice day for it.
Then, I took the shedding blade out to the paddock and worked on Toby for a little while. He his shedding in huge piles of winter hair. I think he enjoyed the grooming. I KNOW he enjoyed the two carrots afterwards.
I wanted to see how Tucker felt with his new shoes on, so I decided to ride him for a little while in the arena. It was tee shirt weather--maybe even tank top weather--with temperatures up in the 70's. Rather a nice change from winter, but a bit too soon. It's supposed to cool off again tomorrow, so we'll be back to the 40's and 50's again.
Anyhow, I saddled Tucker up using the Le Tixerant girth I got on EBay. He did not try to bite me and hardly seemed to notice the tightening process at all, so that might be a good sign about the girth. I mounted up in the arena, and we moved off on a loose rein. After a little walking, I put my leg on to ask for trot. He laid his ears back, got all fussy and threatened to kick into my leg. I gave him the rein, and nudged again--same reaction. And then, he trotted off. Could be anything, or it could just be Tucker. Once he was going, there was no question of his stopping again. He was perfectly willing to trot along.
I cannot say he felt wonderful, but he was not limping anywhere. For a totally unfit horse, he was pretty good. Even when I picked up some contact, he was still OK. On the other hand, I also would not say he felt either engaged or totally "through" his body. If his hocks are sore, or of he is still just a little foot sensitive, either explanation could account for it.
After perhaps 10 minutes of trot/walk warm up, I decided to try a little canter. I asked for left lead out of the trot and he moved right off in a kind of almost too slow, but definite canter. It was a little more "up and down" rather than really forward, but for the time being, I'll take it. Then I crossed the arena, changed direction and through the trot picked up the right lead canter. After a stride or two, he dropped down into a trot and then got really "I'm going to kick or buck if you ask me to canter on this lead." So, I swapped directions, picked up the left lead again, reversed directions, and moved into the right lead canter again. This time he was fine.
The right lead was the problem one before when I know his hocks bothered him. Since I know his hocks are an issue, I will cope with this for now, hoping that as he gets more fit, he will feel better. I have at least one injection of Pentosan left, maybe two, so I can give him that, and I will increase his joint supplements. If all else fails and he really seems to be uncomfortable, I can have his hocks injected, but I'd rather avoid that expense if I can. I do not need to compete him, so if he can be happy enough playing around in the arena and going out on the trails, that's just fine. After I finished his little school, we took a five minute walk in the woods.
Even so, he came in all lathered under the saddle and between his hind legs. He has always sweated a lot and today was just too warm for his unshedded body.
After I sponged Tuck off, I saddled up Chance and we went for a nice quiet ride through the woods. As usual, he was practically perfect in every way. It was a nice day for it.
Then, I took the shedding blade out to the paddock and worked on Toby for a little while. He his shedding in huge piles of winter hair. I think he enjoyed the grooming. I KNOW he enjoyed the two carrots afterwards.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Sidetracked by Shoes
An Afternoon With My Farrier(s)
As I was eating my lunch, planning the afternoon with some work for Chance, the phone rang. It was Scott, my farrier. He was coming over to put Tuck's shoes on and to trim Chance.
End of ride plans. I went out to sweep the barn aisle and bring the Boys in so they'd be ready for him. He was a bit later than I'd expected, but that's "Scott time" instead of my time, so it was OK.
Tuck's feet were not too good. He has a chronic crack in his right front hoof, and being shoeless had aggravated it. That is one reason he needs the front shoes, aside from his tendency to bruise.
However, before Scott could do the shoes he had to replace the fire lining in his forge. That took quite a bit of time. I left Tucker in his stall while that was done so he wouldn't get too frustrated standing on the crossties. Once the forge was ready, the shoeing began.
Even though Scott was reusing the shoes he pulled back in February, he still heated them and refitted them to Tuck's hoofs. He had a new apprentice with him, Kevin, who did some of the rasping and trimming in between as Scott forges shoes, so it was kind of an assembly line going on.
For all my blogging friends, Kevin is a shoer from South Jersey. He's apprenticed with some shoers down there but really wanted to hone his skills and learn some more advanced work from a Master Farrier, and once he heard about Scott, he signed on. He does have a business of his own down there--he works out of Lumberton--and is very interested in getting more customers. He has quite a bit of experience and, as noted, is currently learning even more from a real expert. Scott is highly respected and is a good teacher.
When we got to Tucker's back feet, he had another crack we've been watching. We discussed hind shoes and this time I decided to have Scott shoe him in back as well. The crack could really use the extra support, and I'll be interested to see if it makes any difference in how his hocks react to the support.
While Scott finished up with Tucker, Kevin trimmed Chance. Chance stays barefoot and seems just fine. He had a lot of solid growth on all four hoofs. When he was done trimming, Kevin had Scott check his work--and all was well. We didn't do anything with Toby this round. He seems fine barefoot so far, but I will monitor him closely. I don't ride him much and he's been striding out boldly without shoes.
If I can keep Toby and Chance barefoot, four shoes on Tucker will even my farrier bill to what is was with front shoes on the two "T" Boys and Chance barefoot.
I woke up to rain this morning and now it's just a soggy mess out there. A bit of a worry now that Tuck has shoes again, but that's the way it goes. Hopefully things will dry out quickly as they did before.....hopefully.
As I was eating my lunch, planning the afternoon with some work for Chance, the phone rang. It was Scott, my farrier. He was coming over to put Tuck's shoes on and to trim Chance.
