tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87669837618476360772024-03-17T23:03:28.265-04:00What was I thinking.....?A round, middle-aged person's adventure into the world of horses.Wolfiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04743943656869294788noreply@blogger.comBlogger203125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8766983761847636077.post-54943824469903287172016-03-08T13:30:00.000-05:002016-03-08T13:30:20.242-05:00Tragedy, Triumph and Whatever<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11.0pt;"></span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11.0pt;"></span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Towards the
end of September, DH's Mom asked if I wanted to go offsite.....and I said
yes!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She invited R. and Harmony to join
us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was excited.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The day arrived and it couldn't have been
more beautiful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, it was
unseasonably warm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It's a lot of work
getting ready to go offsite!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hay, tack,
water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was sweating before we even got
in the truck!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig6hd4GGKt87QzjJ689dvmA7QbByUA1V2DpgDizskFy_eOS9eDBsvAz4OKFIxlqUlBySXe3hZWQ1Ecb0nw9v534-31mjYBOz5ejNjLR5Lc840tTPoB-Co7zlOviJ9zOuZ_RFO5XfpiB2s/s1600/P1030383.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig6hd4GGKt87QzjJ689dvmA7QbByUA1V2DpgDizskFy_eOS9eDBsvAz4OKFIxlqUlBySXe3hZWQ1Ecb0nw9v534-31mjYBOz5ejNjLR5Lc840tTPoB-Co7zlOviJ9zOuZ_RFO5XfpiB2s/s200/P1030383.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11.0pt;">All three
horses loaded up fine, with Gem first because he's the biggest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was
when they unloaded that I sort of ...well... panicked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was in a strange place with my horse!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Holy crap!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Deep breaths... <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although it was
her first time offsite with Harmony, R. was cool as a cucumber.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because her daughter Mary competes all the
time with Ringer, R. knew what the routine was for loading, unloading, tacking
up, etc. etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt completely inept,
but DH's Mom was very patient with me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
stood on a rock to mount and off we went.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmCOos_tsE7buCMHxZ83hVns9BNa3QForTVOK9yyusUua2gAfu1cZKuqVTosVa9jcn_lYFXwFYf9rLCSPvzNQ9G2NQzEVytD1wulFzFhmcI9vy-M-tL9_m9vKmlIMzVL_QY6QYSHgtIiw/s1600/P1030384.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmCOos_tsE7buCMHxZ83hVns9BNa3QForTVOK9yyusUua2gAfu1cZKuqVTosVa9jcn_lYFXwFYf9rLCSPvzNQ9G2NQzEVytD1wulFzFhmcI9vy-M-tL9_m9vKmlIMzVL_QY6QYSHgtIiw/s200/P1030384.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxTuIqJM1DMRqS_NK13WipArLZdOp-Mo4konQ-2ZKLDP4ovgSYauD2XGZYgWkHQY8eIjpL6DvSVkooc0jkzO_ju79PirMtM4gNp5W_ZQCcoOOnVBv6vyvSq0B6tSx8LLrS86LhMI7aCgc/s1600/P1030389.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxTuIqJM1DMRqS_NK13WipArLZdOp-Mo4konQ-2ZKLDP4ovgSYauD2XGZYgWkHQY8eIjpL6DvSVkooc0jkzO_ju79PirMtM4gNp5W_ZQCcoOOnVBv6vyvSq0B6tSx8LLrS86LhMI7aCgc/s200/P1030389.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was awesome.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gem was fine with
everything and was relaxed and snuffling as we walked through the lush
greenery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This forest has gullies and
little streams, some with bridges.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gem
and I rocked going up and down the steep gullies, but we didn't do the
bridges.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wasn't fussy and I didn't
want to push it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we left after 2
hours, I was elated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I went twice more
to the park with DH's Mom before she put her trailer in storage - just the two
of us - and Gem and I did the bridges on those rides.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>:-)</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht6x78QojNRvyIeC0C_zzII6HaN_a4-cESXUeKosMyFTQRi2wFJKn9h9U_EplpMfQx_iB81SoeJO7vjITH06Wo5Es2TYPoiit_xnPRA4TFzIwWoCEfUMqiaq6iPmJGZSEVQF1wZAnIvGg/s1600/Conan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht6x78QojNRvyIeC0C_zzII6HaN_a4-cESXUeKosMyFTQRi2wFJKn9h9U_EplpMfQx_iB81SoeJO7vjITH06Wo5Es2TYPoiit_xnPRA4TFzIwWoCEfUMqiaq6iPmJGZSEVQF1wZAnIvGg/s200/Conan.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11.0pt;">In early October,
I noticed that my Silky Terrier was limping.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I checked is paw and decided that it was because his nails were
long.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was due to see the groomer, but
I wanted to make sure the limp was gone first.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The limp lingered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After a few
days of it not getting better, I took him to the vet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The examination did not yield much, but he
was sent home with an anti-inflammatory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The limp seemed to be getting worse, so I took him back a week later for
an x-ray.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The results showed that he had
a tumour on the bone under his shoulder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The usual treatment was complete amputation, followed by chemo and
radiation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My Silky was not a candidate
for such aggressive treatment because of his age (14) and his past pancreatic issues.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I managed his pain and carried him everywhere
so that there was no danger of his leg breaking. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He still asked to go out (I carried him in and out of the house) and ate like a
trooper, he still barked at the door bell and when he greeted me when I got home,
his tail wagging. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, I could actually
feel the tumour growing and pushing out his shoulder; his pain medication were upped
a couple of times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> As usual, he seemed content with the situation as long as it meant being with me. </span>One morning in early
December, I looked at him....I mean REALLY looked at him... when he didn't know
I was checking him out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If he had known
I was checking him out, he was have put on a brave happy front because that's
what dogs do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could tell he was very "tired".<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
I had the vet come to my home and </span>as I held him in my arms as the process was initiated, I couldn't help but think of Enzo in <a href="http://www.garthstein.com/works/the-art-of-racing-in-the-rain/">The Art of Racing in the Rain</a>. My Silky Terrier was ready. The transition was done on his big pillow with his life-long
buddy, my 16-year old Cairn Terrier, and me beside him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was peaceful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was such a sweet, gentle soul.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I miss him every day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmibVPovUXLeYMOmZRcyKDijZsaaf94Xax2wcTG1qY2rAcMrAtOg5hHMFjB_ZhMFWeV47op6wEqM9FxYL55nKeG5FK3f3ziGCHNhRooqoXtF8zRlTiAn4xW9rEDnN_J-7fxBXYWnpeYXs/s1600/P1020151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmibVPovUXLeYMOmZRcyKDijZsaaf94Xax2wcTG1qY2rAcMrAtOg5hHMFjB_ZhMFWeV47op6wEqM9FxYL55nKeG5FK3f3ziGCHNhRooqoXtF8zRlTiAn4xW9rEDnN_J-7fxBXYWnpeYXs/s200/P1020151.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11.0pt;">My middle sister