End of ride plans. I went out to sweep the barn aisle and bring the Boys in so they'd be ready for him. He was a bit later than I'd expected, but that's "Scott time" instead of my time, so it was OK.
Tuck's feet were not too good. He has a chronic crack in his right front hoof, and being shoeless had aggravated it. That is one reason he needs the front shoes, aside from his tendency to bruise.
However, before Scott could do the shoes he had to replace the fire lining in his forge. That took quite a bit of time. I left Tucker in his stall while that was done so he wouldn't get too frustrated standing on the crossties. Once the forge was ready, the shoeing began.
Even though Scott was reusing the shoes he pulled back in February, he still heated them and refitted them to Tuck's hoofs. He had a new apprentice with him, Kevin, who did some of the rasping and trimming in between as Scott forges shoes, so it was kind of an assembly line going on.
For all my blogging friends, Kevin is a shoer from South Jersey. He's apprenticed with some shoers down there but really wanted to hone his skills and learn some more advanced work from a Master Farrier, and once he heard about Scott, he signed on. He does have a business of his own down there--he works out of Lumberton--and is very interested in getting more customers. He has quite a bit of experience and, as noted, is currently learning even more from a real expert. Scott is highly respected and is a good teacher.
When we got to Tucker's back feet, he had another crack we've been watching. We discussed hind shoes and this time I decided to have Scott shoe him in back as well. The crack could really use the extra support, and I'll be interested to see if it makes any difference in how his hocks react to the support.
While Scott finished up with Tucker, Kevin trimmed Chance. Chance stays barefoot and seems just fine. He had a lot of solid growth on all four hoofs. When he was done trimming, Kevin had Scott check his work--and all was well. We didn't do anything with Toby this round. He seems fine barefoot so far, but I will monitor him closely. I don't ride him much and he's been striding out boldly without shoes.
If I can keep Toby and Chance barefoot, four shoes on Tucker will even my farrier bill to what is was with front shoes on the two "T" Boys and Chance barefoot.
I woke up to rain this morning and now it's just a soggy mess out there. A bit of a worry now that Tuck has shoes again, but that's the way it goes. Hopefully things will dry out quickly as they did before.....hopefully.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Busy Doing Nothing
Well, I Did Do Something
Nothing horsey today. I went to school to deliver a DVD to the performing arts teacher and found myself spending a lot more time there than I'd anticipated.
The department is going to be performing Shakespeare's a Comedy of Errors this year. The students and teacher wanted me to see the set. It recreates a town with all kinds of doors and windows through which actors can both perform and enter/exit. As I recall from the last time I saw the play, it's a real laugh riot with mistaken identities and crazy entrances and exits where people just miss each other, so the timing has to be perfect.
The department did A Midsummer Night's Dream last year and it was one of the best productions of the play I have ever seen and I've seen that one many times. I am really looking forward to this show.
Which leads me to the rather long prop and "needs" list the production has. In my previous theater experience, I spent a great deal of time seeking out and making props and stage pieces, so I have plenty of experience. I found a bunch of things already useful here at my house and when I go to the saddle/feed store on Wednesday to shop the sale, I will go to the wonderful "used item" store in the same lot. I haven't been in there in a while, so it will be a ton of fun to look for props and items the theater can use. It's just the kind of shopping mission I love!
It was supposed to warm up today, but it never quite did. The sun popped in and out a few times, but mostly out. While nothing actually stopped me from riding or working the horses, my own "tired of being cold" gene kicked in and I just couldn't bring myself to go out.
But, since I count the trip to school as something accomplished, it will do for the day.
Nothing horsey today. I went to school to deliver a DVD to the performing arts teacher and found myself spending a lot more time there than I'd anticipated.
The department is going to be performing Shakespeare's a Comedy of Errors this year. The students and teacher wanted me to see the set. It recreates a town with all kinds of doors and windows through which actors can both perform and enter/exit. As I recall from the last time I saw the play, it's a real laugh riot with mistaken identities and crazy entrances and exits where people just miss each other, so the timing has to be perfect.
The department did A Midsummer Night's Dream last year and it was one of the best productions of the play I have ever seen and I've seen that one many times. I am really looking forward to this show.
Which leads me to the rather long prop and "needs" list the production has. In my previous theater experience, I spent a great deal of time seeking out and making props and stage pieces, so I have plenty of experience. I found a bunch of things already useful here at my house and when I go to the saddle/feed store on Wednesday to shop the sale, I will go to the wonderful "used item" store in the same lot. I haven't been in there in a while, so it will be a ton of fun to look for props and items the theater can use. It's just the kind of shopping mission I love!
It was supposed to warm up today, but it never quite did. The sun popped in and out a few times, but mostly out. While nothing actually stopped me from riding or working the horses, my own "tired of being cold" gene kicked in and I just couldn't bring myself to go out.
But, since I count the trip to school as something accomplished, it will do for the day.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
A Good Trail Horse
Such A Joy!
I took Chance out for a short trail ride today. He selected the longer way home than I'd planned, but that was fine by me as it was a sunny day. There was a bit of a breeze to cool things off, but all in all, it was delightful.
I am endlessly surprised at how well the footing drains around here. Thursday we had torrential rains, and today? Except for the places where the water collects, nice firm footing.
And Chance was an angel. He trotted up a few little teeny tiny hills, but that's to be expected when a horse is not fit, but other than that...perfection. What a pleasure to ride a nice quiet horse out in the woods.
I rode in the arena for about two minutes when we got back, just to see where his schooling is. He kind of understands how to drop down on the bit, but is far from soft about it. As my former trainer, Chris, may be coming down in a month or so to do a clinic, I really do need to amp up the arena schooling for Chance. I would be taking him mostly because I am not sure Tucker's hocks are OK enough to do any serious dressage schooling. Kind of sad because he is much farther along, but I have no intention of causing him pain if the work is too much for his joints. So, Chance will be my lesson horse.
As for Tucker, I have to wait for Scott to put his shoes back on before I do any riding. I am not going to risk a lameness issue. Toby seems fine so far barefoot, but Tucker....taking no chances this year.
And what will I do with Tucker if dressage is not his game? Well, we certainly can do the lower level stuff and even learn some new things as long as we don't worry about collection. We can play pleasure horse, perhaps do a bit of low level jumping, and since I'm thinking it would be a blast to teach Chance to do trail obstacles, Tucker would enjoy that too. And, there's always the Tucker trail to ride along with a few variations as long as there are no hunters/ATV's in the woods. He's not exactly the happy ride out there Chance is, but he's OK. As well, I can work on the long lining.
Toby is semi-retired, but I do want to keep him somewhat fit. Anything that seems like play will suit him, as will some trail rides.
No big ambitions any more for me as I have not missed competition one bit. For now, anyhow, my horses will just be fun.
Earthquake night, I fell asleep on the couch worrying about my nephew and watching the TV coverage. I was awakened by the front doorbell. A passing motorist had come up to the house because the three Boys were out loose on the front lawn!! Once again, the chain on the gate had come off--my fault for not fastening it securely. But worse, they had breached the push gate across the driveway. Apparently Chance has figured out it's not a solid obstacle...he went through it once before, baffling the other Boys. This time, they followed.
Drastic action is needed. The gates can be electrically charged to that is what I am going to do. I will need to do a little repair on the ends and then hook up a charger. The one side is OK for an AC charger, but the other driveway needs a battery operated one. I've put in a bid on eBay and hope I win. Once I get the gates powered up, I'll introduce one Boy at a time to the "zap" and hopefully, that will discourage escapes.
I also have to put electric fencing on the front fence area too, so that's another project I need to get to when the weather finally cooperates. It's looking promising for Spring around here, but you never know.
Is is safe to be optimistic?
Nephew is still safe in Tokyo area but he says the aftershocks are kind of disturbing. And some of them are actually little quakes from other areas. Here's his most recent post:
"Having a nice cozy nabe hot pot meal late night at O's new apartment, aiming to stay warm without using much electricity, trying to remember what normal life feels like despite the tremors every half hour! Feels like we are on an airplane experiencing turbulence every so often! I guess that makes this an in-flight meal?"
I guess having a sense of humor is a necessity under the circumstances.
I took Chance out for a short trail ride today. He selected the longer way home than I'd planned, but that was fine by me as it was a sunny day. There was a bit of a breeze to cool things off, but all in all, it was delightful.
I am endlessly surprised at how well the footing drains around here. Thursday we had torrential rains, and today? Except for the places where the water collects, nice firm footing.
And Chance was an angel. He trotted up a few little teeny tiny hills, but that's to be expected when a horse is not fit, but other than that...perfection. What a pleasure to ride a nice quiet horse out in the woods.
I rode in the arena for about two minutes when we got back, just to see where his schooling is. He kind of understands how to drop down on the bit, but is far from soft about it. As my former trainer, Chris, may be coming down in a month or so to do a clinic, I really do need to amp up the arena schooling for Chance. I would be taking him mostly because I am not sure Tucker's hocks are OK enough to do any serious dressage schooling. Kind of sad because he is much farther along, but I have no intention of causing him pain if the work is too much for his joints. So, Chance will be my lesson horse.
As for Tucker, I have to wait for Scott to put his shoes back on before I do any riding. I am not going to risk a lameness issue. Toby seems fine so far barefoot, but Tucker....taking no chances this year.
And what will I do with Tucker if dressage is not his game? Well, we certainly can do the lower level stuff and even learn some new things as long as we don't worry about collection. We can play pleasure horse, perhaps do a bit of low level jumping, and since I'm thinking it would be a blast to teach Chance to do trail obstacles, Tucker would enjoy that too. And, there's always the Tucker trail to ride along with a few variations as long as there are no hunters/ATV's in the woods. He's not exactly the happy ride out there Chance is, but he's OK. As well, I can work on the long lining.
Toby is semi-retired, but I do want to keep him somewhat fit. Anything that seems like play will suit him, as will some trail rides.
No big ambitions any more for me as I have not missed competition one bit. For now, anyhow, my horses will just be fun.
Earthquake night, I fell asleep on the couch worrying about my nephew and watching the TV coverage. I was awakened by the front doorbell. A passing motorist had come up to the house because the three Boys were out loose on the front lawn!! Once again, the chain on the gate had come off--my fault for not fastening it securely. But worse, they had breached the push gate across the driveway. Apparently Chance has figured out it's not a solid obstacle...he went through it once before, baffling the other Boys. This time, they followed.
Drastic action is needed. The gates can be electrically charged to that is what I am going to do. I will need to do a little repair on the ends and then hook up a charger. The one side is OK for an AC charger, but the other driveway needs a battery operated one. I've put in a bid on eBay and hope I win. Once I get the gates powered up, I'll introduce one Boy at a time to the "zap" and hopefully, that will discourage escapes.
I also have to put electric fencing on the front fence area too, so that's another project I need to get to when the weather finally cooperates. It's looking promising for Spring around here, but you never know.
Is is safe to be optimistic?