continues to drag out the closing of my mother's estate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It's well over a year since my mother passed
away, and because she has not been forthcoming with any information after repeated requests, I fear that
she is covering for some bad behaviour on her part: we could be looking at many more months before the estate
is finalized.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It's a sordid story, one
that smacks of elder abuse by middle sister, financial cover up and one that I
would never have thought would have been about my family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After loosing my parents and now having to deal with lawyers on a regular basis, my physical
and mental health have been negatively impacted. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This winter was a
real challenge. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am not riding as much
as I would like to; getting motivated to get to the barn has been difficult.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am terribly out of shape.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJZjDklJN2PeNc22PMN06MugoAz5RD6RJYsBOsEbRe2EveRFgMxkt9zPeYRzyclgya9R-HLgnUBjE6za9f9k5Nk12te1_gfNwRTOfVMGjgQhyphenhyphenoD41dLkPhP50zJ8yTbb_PNONdbRnHGhc/s1600/Garden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJZjDklJN2PeNc22PMN06MugoAz5RD6RJYsBOsEbRe2EveRFgMxkt9zPeYRzyclgya9R-HLgnUBjE6za9f9k5Nk12te1_gfNwRTOfVMGjgQhyphenhyphenoD41dLkPhP50zJ8yTbb_PNONdbRnHGhc/s200/Garden.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11.0pt;">While work
has been a refuge for me, the business plans over the next 18 months <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">will increase my workload tremendously. </span>Instead of
being a refuge, works is now starting to add to the stress in my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I may not have much control over the
situation with my mother's estate, but I do have control over other aspects of
my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am going to retire!! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUVz69dH1Ig7uAvP0tUh47H1hbt7X6k9T8cPkr7c_K_3CZ8zJZYw7NhQUCcZzaWBqYiMAOcupKF04nWJSbfSA2c2GGTrzTui2l0kkKkjJaTUuDb7qkvrez_mW1LxyGGkWBRzOkmBF0Wc4/s1600/P1030211.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUVz69dH1Ig7uAvP0tUh47H1hbt7X6k9T8cPkr7c_K_3CZ8zJZYw7NhQUCcZzaWBqYiMAOcupKF04nWJSbfSA2c2GGTrzTui2l0kkKkjJaTUuDb7qkvrez_mW1LxyGGkWBRzOkmBF0Wc4/s200/P1030211.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7-bxTgTr_h7qJI8aZoNAbxX2zBqLSzR-_DO7wsuf59lK9Y85WdvumKsD1_ztwNcSCM8sK5ndbomXJ3nNHU16ehtNX1-dPxc-RFAVkk7db0Opris-6KA9BIhJJkR5CIwe-Jo69tS1sMs0/s1600/P1030266.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7-bxTgTr_h7qJI8aZoNAbxX2zBqLSzR-_DO7wsuf59lK9Y85WdvumKsD1_ztwNcSCM8sK5ndbomXJ3nNHU16ehtNX1-dPxc-RFAVkk7db0Opris-6KA9BIhJJkR5CIwe-Jo69tS1sMs0/s200/P1030266.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">My Husband will continue to be semi-retired, working through the winter and golfing in the summer. It is a set up that works for him. </span>I
want to surround myself with activities that give me joy and
self-satisfaction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have a beautiful
garden that needs some TLC.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also have
a couple of places that I would like to volunteer at (therapeutic horse riding program, chronic care home).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would actually like to read my Book Club
books at a leisurely pace instead of cramming it into the last week before the
meeting. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I picked up some canvases and
paint and will try my hand at trying to create "art".<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, more importantly, I would like to spend more
time at the barn and riding, which was my retirement plan all along. :-) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11.0pt;">In January
we had our first few days of snow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
horses get frisky after the first snow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It reminds me of when I was little and I would wake up to that first
really big snowfall and couldn't wait to get out there and play.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love riding in the snow and eagerly hit the trails with DH's Mom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
snow was quite deep in some areas, but the herd had already laid some trails
for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gem and DH were frisky!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I actually positioned myself behind DH's Mom
to keep Gem at a slower pace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>DH would
break into a prance every now and then, with Gem right up his butt egging him
on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we came to a clearing in the bush
near the orchard, I could feel Gem wanting to GO.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I wrestled with him to keep him in check,
he reached out and bit DH on the butt!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>DH started to prance out of the way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gem and I were still wrestling when he decided to put an end to it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He kicked out his hind legs twice very high, catapulting
me on to his neck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I recovered enough on
the second kick to be able to push myself off to the side instead of flipping
over his neck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I landed in soft snow and
other than the pain in my thigh from hitting the horn as I flew off and a sprained finger, it was the best fall I have every had.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>:-)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Gem stood there and looked at me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>DH's Mom was able to get hold of his reins.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzxzCwgcayoWcYvWZ-XQ3-J6dZEd5pI03x0Xylaswy41MMk4iQhuZMaKqTpnWl82k8K2nsKKN5ztasQ5XsoODxdSMkRURwFc6EnDSlI0Ujo-0ZhyphenhyphenVlQ3gwHZKEwQqZlWHoZOwaiAZMNxI/s1600/P1020148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzxzCwgcayoWcYvWZ-XQ3-J6dZEd5pI03x0Xylaswy41MMk4iQhuZMaKqTpnWl82k8K2nsKKN5ztasQ5XsoODxdSMkRURwFc6EnDSlI0Ujo-0ZhyphenhyphenVlQ3gwHZKEwQqZlWHoZOwaiAZMNxI/s200/P1020148.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIXjNvsi3yja1SDr17ydJUKBrU6zmeTLaduZfQ3OsWC38Ff66ahQmqlaAb0jGWPwfFCR2USltzDN76J9E8q9yXaCzjOqlgt05D2aRIyf10-3_7RCimDrSfy0GUNOYr7AijoRWfspfot9s/s1600/P1020143.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIXjNvsi3yja1SDr17ydJUKBrU6zmeTLaduZfQ3OsWC38Ff66ahQmqlaAb0jGWPwfFCR2USltzDN76J9E8q9yXaCzjOqlgt05D2aRIyf10-3_7RCimDrSfy0GUNOYr7AijoRWfspfot9s/s200/P1020143.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Just as I was dusting myself off, LA and a
student came riding up to us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>LA offered
to give me a leg up, which Gem stood patiently for initially, but lost patience
when my obvious lack of upper body strength to haul my now generous body into the
saddle became embarrassing to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
quietly started to walk off, with me hanging on to the horn trying to will him
to stop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No such luck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He trotted back to the main gate, leaving me
to walk back through the orchard and across two fields in snow up to mid-calf.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The more I walked, the warmer I became.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I started undoing clothing, removing scarves,
gloves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you know how hard it is to
breath when you have a sports bra on!?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>By the time I got to the gate, I was sweating, my face was red and I sounded like some