Nephew is still safe in Tokyo area but he says the aftershocks are kind of disturbing. And some of them are actually little quakes from other areas. Here's his most recent post:
"Having a nice cozy nabe hot pot meal late night at O's new apartment, aiming to stay warm without using much electricity, trying to remember what normal life feels like despite the tremors every half hour! Feels like we are on an airplane experiencing turbulence every so often! I guess that makes this an in-flight meal?"
I guess having a sense of humor is a necessity under the circumstances.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Oh, My Goodness!! Japan!
My Nephew is There
Just read a Facebook post from my nephew who was stuck in a subway in Tokyo when the earthquake struck! He reported that he is OK and hopefully will stay so.
The pictures of the tsunami aftermath are devastating. Now tsunami warnings are out for Hawaii and the US West Coast. I certainly hope people will take precautions and stay safe!
The pictures of the water pouring over Japan are terrible with tons and tons of debris sweeping across farmland, homes, and roadways. I just saw a tractor trailer simply lifted and floating away.
The people of Japan are in my prayers, as is, of course, my nephew.
Most recent Facebook post from my nephew:
further north.
Update from Japan:
To all dear friends and family outside Japan who are checking in on the situation here in Japan: I am safe as are all my loved ones here. The images you are seeing on TV are mainly broadcasts of the severe earthquake-related disasters up north in Miyagi, Iwate, and Aomori Prefectures. Tokyo did suffer a very strong earthquake and we're still experiencing aftershocks (just felt one now), but we're managing.
Just read a Facebook post from my nephew who was stuck in a subway in Tokyo when the earthquake struck! He reported that he is OK and hopefully will stay so.
The pictures of the tsunami aftermath are devastating. Now tsunami warnings are out for Hawaii and the US West Coast. I certainly hope people will take precautions and stay safe!
The pictures of the water pouring over Japan are terrible with tons and tons of debris sweeping across farmland, homes, and roadways. I just saw a tractor trailer simply lifted and floating away.
The people of Japan are in my prayers, as is, of course, my nephew.
Most recent Facebook post from my nephew:
further north.
Update from Japan:
To all dear friends and family outside Japan who are checking in on the situation here in Japan: I am safe as are all my loved ones here. The images you are seeing on TV are mainly broadcasts of the severe earthquake-related disasters up north in Miyagi, Iwate, and Aomori Prefectures. Tokyo did suffer a very strong earthquake and we're still experiencing aftershocks (just felt one now), but we're managing.
Wednesday, March 09, 2011
Not Much To Report
Chiropractor
I went to the chiropractor yesterday, so I did not ride. I was going to lunge Chance, but the day got away from me.
My hay man delivered a load of hay, I did some shopping, I cleaned the stalls, and that's about it.
Today, my friend Shelley is coming over so we can proof and edit her doctoral thesis, so I'll be pretty busy most of the day.
The biggest news of the day is that another torrential rainstorm is headed our way. Two to three and a half inches of rain are forecast. Thank goodness it's not colder....need I say more?
I went to the chiropractor yesterday, so I did not ride. I was going to lunge Chance, but the day got away from me.
My hay man delivered a load of hay, I did some shopping, I cleaned the stalls, and that's about it.
Today, my friend Shelley is coming over so we can proof and edit her doctoral thesis, so I'll be pretty busy most of the day.
The biggest news of the day is that another torrential rainstorm is headed our way. Two to three and a half inches of rain are forecast. Thank goodness it's not colder....need I say more?
Monday, March 07, 2011
Sunny Days and Wheelbarrows
Ups and Downs Of March
If there's one truth about March, it's that the month never can quite make up its mind weatherwise. One day Spring arrives in full force with sunshine and warmth, the next a cold wet rainstorm soaks the ground, and then the next, in rolls the cold wind and Winter takes another bow.
But I trudge ever on, taking care of the Boys and on a never ending quest for bargains. That's where the wheelbarrow comes in. My old barrow was a Christmas gift from my Dad at least 20 years ago. It's still in really good shape aside from the tire. I replaced the air filled tire with a "never flat" one several years ago and all was well until the ball bearings in the hub cracked, and the wheel stopped free spinning on the axle. I found some replacement parts on line for a another brand of wheelbarrow that may fit and they are inexpensive enough to be worth a try, but what to do in the meantime? A new tire/wheel assembly was in order.
Off I went to the local lumber store where I'd gotten the first no flat wheel. Found a new one for a hefty price, but my wheelbarrow is worth it. There was a brand new wheelbarrow out front with a larger capacity than the one I have, so I asked the price. Well, bust my buttons, but it came in at $54.99 only because they couldn't find the price in their list so they used the price of the smaller model. Cool!! That was a deal. Who can pass up a deal? I bought the new one and the wheel for the old one--right about the same price--and headed off, a happy camper with a new toy.
Plan: If I can fix the old wheel with the replacement parts, I can then put the new wheel on the new wheelbarrow and have two fully operating wheelbarrows! That leaves the third barrow in the garage. It's a big one with two wheels on it. Some people love them. I don't. I simply can't maneuver the two wheeled model well enough. It's more stable, that's for sure, but awkward.
But, that's not what the guy I met at the feed store said. He wants a two wheeler. He gave me his phone number and perhaps he'll buy mine. We'll see.
Meanwhile, the Boys are staying out of trouble for the time being. Sunday, the sunny, warm day inspired Tucker to take a nap while Chance scanned the skyline for predators. Toby stayed in the shadows of the barn eating hay, so I didn't get a picture of him. Then, of course, Chance headed towards me for his close up.
I was nice to see the Boys without their blanket or sheets.
Sunday, March 06, 2011
When the Phone Rings
Where Did the Day Go?
It was so warm this morning when I went out to feed that I took off my coat after two minutes out there. I took off the Boys' blankets too so they spent the day naked. Fortunately, at the moment, we have very little real mud, so even if they did roll, they didn't get really dirty.
I thought I'd get a ride in as the day progressed...But.
When I got back in the house to eat breakfast, the phone rang. It was Stacie. We talked a bit about saddles--she is a Trilogy distributor and time passed. I had a few indoor chores to do, so that took up some time. I tend to be an afternoon rider, so that was fine.
Eventually, I went to make some lunch and went to get a frozen pot pie from the freezer when I realized it simply wasn't there. I'd just bought several frozen entrees on sale yesterday and none of them were in the freezer. That sent me on a mad search out to the truck, the car, everywhere, looking for them. Nothing. At that point, it was pretty sure I must have left them at the supermarket, so I called. Sure enough, I'd left them at the checkout. The woman in customer service told me I could come by, so I could select some replacements--they'd put them back in the frozen foods department.
In short order, I was off to the market, about 8 miles away. Well, I realized I needed a few other things anyhow, so after I got my entrees, I did a bit of shopping.
The store has a new, cool shopping option. At the door, you pick up a hand scanner and as you shop, you scan the items you are purchasing. You bag as you go along, keeping tally of the cost and getting special offers for prices off various things along the way. Then, when it comes time to checkout, you go to the register--I like the self-checkout line--stick the scanner in a special holder, scan in your store card and the register reads the scanner total and you pay. It is SOOOOOO cool! If you buy produce, you take your item to a scale, weigh it, and then print out a label you can scan....SOOOO cool!!
I think I bought a few extra things just because it was so much fun. The guy there who was teaching people how to use the new system was extra helpful, so I mentioned that to the manager before I left with my new treasures.
Now it was definitely the afternoon. I was about to head out to the barn, when the phone rang. During that rather lengthy conversation, call waiting signaled as another call came in. By the time I was done with my conversations, it was past time to go out to feed the Boys dinner.
Out I went, still thinking that I'd at least lunge Chance. By then the wind had picked up and I was a bit worried about falling branches anyhow. As I was cleaning the stalls using my new wheelbarrow--more on that another day--I heard a voice calling to me and looked up to see my cousin's car in the driveway. He'd come over to tell me my Aunt was now back home next door--she's been living with them, but circumstances have changed so she's back in her own house with a caretaker. We chatted for a bit.
And then....I went back out to the barn to finish up and perhaps lunge Chance and.....
Well, there was big, huge Tucker in the tack/feed room. Regular readers know what a crisis this is. Once in, Tucker cannot get back out....or will not back out. He refuses to back up out the door as there is a step up to get in. He refuses to go forward out the front door because he's afraid to hit his head on the doorframe. And, the space is so narrow that he really can't turn around very easily, although with a lot of crashing, stepping on things and general mayhem, that's about the only way to get him out of there.
This time was no different. But with some bags of feed in the room, it was even tighter than normal. So I started moving the feed bins out the way to give him some more room. That turned into a monumental task as I'd just bought feed and one bin had 200lbs in it and the can had over 100 lbs in it. I managed to clear some turning room, then then convinced Tucker with a few taps of the whip that getting out of there was the only option. With a grunt and a groan he squeezed himself into a little bundle of 17 h Thoroughbred, turned himself around and clambered out. You'd think, by now, that he'd realize going up in there was NOT a good idea. He's certainly not a stupid horse, but his stubborn determination to get at the feed seems to outweigh any kind of logical thinking at all. Now that I've reinforced the floor with heavier plywood to cover the places where he broke through the floor on his past trips in--fortunately he did not get hurt--it's not quite as scary as it used to be, but still!!! It is totally idiotic.
Normally, I am careful about not leaving the room open when he can get at it, but my cousin's visit distracted me and, well, every mistake seems to have consequences.
All the disruption in the feed room forced me to do a bit of very much needed Spring cleaning, so I then spent the next hour or so reorganizing at least the right side of the room. There is still a lot to do to put things into order, but it does look a bit better.
However, by that time, it was dark out. As well, I had to put the Boys' rainsheets on in anticipation of the heavy rain we are expecting for Sunday.
Did I ride or lunge?....NOPE.
I guess another nice day will come along eventually. This one just didn't work out as planned.
It was so warm this morning when I went out to feed that I took off my coat after two minutes out there. I took off the Boys' blankets too so they spent the day naked. Fortunately, at the moment, we have very little real mud, so even if they did roll, they didn't get really dirty.
I thought I'd get a ride in as the day progressed...But.
When I got back in the house to eat breakfast, the phone rang. It was Stacie. We talked a bit about saddles--she is a Trilogy distributor and time passed. I had a few indoor chores to do, so that took up some time. I tend to be an afternoon rider, so that was fine.
Eventually, I went to make some lunch and went to get a frozen pot pie from the freezer when I realized it simply wasn't there. I'd just bought several frozen entrees on sale yesterday and none of them were in the freezer. That sent me on a mad search out to the truck, the car, everywhere, looking for them. Nothing. At that point, it was pretty sure I must have left them at the supermarket, so I called. Sure enough, I'd left them at the checkout. The woman in customer service told me I could come by, so I could select some replacements--they'd put them back in the frozen foods department.
In short order, I was off to the market, about 8 miles away. Well, I realized I needed a few other things anyhow, so after I got my entrees, I did a bit of shopping.