sort of wild version Darth Vader, huffing and puffing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A barn worker was holding Gem when I
arrived.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I put my clothing back on, got
back on him and jogged/walked him around the turnout area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some
might think that I got back on him to teach him that he can't get away with
dumping me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, I was grateful that
I was able to sit on him while I caught my breath before the walk to the
barn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>:-)</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx7sIABtPUvdB7Sl745UdfARMcguZH8IzznP-pdsbSnGg2-iyd0hmnnBxkYHj6EWNGC-cGx6ktBcbEm-0HlhpOZSZoGOU5j7J5J68A0ag8S68IQO6-V8zKBAlEnAIPbbMP-Gh9S36rhxo/s1600/Gem-eyes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="116" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx7sIABtPUvdB7Sl745UdfARMcguZH8IzznP-pdsbSnGg2-iyd0hmnnBxkYHj6EWNGC-cGx6ktBcbEm-0HlhpOZSZoGOU5j7J5J68A0ag8S68IQO6-V8zKBAlEnAIPbbMP-Gh9S36rhxo/s200/Gem-eyes.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11.0pt;">While at
the barn yesterday, a fellow rider asked me how big Gem was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I taped him again to check his weight and
he's a fluffy 1365 lbs and he still stands a smidge over 16.1hh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It seems like yesterday that I was terrified
of being that high off the ground.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>:-) Well, it was confirmation that both Gem and I have to work on our girth size.... the plan is to slim down together. :-)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Admittedly, I have been in a funk. But sometimes out of the funk darkness comes a bright light. People that I haven't connected with in a long time or friends that I haven't seen in a while have contacted me out of the blue. </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11.0pt;">These gestures lift my spirits.</span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11.0pt;"> There always good stories and memories. Delightful! Some of my father's good friends invited me to the Naval Officers Mess for drinks just before Christmas. And, a couple of months ago I had dinner with the son of friends of my parents. I had not see Kent in 50 years!! It was great fun. :-)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11.0pt;"> * * * * *</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11.0pt;">There is a new boarder at the barn. I met Shannon a few years back when I was taking lessons. Her lesson was right before mine and being of the same age, we started talking. She rode a lot as a young adult and then stopped for 25 years. Lessons were her way of getting her confidence back. We had the same retirement goal (riding horses). I stopped lessons, so I didn't see her again until recently. She just bought a horse! A lovely Arabian/QH cross and is starting to get into shape so that they can compete in endurance! Wow. She's retired now and has the time. She rides 3 times a week. She took her mare out on the trails for the first time this weekend by herself. She is confident and focused and enjoying her horse. She mirrors my hopes for Gem and I (well, with the exception of the endurance thing), and I am getting excited about it. </span></div>
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Wolfiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04743943656869294788noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8766983761847636077.post-38099926678631081762015-09-22T20:25:00.002-04:002015-09-22T20:25:41.764-04:00Trust<br /><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</xml><![endif]--><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Warning! Some graphic photos!!</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYoYAE5PdWJyPA753f-EhlMX4yY13lF2seD6NLH_enKtuHqMjkE8oqNhNDwv6HQOq_6ZXeKrRzotOWAamaLZT2yQTEaA0HFTOj8mAqchnZUTWEyUVKIczCEUA30IP2co_K7zXEXBU6dxE/s1600/P1030360.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYoYAE5PdWJyPA753f-EhlMX4yY13lF2seD6NLH_enKtuHqMjkE8oqNhNDwv6HQOq_6ZXeKrRzotOWAamaLZT2yQTEaA0HFTOj8mAqchnZUTWEyUVKIczCEUA30IP2co_K7zXEXBU6dxE/s200/P1030360.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjwkKuSarbRqO-O6nk2ydVjMs1GvxSxVsZpzXx0lI7JLr7yUq-4J4y3GhlVyXlFACCVr4W_mC3j1zFBJa3humnTd7HxaOzeRqIqzu6rhcxaN0G6z3d8BUR092z5u1PPo2K1Kjqd8Fy14g/s1600/P1030365.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjwkKuSarbRqO-O6nk2ydVjMs1GvxSxVsZpzXx0lI7JLr7yUq-4J4y3GhlVyXlFACCVr4W_mC3j1zFBJa3humnTd7HxaOzeRqIqzu6rhcxaN0G6z3d8BUR092z5u1PPo2K1Kjqd8Fy14g/s200/P1030365.JPG" width="200" /></a>Back in January, I had my vet look at a lump on Gem's
chest. It was located on the fatty area of his breast. I noticed
it last September and actually thought he had been stung by a wasp. My vet looked at it and recommended that it be removed and a
biopsy done just to close the loop, but his first impression was that it was
nothing serious. I trust my vet. I
booked the surgery for the end of April. All went well.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjtaFHbqIlOh5pUe9FP9j4uYTRzj2KApqsCd3U8GiYfm376ScB6UPkbRHcWjsS-0oQt7EzonImMpwMT5jlUWV2RAHJcCt0fc7ldFtyzMQL29k4iKSiv5AC5RuPyWefWP9wklw-c1NvYRo/s1600/P1030370.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjtaFHbqIlOh5pUe9FP9j4uYTRzj2KApqsCd3U8GiYfm376ScB6UPkbRHcWjsS-0oQt7EzonImMpwMT5jlUWV2RAHJcCt0fc7ldFtyzMQL29k4iKSiv5AC5RuPyWefWP9wklw-c1NvYRo/s200/P1030370.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful, even stitches.....</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The 2nd morning after surgery, barn staff arrived to discover that Gem and Noah were loose in the barn and had been eating, pooping and pulling stuff off the racks during the night. They were also shocked to see that the top door of Gem's stall was
still locked!!! The bottom door,
however, was wide open. What the heck?! Yep, Gem limbo-ed <u>under </u>the top door to escape...and then he let his buddy, Noah out. </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">As far as they can figure, the very tall visiting horse in the stall next to Gem's, reached over and unlocked the bottom door bolt. </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Sigh. You cannot trust Gem when it comes to containment.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Of course, he pulled out all of his stitches during his escape leaving a huge, gaping hole. So, I
hosed it (couldn't be restitched because it had been open too long), flushed it with iodine and then coated it
with honey. Eventually, I stopped hosing it but continued with the honey for a few weeks. It was a very deep wound and has taken a long time to heal, but it has healed from the inside out with no
complications. Yay! Thank you honey! I do appreciate that he's robust and a good healer.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaJorykS09yL-3HSdNOGh7sUrfhdBecpTjnZ73JP0J5lLUQtwF4vlPoZqd9fn1v7fiFM_KrzspjFZHzY0bBs0A0qGzjSgCQbxoXQFYlSmvr1NaWMFvK_ws_CkqlQexGzyxBK5Ue-9N4gs/s1600/tippy+bridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaJorykS09yL-3HSdNOGh7sUrfhdBecpTjnZ73JP0J5lLUQtwF4vlPoZqd9fn1v7fiFM_KrzspjFZHzY0bBs0A0qGzjSgCQbxoXQFYlSmvr1NaWMFvK_ws_CkqlQexGzyxBK5Ue-9N4gs/s200/tippy+bridge.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our bridge was like this one.</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJLUtPrjddDxhz3xvHM66paFF_9AzZuWQV8Bhu4_4DvFU3Cd6dxvIl81l4nIh9Z5GI3j-YzL9j9O5O83PkTjllJE6kh2eglwLIi97GQA6A7marKZvV5Vkc7md2F0gYj0pBH_DdxsRU1ME/s1600/hanging+noodles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="141" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJLUtPrjddDxhz3xvHM66paFF_9AzZuWQV8Bhu4_4DvFU3Cd6dxvIl81l4nIh9Z5GI3j-YzL9j9O5O83PkTjllJE6kh2eglwLIi97GQA6A7marKZvV5Vkc7md2F0gYj0pBH_DdxsRU1ME/s200/hanging+noodles.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This horse does not like the noodles!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">By early June, Gem's wound was nicely scabbed over and I was able to join some friends on a trail ride.
I love that I can trust him to be sane after a long absence from riding. He
lived up to his name and we had an awesome ride, staying out about 1.5
hours. On the way back, we walked by the obstacle course. A long
"tippy" bridge caught my eye, a leftover from the clinic
earlier in the week. DH's Mom started to tell me to let Gem walk up and sniff it and allow him to ease into stepping on it, etc., etc. Pffft! Gem and I walked up to it
and just walked across. Even when it tipped forward, he didn't hesitate. </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">We turned around and went back over
it again just to prove it wasn't a fluke. :-) Then we walked through the hanging noodles.....</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">DH's
Mom was, well....impressed. :-) I know that I can trust Gem to have the confidence needed when it comes to things out of the ordinary.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> * * * * *</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">In July, DH's Mom asked if I would go offsite with her and ride a local trail (what?!). Apparently, TS and SS are not interested in going offsite this year. I declined; riding in 30C weather has no appeal to me, but said that I would go later in the year. I did however, agree to allow Gem to go offsite with another rider. MC rides a Clydesdale, but the owner (she leases) would not allow the horse off the property. I volunteered Gem as her mount so she could go with DH's Mom. I looked at this as an opportunity for Gem to experience another location without risk to myself. :-) MC is a more experienced rider than I, more physically fit and confident. I showed her his tack and then wished her a good ride. I trusted her to take care of Gem and she did. He actually loaded and unloaded with ease and rocked it when they were on the trails. The only time he refused to walk on was when they came to a big puddle.....strange... But they did not force him because this ride was for getting both horses familiar with the trails. MC couldn't say enough good things about Gem. :-)</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ItBdhX_d1Ypz11MBxiaWRnf0hBdwIGCedD9jLzuMBypxWGGjtkC3A9QkAuI1S8f-vG9M4-SzGdr5ddbWuUX2y47c76IiwPXgrrgOLmHDkVgcW5QUDBXpwDL5uTdCJyq8NySm05JVDwY/s1600/P1030387.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">One of my goals this summer was to get comfortable riding on my own. I don't want to be dependent on others. I have been out on Gem "by myself", but usually within sight of others. There is still a safety net, so to speak, when you can see other riders. We needed to get out there alone. I tried! There were a number of times that I did not make arrangements with my riding buddies to meet up so that Gem and I could go it solo. The best made plans....sigh. People I hadn't seen in weeks seemed to jump out of the woodwork when I arrived, asking if they could join me on the trails....of course they could... :-) Eventually, the day came when Gem and I were alone. There was no one, with the exception of LA's mother, at the barn. I was excited...this is it!....not a nervous bone in my body! What the heck?! No issues with mounting; stepped right up and on. Off we went. Well, sort of. Gem started off fine, but once he realized it was just him and I, he walked vvvverrry sloooowly and kept looking behind us, searching for our usually riding </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ItBdhX_d1Ypz11MBxiaWRnf0hBdwIGCedD9jLzuMBypxWGGjtkC3A9QkAuI1S8f-vG9M4-SzGdr5ddbWuUX2y47c76IiwPXgrrgOLmHDkVgcW5QUDBXpwDL5uTdCJyq8NySm05JVDwY/s1600/P1030387.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ItBdhX_d1Ypz11MBxiaWRnf0hBdwIGCedD9jLzuMBypxWGGjtkC3A9QkAuI1S8f-vG9M4-SzGdr5ddbWuUX2y47c76IiwPXgrrgOLmHDkVgcW5QUDBXpwDL5uTdCJyq8NySm05JVDwY/s200/P1030387.JPG" width="200" /></a>companions. I could almost hear him say, "Wait a sec...where are the others??" :-) He eventually came around, after a lot of encouragement, and we walked around the open fields (I wasn't quite ready to go into the orchard or forest). One thing about riding on your own is that it's quiet....really quiet... So I chatted a lot with Gem, just to make sure that the critters could hear us and nobody got spooked. Strangely, I think he sort of liked my chatter. <i>Note to self: Find Gem's bell necklace.</i> My heart really swelled as we headed back to the barn and I had a big smile on my face. I think our partnership was truly sealed with that ride. I trusted him and he trusted me. I felt that we could do anything after that ride. What a wonderful feeling....</span></span><br />
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Wolfiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04743943656869294788noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8766983761847636077.post-80628863475559211302015-02-10T13:41:00.003-05:002015-02-10T13:42:35.269-05:00Finding Love...again....<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</xml><![endif]--><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">Well, the
weather here has been brutal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don't
want to brag, but we have been experiencing an average high of -15C (-3F) with
lots of snow the last few weeks. Yay!!....not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Does
that stop me from going to the barn??<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>No!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It may be too cold to ride, but
it's not too cold to groom and give my boy some lovin'.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dressing
for this weather is not my best look, however, and getting in and out of the
car can be a challenge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had so many
layers on last weekend (-25C with windchill), that I was struggling to bend
over to get my brushes out of my case. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>:-)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Walking back to my car, the wind made my
eyeballs hurt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whaaaa!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">LA has had
the older horses brought in from the herd.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They are housed at night and turned out in the front paddock during the
day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That way she knows that they are
actually getting food....it seems that in this cold weather, horses get grumpy
about getting food to ensure they can maintain their body heat and the older
guys get pushed away from the hay. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">A couple of
years ago, I posted about R., John and <a href="http://wolfie-whatwasithinking.blogspot.ca/2013/02/love.html">Mary and a horse named Ringer</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As Valentine's Day approaches, I thought I
would give an update on the love story.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs2Fctuud2AwiKK_U1SWUU1d8eMk6pKpG2J4knNffXaAqgQ2zritT80WCZTOCMyUqcyMmUtPgUa1T4rzcA-ETQLIYtzdXsnuAUILJspEayGahDDjk1-y7NrgRGghyphenhyphenFnPyjyDq-aAozbhc/s1600/bay+horse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs2Fctuud2AwiKK_U1SWUU1d8eMk6pKpG2J4knNffXaAqgQ2zritT80WCZTOCMyUqcyMmUtPgUa1T4rzcA-ETQLIYtzdXsnuAUILJspEayGahDDjk1-y7NrgRGghyphenhyphenFnPyjyDq-aAozbhc/s1600/bay+horse.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">This is what Harmony looks like.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">Over the last
couple of years, LA has been retiring some of the older school horses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They will live out the rest of their days
chowing down on delicious hay and grain and enjoying a life of leisure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This means that she has to have replacements
and in the summer of 2013, LA purchased a beautiful bay mare, Harmony, as a replacement
lesson horse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She had lots of training
and had a nice demeanour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, it didn't
work out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Harmony was sweet, but once
you put an inexperienced rider on her, she just wanted to prance and
couldn't be trusted out on the trails with beginner riders. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The herd didn't particularly like her and were
constantly running her off from the hay pile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When we were out on the trails, we would frequently see her standing
alone, next to the herd, but not part of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She was not wintering well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
started to drop weight, she looked sad and worried.</span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">Meanwhile, Mary couldn't spend enough time with Ringer!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their
bond has become tight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have watched Mary's
skills as a rider go way, way above and beyond since she teamed up with Ringer
and she now goes to just about every obstacle, gaming and barrel competition
there is locally....and cleans up ribbon-wise. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mary is fearless on Ringer. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While Mary continued on with her lessons on
Ringer, R. would do little jobs around the barn to keep busy, which included
grooming the older horses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>LA
had brought lonely Harmony in from the fields to one of the turnout pens to
ensure she would get food.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was going
to sell her and wanted her healthy and looking her best.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>R. started grooming her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">Harmony was
a mess.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She had bite marks all over her
and was suffering with a bit of rain rot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Her eyes and coat were dull.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
was a bit wary of R. initially. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>R. took
it slow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their sessions got longer and
longer. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>R. enjoyed fussing over Harmony
and Harmony was enjoying the attention. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Over time, Harmony and R. became very close.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Harmony got excited when she saw R. </span>Her eyes softened, she seemed perkier
and a little more involved with her surroundings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was eating.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her coat gleamed and her mane was long and
shiny.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">LA couldn't
find a buyer for Harmony.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was a nice
looking horse, had good bloodlines, was not malicious and was well trained.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, she was 20 years old; her competition
days were long gone and she was too old to breed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A hard
choice was going to have to be made.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No one
wanted to take on a senior horse, it seemed. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well....except R., that is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>:-)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">R. and
Harmony have been a couple since the summer of 2014, and neither could be happier.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Never in a million years did R. think she would have her own horse. When she and John talked about buying Harmony, John came down to see her with R. and he fell in love with her, too. Ah, love. </span>R. has been taking regular lessons and their
bond continues to grow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>R. did some
research and found the original owner of Harmony, located in another province.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Harmony was used for competition, sold at 10
years of age when the owner got another competition horse and then was used as
a brood mare by the new owner. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
original owner was delighted to hear from R. and told her all sorts of stories
and sent pictures. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not sure what circumstances
led her to LA's place to be a school horse; life is strange sometimes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTNpPi2PDPvPycUD1mvKLkgLwjnBvjsWMURWcTtXqsaSIzgXoz7SxiqI7dJdk9IDUnsIe9BcT_xnNHtQeCQRzowckescg4oXxHHiIsrRBbQ6maax4FvC7l69PIyHkWwvRtbhHEMdWrYwk/s1600/barrel+racing2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV69jTLloDc03LXHWWe43vxFsONxhAe6SQ9KsWqA6J6-lEsZIfXceGZJxYhIJcv_ysa2dlDzPPWWUavAfWrQjLvGSN3pkn2s8cc0ULEjx1_rPyoyP76axlcGXcA8oXGpgxH3gPLji8jm8/s1600/barrel+racing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV69jTLloDc03LXHWWe43vxFsONxhAe6SQ9KsWqA6J6-lEsZIfXceGZJxYhIJcv_ysa2dlDzPPWWUavAfWrQjLvGSN3pkn2s8cc0ULEjx1_rPyoyP76axlcGXcA8oXGpgxH3gPLji8jm8/s1600/barrel+racing.jpg" height="157" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">Last
summer, R. and I were riding in the front paddock.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mary and her friends had set up the barrels;
they needed to practice for a games competition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Harmony was very interested in what was going
on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Up to that point, R. was still
trying to get her sea legs and to figure Harmony out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For a lark, R. asked Mary to take Harmony
through the routine at a trot, just to get her used to the barrels, so that R.