The store has a new, cool shopping option. At the door, you pick up a hand scanner and as you shop, you scan the items you are purchasing. You bag as you go along, keeping tally of the cost and getting special offers for prices off various things along the way. Then, when it comes time to checkout, you go to the register--I like the self-checkout line--stick the scanner in a special holder, scan in your store card and the register reads the scanner total and you pay. It is SOOOOOO cool! If you buy produce, you take your item to a scale, weigh it, and then print out a label you can scan....SOOOO cool!!
I think I bought a few extra things just because it was so much fun. The guy there who was teaching people how to use the new system was extra helpful, so I mentioned that to the manager before I left with my new treasures.
Now it was definitely the afternoon. I was about to head out to the barn, when the phone rang. During that rather lengthy conversation, call waiting signaled as another call came in. By the time I was done with my conversations, it was past time to go out to feed the Boys dinner.
Out I went, still thinking that I'd at least lunge Chance. By then the wind had picked up and I was a bit worried about falling branches anyhow. As I was cleaning the stalls using my new wheelbarrow--more on that another day--I heard a voice calling to me and looked up to see my cousin's car in the driveway. He'd come over to tell me my Aunt was now back home next door--she's been living with them, but circumstances have changed so she's back in her own house with a caretaker. We chatted for a bit.
And then....I went back out to the barn to finish up and perhaps lunge Chance and.....
Well, there was big, huge Tucker in the tack/feed room. Regular readers know what a crisis this is. Once in, Tucker cannot get back out....or will not back out. He refuses to back up out the door as there is a step up to get in. He refuses to go forward out the front door because he's afraid to hit his head on the doorframe. And, the space is so narrow that he really can't turn around very easily, although with a lot of crashing, stepping on things and general mayhem, that's about the only way to get him out of there.
This time was no different. But with some bags of feed in the room, it was even tighter than normal. So I started moving the feed bins out the way to give him some more room. That turned into a monumental task as I'd just bought feed and one bin had 200lbs in it and the can had over 100 lbs in it. I managed to clear some turning room, then then convinced Tucker with a few taps of the whip that getting out of there was the only option. With a grunt and a groan he squeezed himself into a little bundle of 17 h Thoroughbred, turned himself around and clambered out. You'd think, by now, that he'd realize going up in there was NOT a good idea. He's certainly not a stupid horse, but his stubborn determination to get at the feed seems to outweigh any kind of logical thinking at all. Now that I've reinforced the floor with heavier plywood to cover the places where he broke through the floor on his past trips in--fortunately he did not get hurt--it's not quite as scary as it used to be, but still!!! It is totally idiotic.
Normally, I am careful about not leaving the room open when he can get at it, but my cousin's visit distracted me and, well, every mistake seems to have consequences.
All the disruption in the feed room forced me to do a bit of very much needed Spring cleaning, so I then spent the next hour or so reorganizing at least the right side of the room. There is still a lot to do to put things into order, but it does look a bit better.
However, by that time, it was dark out. As well, I had to put the Boys' rainsheets on in anticipation of the heavy rain we are expecting for Sunday.
Did I ride or lunge?....NOPE.
I guess another nice day will come along eventually. This one just didn't work out as planned.
Friday, March 04, 2011
Riding Out Of Your Mind
Thoughts on a Cold Morning
It may warm up enough to ride today. If the ground thaws a bit, I might take Chance out for a trail ride. I will not ride Tucker as he is not 100% barefoot, although I could try the new boots I bought him. I guess the day will tell. I have to go get some feed and a new tire for my wheelbarrow. I have one of those solid tires that needs no air, but something has broken in the axle and I am not sure it can be repaired. The easier, though more expensive alternative is a replacement--if I can get one.
But back to the heading. Some of my fellow bloggers have been writing about fear and riding concerns and it occurred to me that we often underestimate the power of our minds when we ride. And I'm not talking about the thought process of riding technique, but rather our emotions. In particular, our fears or doubts play a strong role in our riding/training success. If we do not believe we can do it, neither do our horses.
I once evented, and competed in hunter/jumper. My horse was phenomenal. I'd trained him myself under the guidance of an exceptional riding instructor who focused on a good solid foundation of basic gymnastic work. I have bags of championship ribbons up in my attic to attest to our success. I showed amateur owner hunter and eventing up to training level--where the jumps were 3'6"-3'9" at the time. My horse was a point and jump boy who'd tackle anything I'd set my mind to.
And that's the rub. I remember two specific cases where things went wrong.
The first was a jumper competition. I was in the green division, but since the classes were small, they combined us with the open competitors. My fences were smaller but we kept jumping off against each other. Finally, the class was down to two riders--one open jumper and my horse and I. At that point, they started dropping fences out of the course, and raising the heights for the jumpoffs, no longer giving me the green horse height advantage. It was quickly becoming a puissance. Finally, the course ended up with only two fences--one good sized oxer and the wall, a monster that was probably over five feet, considering that the guys who put up the blocks had to lift them over their heads to set them in place.
I was ready to concede the class, but my friends kept telling me to go for it. To this day, I have absolutely no doubt whatsover that my Russell could have cleared that wall, as I'd seen him jump things that big before, and in a lesson, with a set up fence, I'd even jumped that high. But as I entered the arena, my heart was in my throat, and I was just plain scared. We approached the oxer perfectly, and took off. At the last second, Russell's hind hoof hit the rail and knocked it down. I pulled up....class over, as far as I was concerned. The crowd groaned. Russell was a beautifully, relaxed, controlled jumper who made it all look pretty and easy. I have a feeling a lot of people were rooting for me and wanted to see us tackle that wall. My heart wasn't in it. And Russell--who hated to hit fences and normally would do everything in his power to jump clean knew it. My competitor, aboard a wild, rip around the course, head in the air mount, soared over the oxer and then crashed the wall, winning the class with one more clear fence than I'd had. If I'd gotten over that wall, we would have tied.
Later my friends accused me of deliberately knocking down the oxer. I didn't. At least my conscious mind didn't. But I've always had the suspicion that Russell knew I didn't want to make it to that wall, so he made the choice to save me from my fear.
My second vivid memory is of my last training level event. I took a fall early on over a drop fence, but was fine. (They used to let you continue the course after a fall--no more.) A few jumps later, there was a trakehner--a telephone pole over a ditch. This was a bit of a nasty obstacle as far as I was concerned because there was no visible ground line so it was hard to tell where to take off. Again, going nicely forward cross country, it shouldn't matter too much, but as we approached, I questioned what to do. Russell checked his pace, asking for guidance. I didn't have any. He slowed to a trot, then a walk, and finally stepped down into the ditch and bumped his chin on the telephone pole. I backed him out, tried again and nearly had the same result. At that point, I told the fence judge I was done with that fence and she let me go around to finish the course. (Another thing they no longer allow in eventing.) There were some other quite challenging fences which included a wicked coffin combination which we took with absolutely stunning perfection, but that one jump had taught me a serious lesson. As good as I knew Russell was, if my heart wasn't in it and my mind wasn't ready to get us over a fence, we would be in trouble. I'd either have to throw all my trust into him, or we weren't going to make it safely around.
Russell never stopped go forward at that fence. Even when he clonked his chin, he was ready to try again. I just didn't know how to tell him to gallop up and over that darn thing. That was my last event at that level. I competed once more at a lower level just to finish my eventing career on a successful run, but then I moved on to dressage, knowing full well I didn't have the courage to go cross country any more.
Neither incident had anything to do with physical ability. Both Russell and I were perfectly capable of getting over both those jumps. It was my doubts, my fears, and my indecision riding those days.
It may warm up enough to ride today. If the ground thaws a bit, I might take Chance out for a trail ride. I will not ride Tucker as he is not 100% barefoot, although I could try the new boots I bought him. I guess the day will tell. I have to go get some feed and a new tire for my wheelbarrow. I have one of those solid tires that needs no air, but something has broken in the axle and I am not sure it can be repaired. The easier, though more expensive alternative is a replacement--if I can get one.
But back to the heading. Some of my fellow bloggers have been writing about fear and riding concerns and it occurred to me that we often underestimate the power of our minds when we ride. And I'm not talking about the thought process of riding technique, but rather our emotions. In particular, our fears or doubts play a strong role in our riding/training success. If we do not believe we can do it, neither do our horses.
I once evented, and competed in hunter/jumper. My horse was phenomenal. I'd trained him myself under the guidance of an exceptional riding instructor who focused on a good solid foundation of basic gymnastic work. I have bags of championship ribbons up in my attic to attest to our success. I showed amateur owner hunter and eventing up to training level--where the jumps were 3'6"-3'9" at the time. My horse was a point and jump boy who'd tackle anything I'd set my mind to.
And that's the rub. I remember two specific cases where things went wrong.
The first was a jumper competition. I was in the green division, but since the classes were small, they combined us with the open competitors. My fences were smaller but we kept jumping off against each other. Finally, the class was down to two riders--one open jumper and my horse and I. At that point, they started dropping fences out of the course, and raising the heights for the jumpoffs, no longer giving me the green horse height advantage. It was quickly becoming a puissance. Finally, the course ended up with only two fences--one good sized oxer and the wall, a monster that was probably over five feet, considering that the guys who put up the blocks had to lift them over their heads to set them in place.
I was ready to concede the class, but my friends kept telling me to go for it. To this day, I have absolutely no doubt whatsover that my Russell could have cleared that wall, as I'd seen him jump things that big before, and in a lesson, with a set up fence, I'd even jumped that high. But as I entered the arena, my heart was in my throat, and I was just plain scared. We approached the oxer perfectly, and took off. At the last second, Russell's hind hoof hit the rail and knocked it down. I pulled up....class over, as far as I was concerned. The crowd groaned. Russell was a beautifully, relaxed, controlled jumper who made it all look pretty and easy. I have a feeling a lot of people were rooting for me and wanted to see us tackle that wall. My heart wasn't in it. And Russell--who hated to hit fences and normally would do everything in his power to jump clean knew it. My competitor, aboard a wild, rip around the course, head in the air mount, soared over the oxer and then crashed the wall, winning the class with one more clear fence than I'd had. If I'd gotten over that wall, we would have tied.
Later my friends accused me of deliberately knocking down the oxer. I didn't. At least my conscious mind didn't. But I've always had the suspicion that Russell knew I didn't want to make it to that wall, so he made the choice to save me from my fear.
My second vivid memory is of my last training level event. I took a fall early on over a drop fence, but was fine. (They used to let you continue the course after a fall--no more.) A few jumps later, there was a trakehner--a telephone pole over a ditch. This was a bit of a nasty obstacle as far as I was concerned because there was no visible ground line so it was hard to tell where to take off. Again, going nicely forward cross country, it shouldn't matter too much, but as we approached, I questioned what to do. Russell checked his pace, asking for guidance. I didn't have any. He slowed to a trot, then a walk, and finally stepped down into the ditch and bumped his chin on the telephone pole. I backed him out, tried again and nearly had the same result. At that point, I told the fence judge I was done with that fence and she let me go around to finish the course. (Another thing they no longer allow in eventing.) There were some other quite challenging fences which included a wicked coffin combination which we took with absolutely stunning perfection, but that one jump had taught me a serious lesson. As good as I knew Russell was, if my heart wasn't in it and my mind wasn't ready to get us over a fence, we would be in trouble. I'd either have to throw all my trust into him, or we weren't going to make it safely around.