could see how she would react and perhaps have some fun with her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Up Mary got on Harmony and settled herself
in the saddle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTNpPi2PDPvPycUD1mvKLkgLwjnBvjsWMURWcTtXqsaSIzgXoz7SxiqI7dJdk9IDUnsIe9BcT_xnNHtQeCQRzowckescg4oXxHHiIsrRBbQ6maax4FvC7l69PIyHkWwvRtbhHEMdWrYwk/s1600/barrel+racing2.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTNpPi2PDPvPycUD1mvKLkgLwjnBvjsWMURWcTtXqsaSIzgXoz7SxiqI7dJdk9IDUnsIe9BcT_xnNHtQeCQRzowckescg4oXxHHiIsrRBbQ6maax4FvC7l69PIyHkWwvRtbhHEMdWrYwk/s1600/barrel+racing2.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a>Mary barely had to cue
Harmony.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Trot?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That's for sissies!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Harmony took off like her tail was on fire!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her turns around the barrels were tight and
well balanced, and coming home she was flat out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And just to finish it off, she did a little
sliding stop. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>WTH?!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We all had our mouths hanging open to our
chests!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was amazing....who knew!?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Harmony was raring to go again, which Mary
did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Again, she performed 110%.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She looked....happy???<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She may be heading into her senior years, but
she's still got it!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">Harmony's
future may have been iffy at one point, but her circumstances couldn't have
bounced back any better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She must have
done something right in another life to have a human like R. as she heads into
the senior part of her life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>R. absolutely
loves Harmony and will always do what's best for her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She will fuss and brush her, make sure she
gets the proper supplements and vet care and ride her with respect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Harmony is almost unrecognizable from a year
ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is muscled, shiny and
alert.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is beautiful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is not out with the herd; she has her own
turnout area next to Gem's and is brought in at night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is much happier.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">So, now
Mary has Ringer, R. has Harmony and.....guess what?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>John bought himself a 6-year old, stunning black
and white paint mare!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She's delightful and
handsome Gem has his eye on her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>:-) <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>John
has been taking lessons, too! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>R. has
indicated that when Harmony is ready to be fully retired, John and her will
share his horse and of course Ringer will be available for R. as Mary heads off
to university.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A great arrangement for
the future.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think it's cool that
horses have been the sort of glue for this family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
family that rides together, stays together???<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>:-) <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi203R8W1gmsKG39jZnODoZdOQy_V3v6eXSfLu3gHq3Enl29hd81KHQuTNS89DMAG0OACQFhbvohBPc6Iw6OuKiEYsDUOoF42gR2gBvpy6wV7k6_uBHwWYl1kVOPy9thv-rg5KS6NlUysY/s1600/Pink-Heart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi203R8W1gmsKG39jZnODoZdOQy_V3v6eXSfLu3gHq3Enl29hd81KHQuTNS89DMAG0OACQFhbvohBPc6Iw6OuKiEYsDUOoF42gR2gBvpy6wV7k6_uBHwWYl1kVOPy9thv-rg5KS6NlUysY/s1600/Pink-Heart.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">Happy Valentine's Day!!</span></div>
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Wolfiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04743943656869294788noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8766983761847636077.post-32562626525500387932015-01-08T15:22:00.000-05:002015-01-08T15:22:10.523-05:00And just like that.....<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</xml><![endif]--><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">......everything
changed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">On November
18/14, my mother was hospitalized on doctor's orders. After scans and a biopsy (which she was awake for and never flinched!!), it was determined that she had terminal stomach and lung cancer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She told me that she was fine with the
diagnosis and was looking forward to being with Dad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was adamant that
she just wanted to be made comfortable, no fuss.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Her wish was granted and her three daughters kept her company every day and into the evening gabbing, watching TV, discussing current events, doing crosswords with
her and playing trivia....many days it was like a kitchen party.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the last day, November 28th, she went quietly and with
dignity and on her own terms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">My mother
was born in Farrukahbad, India in 1935, during the British
Raj.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her father was from Scotland and was on the British Police Force in India.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He married a local Anglo-Indian and the union
produced 6 beautiful children, my mother being the youngest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She did not have a lot of fond memories </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">of India.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She lived in a compound with other British families and true to the time period and culture, her parents were more concerned with
their own needs; my mother was closer to her "Aya"
than her mother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She and her siblings
were all sent off to convent boarding school as soon as they turned 5 and
wouldn't see their parents again until Christmas break and then summer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes, if her parents had travel or
events planned, the children would not go home during the breaks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a</span><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlfoM_nu9Strek9zeOeNeJUJtGZ0UNnFt43HHCPOt4KuTOAzfsiSIep37huSohUUQloMQNeKlcvJ2SZzXmAfImmYICdnR4Q2PU4Frr1pwXjKFf3mrXAwskktKsMvsrA3PkRmp1iB7RxoU/s1600/Ava+Gardner+24.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlfoM_nu9Strek9zeOeNeJUJtGZ0UNnFt43HHCPOt4KuTOAzfsiSIep37huSohUUQloMQNeKlcvJ2SZzXmAfImmYICdnR4Q2PU4Frr1pwXjKFf3mrXAwskktKsMvsrA3PkRmp1iB7RxoU/s1600/Ava+Gardner+24.jpg" height="200" width="195" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ava Gardner 1940's</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"> lonely childhood.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My grandfather passed away from heat stroke
during a riot, held perhaps during the time leading up to India's independence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My grandmother stayed in India and eventually married</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"> another Brit who
took the three youngest sisters and my grandmother to Portsmouth, England around 1948; my mother's brothers and older sister had already left home at that point. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Times were tough. Coming from an existence that included servants and a cook to living in a cramped apartment was a huge adjustment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> After finishing her education, my mother worked in an office. Eventually, she became a bookkeeper's apprentice, but </span>it was at her second job in the evening, serving and clearing tables at the
Naval Officers Club with her two older sisters, that she met my father.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> He became smitten with the young lady that looked like Ava Gardner. </span>Eight months later, they married and Dad put
Mom on a liner</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"> by herself</span> to Halifax, N.S., where she arrived on December 15/55.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> I came on the scene a year later.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">Although our relationship was complicated, my mother and I were very close. She taught me to be independent at a time when women were not encouraged to be. She forced me to buy a car when I was 18. I didn't need one, in my opinion; I had a boyfriend that was driving me around and I was fine with that. But my mother wanted me to have more freedom and to have my own credit rating with a bank through getting a car loan...she was looking out for my future and she was right. She was very generous (she sponsored Lady's care for a year and bailed out another elderly horse bound for slaughter) and could be fierce if she saw an injustice being done. She and I shared a passion for nature, music, books, bird watching and classic movies. She was way ahead of her time in so many ways when it came to women's issues and I appreciated her strength and wisdom. We always had something to talk about and I greatly miss our daily chats. This holiday, for the first time in a decade, I didn't make Christmas dinner...there will be a lot of 'firsts' this year.... </span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6-303ZgEzqmnseMYL13OdiVd8-l1KizmwffoEspR_nt7AnAieDCRGOPgKEnzj5OuSwZq4X9jSPNiQ6YKNBeOnm17M9WoJSeqIHsJeYpX62dd7L2mwQyx3BvqzqN2JAKmhv8IqLPBfBiU/s1600/Gem-arena+riding+2+December+2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6-303ZgEzqmnseMYL13OdiVd8-l1KizmwffoEspR_nt7AnAieDCRGOPgKEnzj5OuSwZq4X9jSPNiQ6YKNBeOnm17M9WoJSeqIHsJeYpX62dd7L2mwQyx3BvqzqN2JAKmhv8IqLPBfBiU/s1600/Gem-arena+riding+2+December+2014.jpg" height="195" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stepping over small logs.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">LA rode Gem
for me while I was with my mother in hospital.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She would send me reports on how "light" he was, or how amazing
his lope was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It made me feel good because it was something "normal" and positive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I eventually did get to see him, I was
too drained to actually ride.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I
spent an hour with him, just hanging out and grooming.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was quiet and allowed me to fuss
over him; his eyes were soft.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A couple of
days later, I got on him and we just walked and jogged around the arena,
working on side passing (yes, his back legs were crossing!), backing up long
distances in a straight line, obstacles and neck reining.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It felt good.</span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd1ALfNiTO3fawbaqUuPJlB_2pFuyOa7iO1Ouo8j6uoFmgXyLEYVpmFMaG_KK4RZLzAhGkQEu-QHE2ZID_LsJ3yzt_YudwRlrK7HdX7TTKLeXRzMioSkuGruycKgesm25X5IaGGEEwCGI/s1600/Gem+-VIP+visit+2014+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd1ALfNiTO3fawbaqUuPJlB_2pFuyOa7iO1Ouo8j6uoFmgXyLEYVpmFMaG_KK4RZLzAhGkQEu-QHE2ZID_LsJ3yzt_YudwRlrK7HdX7TTKLeXRzMioSkuGruycKgesm25X5IaGGEEwCGI/s1600/Gem+-VIP+visit+2014+(2).jpg" height="320" width="134" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"> A week later, the daughter of one of my dearest friends lost her husband to
cancer after a 3 year battle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is now
a widow at 42 year of age, with a 13 year old son <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and a 10 year old daughter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Laura and her daughter have visited Gem in
the past and when I received an email from her the day after her husband died,
asking if she and her daughter could visit with Gem, I wasn't surprised.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She had already experienced the <span class="oneclick-linkoneclick-available">curative</span> effects of being around
Gem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We spent 3 hours together with
Gem, grooming and riding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He couldn't have been more of a
gentleman.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Again his eye was soft and he was kind to Laura's daughter, who was delighted that she got to "ride" him. They came sad, but left happy and smiling and that made me feel good. There will be a lot of 'firsts' for them this year, also.....</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">Horses are sensitive. If
we are privileged enough to be able to spend time with them, we can see
just how sensitive they really are. There are numerous articles out there that
explain how horses have a six sense. They are so intuitive; they know
when your heart beat increases and mirror it when you are riding. When a
rider lacks confidence, they get worried, too. And, when you are
feeling sad, they feel it and I guess in their own way share your pain
and give you exactly what you need at that moment. I started this blog as a "diary" of my experiences with Gem. As I flipped through some previous posts over the holidays, I realized that Gem has pushed me, comforted me, been brave, patient and even bossy...all when I needed it. I am grateful that I have him in my life. Although 2014 didn't end in a great way, I am looking forward to the next year....yes, there will be some 'firsts' but there will also be awesome memories, upcoming family and friends events and visits to look forward to....and a year that will hopefully include lots of time with Gem!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVeig5Ku3dIXRWZk1mM_AOy7kQEuEvfD7S-Epnu_EPfC9xW1awmQEhR2DJnpjCHn8Sq6nJEqSXfgywv9qC_1T1iVAo5vIyK1A1Xw69wUsPYURp9BF953tKCDX1Y-niHee-X9SaV5lq_g8/s1600/November2014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVeig5Ku3dIXRWZk1mM_AOy7kQEuEvfD7S-Epnu_EPfC9xW1awmQEhR2DJnpjCHn8Sq6nJEqSXfgywv9qC_1T1iVAo5vIyK1A1Xw69wUsPYURp9BF953tKCDX1Y-niHee-X9SaV5lq_g8/s1600/November2014.JPG" height="400" width="212" /></a></div>
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Wolfiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04743943656869294788noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8766983761847636077.post-12321760555444114192014-11-10T22:00:00.000-05:002014-11-10T22:00:08.640-05:00Being Social<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<![endif]--><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">When I
first met DH, I was told to steer clear of him. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was told that he wasn't a pleasant horse,
that he bit people and was nasty with other horses. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">For a gelding, DH displayed studdy behaviour and was not social with animals or humans. </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> What I found out was that DH was actually used as a stud before he partnered up with DH's Mom. Because of that, he was kept in a stall away from everyone, only brought out in public when he was expected to compete or breed. Gives you a whole different perspective on his personality when you take the time to understand his isolating circumstances prior to teaming up with DH's Mom. Of course, it was a big culture shock for him when DH's Mom bought him and transported him to LA's. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">DH
lost no time in establishing that he was the top horse when he was turned out with Gem and two other geldings in a small field.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sort of funny to see a 14.3h paint giving 16.0h
Gem the business!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It could be a bit
nerve-racking getting Gem from the turnout area;<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>DH would try to come in between us and try to herd Gem away from me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> He was doing his job as leader. </span>Eventually, what I ended up doing was
bringing a handful of horse treat kibble and throwing it off to the side. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While DH was busy looking for kibble, I would hook Gem and walk
out of the gate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The other geldings
eventually were put out with the herd and Gem and DH remained roommates for the
next 5 years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">This past
spring, DH was turned out with the herd.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He is now 16 years old and not as grumpy as he was 5 years ago. After a bumpy start, he has settled in and has 3 girlfriends to call his
own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>:-)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> He is happy. He is really socializing for the first time in his life. </span>I thought Gem might miss him, but it was basically a non-event for
him. Gem's turnout area is right on the
main throughway for the herd to get to the watering trough, so he gets to
see the comings and goings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is also
surrounded by other turnout areas so any way he faces, he sees horses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Sometimes nickers pass between him and members of the herd. Gem is socializing from afar. He's like me.....I nod to my neighbours over the fence or have a cordial chat as I am getting out of my car, but I don't encourage anyone to walk on to my property. I like my privacy. :-)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">A few weeks
ago, LA asked if it was OK to put Hank, a 15.1 QH, in with Gem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As winter approaches, the older horses
are brought into the largest turnout area near the house so they can be
monitored.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If she could
double up on the number of horses in the regular turnout areas, it would allow
for horses to be out all day instead of rotating between morning or afternoon
turnout.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have been on trail rides
with Hank and his person, and in fact, Hank's turnout was right next to Gem's
so they know each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Made sense to
me and I said go for it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">Later that
same day I got a call from LA:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">LA:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>"Well I wanted you to hear it from me
and not another boarder with added drama...."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">Me:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>"Oh, dear...."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">LA:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>"It didn't work out with Hank and
Gem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It started out well, but a couple