Russell never stopped go forward at that fence. Even when he clonked his chin, he was ready to try again. I just didn't know how to tell him to gallop up and over that darn thing. That was my last event at that level. I competed once more at a lower level just to finish my eventing career on a successful run, but then I moved on to dressage, knowing full well I didn't have the courage to go cross country any more.
Neither incident had anything to do with physical ability. Both Russell and I were perfectly capable of getting over both those jumps. It was my doubts, my fears, and my indecision riding those days.
Wednesday, March 02, 2011
Quick Little Lungeing
And the Winner Is: Toby By a Trot!!
Toby seems to look just fine without shoes--so far. I gave him a short lungeing session and he trotted off with his usual big strides, and looked great. He was pretty good about letting me catch him too. That doesn't mean it was easy. He was in his stall and as soon as he saw the halter, he marched off into the paddock and started to play hard to get. This consists of walking away from me as I approach, or trotting around in circles trying to keep the other Boys between him and me so I can't catch him. But he quit that pretty quickly and allowed me to halter him for his short workout.
Tucker was another matter. When I first got him, he was no trouble at all to catch and would more often than not come to me. But Toby sets a bad example. And Tucker has learned to play the "catch me if you can" game at least as well as his elder example. We spent at least ten minutes all over the place with me just following him. He started chasing Chance in the process and finally the two of them ended up in the pasture. At that point, I stopped, turned my back and started walking backwards towards Tucker. That did the trick, and it was clear that he really didn't care whether I caught him or not as he simply stood there and waited for me to back up to him Even when I turned to slip the halter on, he was fine about it. If I take treats out when I go to get him, he's right there, but I don't always want to rely on that technique.
I think he thinks the whole thing is a game, actually. I guess I broke the rules by backing up.
I lunged him for a few minutes as well and while he looked pretty sound, every now and then he took a suspicious step. I called Scott to get the shoes put back on and hopefully we'll do that soon. I don't want to risk a long layup again like I had last Spring.
Then I went to get Chance and he too started the "catch me" game. He's always been easy to catch, but I'm afraid he's learned the same bad habit. However, once he went into the paddock, out of the arena where the other two Boys were hanging out, he waited for me so I could take him in.
He has a sore on his front leg, much like a hock sore. I'm pretty sure he got it by by catching himself on something as it's definitely and injury. But he's not sore on it, so I've been cleaning it and putting antiseptic cream on it. It's on the side of his knee, so it's in a very hard place to bandage. I will keep an eye on it, as I can manage a bandage if I really need one, but I think it will be OK. This is the time when a Bandaid would be perfect. I actually have some of the really big ones and may try one just just to cover the sore. It probably won't stick, but it's worth a try.
I'll have to put the Boys' winter blankets on again tonight as it's supposed to get really cold again. They've been in waterproof sheets for the last two days. Once again, winter refuses to surrender.
Toby seems to look just fine without shoes--so far. I gave him a short lungeing session and he trotted off with his usual big strides, and looked great. He was pretty good about letting me catch him too. That doesn't mean it was easy. He was in his stall and as soon as he saw the halter, he marched off into the paddock and started to play hard to get. This consists of walking away from me as I approach, or trotting around in circles trying to keep the other Boys between him and me so I can't catch him. But he quit that pretty quickly and allowed me to halter him for his short workout.
Tucker was another matter. When I first got him, he was no trouble at all to catch and would more often than not come to me. But Toby sets a bad example. And Tucker has learned to play the "catch me if you can" game at least as well as his elder example. We spent at least ten minutes all over the place with me just following him. He started chasing Chance in the process and finally the two of them ended up in the pasture. At that point, I stopped, turned my back and started walking backwards towards Tucker. That did the trick, and it was clear that he really didn't care whether I caught him or not as he simply stood there and waited for me to back up to him Even when I turned to slip the halter on, he was fine about it. If I take treats out when I go to get him, he's right there, but I don't always want to rely on that technique.
I think he thinks the whole thing is a game, actually. I guess I broke the rules by backing up.
I lunged him for a few minutes as well and while he looked pretty sound, every now and then he took a suspicious step. I called Scott to get the shoes put back on and hopefully we'll do that soon. I don't want to risk a long layup again like I had last Spring.
Then I went to get Chance and he too started the "catch me" game. He's always been easy to catch, but I'm afraid he's learned the same bad habit. However, once he went into the paddock, out of the arena where the other two Boys were hanging out, he waited for me so I could take him in.
He has a sore on his front leg, much like a hock sore. I'm pretty sure he got it by by catching himself on something as it's definitely and injury. But he's not sore on it, so I've been cleaning it and putting antiseptic cream on it. It's on the side of his knee, so it's in a very hard place to bandage. I will keep an eye on it, as I can manage a bandage if I really need one, but I think it will be OK. This is the time when a Bandaid would be perfect. I actually have some of the really big ones and may try one just just to cover the sore. It probably won't stick, but it's worth a try.
I'll have to put the Boys' winter blankets on again tonight as it's supposed to get really cold again. They've been in waterproof sheets for the last two days. Once again, winter refuses to surrender.
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