of hours later I heard screaming.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
raced over to the turnout area and Gem was beating Hank up and I had to
separate them."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">Me:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>"Is Hank hurt??!!!"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">LA:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, to be honest there are some pretty bad
bite marks and he already has a couple of areas that are swollen due to kicks. I don't want to chance a more severe injury and I am sure his owner doesn't either."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">Me:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>"OMG!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I feel so bad."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">LA:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>"Don't feel bad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is what horses do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don't take it personally."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">I saw Hank
a few days later, and my stomach flipped.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>His neck and back had quite a number of bites that were scabbing over - he was a
mess.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I suspect that due to where the bites were located, his owner was not riding him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt awful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And as much as it's horses being horses, Hank's owner did take it personally and has not spoken to
me since the incident!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwx2n0urTBDUN9tD-pEWrozt7FEWG38SZqeWF4dApfpFY7CAT9g4uDGZT4-SiW83zeiO93P9fr4am-FnfjVMdjI5cFPvgnl28NEd8402Dex5dNmwOwYO4ZVEsZ_yl5no_z1RmPtjV1rCM/s1600/White+face.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwx2n0urTBDUN9tD-pEWrozt7FEWG38SZqeWF4dApfpFY7CAT9g4uDGZT4-SiW83zeiO93P9fr4am-FnfjVMdjI5cFPvgnl28NEd8402Dex5dNmwOwYO4ZVEsZ_yl5no_z1RmPtjV1rCM/s1600/White+face.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rascal looks like this guy.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">Early last
week, LA called to ask if it was OK to try Rascal in with Gem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rascal is a beautiful white-faced QH, closer
to Gem's size. </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"> Somehow this gorgeous guy ended up on a feed lot and LA rescued him.</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"> Up until 6 weeks ago, he was a stallion; LA had him gelded when he arrived. Perhaps there was some residual chutzpah after he was
gelded that would make him a match for Gem attitude-wise?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I said go for it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">I happened
to be riding in the arena on Thursday when I overheard LA talking to one of her
staff about turning Rascal out in another area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What???<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I called LA to see
what was going on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Apparently, everything
was fine between the two of them for three days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But then all hell broke loose, resulting in
Gem kicking Rascal in the mouth and one of his teeth being knocked out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sigh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The vet had to be called in. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>Again, LA told me not to take it
personally.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But it's hard!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don't want my horse to be the one that gets
a bad reputation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don't want him to be
thought of like DH was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don't want
people or staff to be nervous of him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>LA
told me that wouldn't be the case. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>DH
continues to have incidents with humans (he nipped a guy on the chin), but Gem hasn't been mean to the humans around the barn so there shouldn't be a bad reputation issue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>So, Rascal
is now turned out with another horse and Gem is.....alone..... again......</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">When Gem left
the farm where he was born to go live with his new owner, he was the only horse
on her property.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was out 24/7 and was
ridden occasionally.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was more of a
pet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe that it was this lack of
socialization with other horses over a number of years that has impacted how he
behaves when it comes to roommates.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
gets rude and territorial.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I often
wonder how DH ever became the boss of Gem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Being an aggressive horse to begin with, DH must have just
bamboozled Gem from the moment Gem entered the turnout area when he first
arrived 5 years ago and the hierarchy was set instantly and remains to this day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">I think both LA and I have come to the realization that Gem will probably never have a roommate again. This will mean that he will only get a half day outside during the winter, instead of 10 hours. Better than a kick in the pants! Makes me sad though, but it doesn't affect him at all, which is the main thing. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3WFfSUCxsTlGzP4XOXzkQCojIR3Px30l4twupsLae-GVXyFPY_fTF27HT1C-8LYtR4Nohezfq5SpAQrCnmFINPPazWJ6H7_cp646EYgTHHOaMxSwsULx2cc8cHrk9i8UicERG1qsPTPY/s1600/Buddies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3WFfSUCxsTlGzP4XOXzkQCojIR3Px30l4twupsLae-GVXyFPY_fTF27HT1C-8LYtR4Nohezfq5SpAQrCnmFINPPazWJ6H7_cp646EYgTHHOaMxSwsULx2cc8cHrk9i8UicERG1qsPTPY/s1600/Buddies.jpg" height="200" width="190" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">On Sunday, I was
sitting on Gem, waiting for my trail riding buddy to arrive when LA,
accompanied by her Aussie cattle dog, came up to chat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her dog commenced wagging his butt and
assumed a slightly submissive stance in front of Gem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have seen this many times and have never been
concerned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although initially concerned because her dog had been kicked a few times by horses, LA no longer worries when he's around Gem. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I loosened Gem's reins, enough so that he
could lower his head and allow the dog to lick around his mouth and nose ever
so quietly and gently.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gem then licked the
dog back a couple of times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I smiled and
I could see that LA was amused also.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You
see, when Gem was with his previous owner, his only real
companions were a lab and a barn cat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>LA's
dog knows that Gem won't hurt him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And,
the cats at LA's make themselves comfortable on Gem's window ledge regularly (sometimes leaving a present of a dead mouse!) or
walk along his stall wall, allowing him to sniff and nibble at them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So he may not be socialized with horses, but Gem is certainly socialized with the other barn residents. He has company when he's IN the barn, which is sort of cool. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">I am OK with the current set up. I think that Gem is getting what he needs. If he wasn't, he would be a lunatic. Perhaps he just has discriminating tastes when it comes to who he wants to spend time with....I think I might have made his short list. :-) </span></div>
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Wolfiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04743943656869294788noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8766983761847636077.post-23648587983415485762014-10-07T15:42:00.002-04:002014-10-07T15:46:47.477-04:00When An Easy Keeper Isn't<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</xml><![endif]--><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">Every once
and a while, I realize how much I take for granted when it comes to the care of
Gem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The things that LA does are
transparent and just "happen".<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Recently, she had her hay tested to see exactly what it contained (it's
very good hay).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> She has the hay tested regularly and then adjusts the feed to complement the hay. </span>She felt that she
could do better when it came to the feed she was giving our horses and decided
to try something different.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After
deciding on a new supplier, she asked the feed rep to come in and give us a
presentation on horse nutrition and answer any questions we might have about
what our horses are eating. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTsn3TE44wOpep554iNgx58VMZaXFytqwTdwMQ7QtZ2bhJa_N5uirP-JE4J7FLtEIOc4fVc2G7taqkReZLqh6Dt-t7OcKSQBjX2SuvmFnO8LaELpslzooKW9_Xh5bWU364yesETS0VhHQ/s1600/CanadianHorse+vintage.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTsn3TE44wOpep554iNgx58VMZaXFytqwTdwMQ7QtZ2bhJa_N5uirP-JE4J7FLtEIOc4fVc2G7taqkReZLqh6Dt-t7OcKSQBjX2SuvmFnO8LaELpslzooKW9_Xh5bWU364yesETS0VhHQ/s1600/CanadianHorse+vintage.jpg" height="156" width="200" /></a>Holy crap,
horse nutrition can be complicated!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I was looking for my forever horse, my
wish list included "easy keeper".<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In my mind, "easy keeper"
translated into a horse that was not fussy on what he ate and didn't require
any special additives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When the Cheval
Canadien was first developed in the late 1600's, they were used to clear lumber
in the forests of Quebec. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">They needed to be smaller than the usual draft breeds to be able to maneuver in the trees and bushes, but strong enough to pull out the lumber. </span>There weren't a lot of open fields on
which to graze and in the winter they were turned loose to fend for
themselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Quebec winters are harsh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They survived by eating whatever they could find on
the forest floor and tree bark.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whatever they ate, they were able to efficiently extract every single bit
of calories and nutrition and store it for long periods of time; they could survive on very little food.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">Those that
survived were used as breeding stock. </span></span>As the breed
became more refined, the Little Iron Horse became a strong, muscular, sound horse and very "easy
keeper".<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sounds pretty good, right?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, maybe not.....</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeqjBhy_nsvX22Q2I_PEv2Y0JBHkdPfuJtbP8cjAoy1DpQqAQC42x_PE7bJApnkPaMxFoGzj4m9P8Njkhv4r-hjj0-a82D9kavTo-ZNgGIEhAEnVbZgDT__O16fNqxd8xj-3OfbjIiviI/s1600/Vintage-Canadian+horse+logging.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeqjBhy_nsvX22Q2I_PEv2Y0JBHkdPfuJtbP8cjAoy1DpQqAQC42x_PE7bJApnkPaMxFoGzj4m9P8Njkhv4r-hjj0-a82D9kavTo-ZNgGIEhAEnVbZgDT__O16fNqxd8xj-3OfbjIiviI/s1600/Vintage-Canadian+horse+logging.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><i>These vintage photos are of "working horses" in Quebec. Although not specified, in all likelihood the horses are Canadians.</i> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">Surviving
in the wilds of Quebec is one thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, when your "easy
keeper" is part of today's normal animal husbandry routine, where food is plentiful
and provided in nice round bales or square flakes, it can be a challenge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Who knew?! </span>That trait of being able to store calories/fat for longer periods makes easy keepers prone to weight gain. This is quite common in ponies and draft
breeds. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, weight gain can lead to
other problems, like joint issues, metabolic disorders and laminitis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yikes!! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">After
the presentation, the rep volunteered to give horses a body condition
rating.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was really interesting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She used the Henneke body condition
guidelines, which was developed back in the 1980's, in part so that there was a
standard guideline for law enforcement agencies to judge horse cruelty cases.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnS6OOiiN0xfBBOh5c-nGgybYo0KZ6T7CAlAd-CcFUC3cuFUQQGh_cDwR17oJgRhr2PRCm9ilwm3svzLTXAF0ajiAcVaFugvkk6ahFl4Syixkh7V7Gc8Kg2tH2JZfqiER5Y8MakEE5rkc/s1600/Henneke+horse+body+condition+scoring+system.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnS6OOiiN0xfBBOh5c-nGgybYo0KZ6T7CAlAd-CcFUC3cuFUQQGh_cDwR17oJgRhr2PRCm9ilwm3svzLTXAF0ajiAcVaFugvkk6ahFl4Syixkh7V7Gc8Kg2tH2JZfqiER5Y8MakEE5rkc/s1600/Henneke+horse+body+condition+scoring+system.jpg" height="320" width="318" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">The horses that were examined were all Quarter Horses and one TB/QH cross, all bright-eyed, shiny and healthy (thank you, LA!).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As it
turns out, the majority of the horses she looked at were around a 5-6 body
score, which is good. To be honest, I thought one of
the horses would have been scored higher because her belly was big.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The rep explained that what we were looking at
was a "hay belly", where fermentation has occurred.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This could be caused by poor quality hay (not
the case), not enough protein in the feed or perhaps this horse's digestion had
slowed a bit due to her age (21).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
will be rectified with the new feed and mixing yeast in her portion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The TB cross mare was a
4-5.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She's a barrel racer and a bit high
strung.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>LA will work with the owner now
that show season is over to beef her up a bit for winter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBNLoQow3p_LgzjieBbzet02-AbHhwapk1Ht7fFj-e15I_7hGnIc18kzm2vBMWpq_SVVcvf1IEgr6TqYlGblkJdTz-1nVRiPhJiVdeIn_qkHYmDun0YO6I3Weku0Ke4JI7j5lQJumBqys/s1600/Gem2-June+2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBNLoQow3p_LgzjieBbzet02-AbHhwapk1Ht7fFj-e15I_7hGnIc18kzm2vBMWpq_SVVcvf1IEgr6TqYlGblkJdTz-1nVRiPhJiVdeIn_qkHYmDun0YO6I3Weku0Ke4JI7j5lQJumBqys/s1600/Gem2-June+2014.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">Then we
came to Gem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>:-)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She took his breed and the amount of
"work" he does into consideration when she examined him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He scored "7".<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> He does not have a hay belly or fatty deposits....his weight is evenly distributed. While scoring a 7 is not bad for his breed, </span>there are two things that we decided
to do to ensure that he would never get above 7.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was a major change to his routine back in June; Gem no longer has a turnout roommate to compete with when it comes to the bale of hay (DH is now out with
the herd). He has the luxury of being able to eat all day, without<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> fuss. Going forward, </span>LA will be rotating him between his turnout
area where the bale is and the large round pen, where his intake will be
flakes of hay at specific times during the day. H<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">e will continue to get his "taste" of feed when the others get their scoops.
</span>In addition, he will be worked a little more during the week; either LA
will lunge him once a week or I will try to make it out one more evening a
week. </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Gem was actually much bigger when we first partnered up, so there is hope. :-) </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">There is an extreme cowboy clinic that is happening next summer and I am very interested in participating. To be honest, I don't think either Gem or I are any where near being in condition to participate in this all day event; I believe I am also a "7" on the Henneke body condition score. :-) You never know....if winter weather cooperates and I am able to keep up the routine, come Spring we could be in good enough shape to do the clinic. I have signed us up for weekly lessons over the next month to get us back into a routine. Giddy up!! </span></span></div>
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Wolfiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04743943656869294788noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8766983761847636077.post-66951017721284578652014-09-16T14:55:00.000-04:002014-09-16T14:55:12.460-04:00Apples, Thundering Hooves and Quicksand<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<![endif]--><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">At
last!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The temperatures are dropping and
the last week has been wonderfully coolish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>DH's Mom and I went out the other day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was a very relaxed ride, the two of us not talking much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gem has taken to walking with purpose when we
go out, that plus his bigger steps means that we usually get ahead of DH's Mom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So when we entered the old orchard through a
very narrow, dark entrance, </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">we were way ahead of DH's Mom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span> The sight that greeted Gem and I was quite funny....picture being greeted by five horse butts sticking out from bushes. That's all you could see...their butts. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It's the height of the apple season.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The horse's couldn't have cared less about us
being there; there were apples to be eaten! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We stopped and waited for our slow poke companions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When our friends entered, the horse butts pointed at DH made him spook a little.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Really??<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">We walked through the orchard (Careful! Horse butt up ahead!!) and then entered the scrub brush area. Gem made a bee-line to his "special shrub".<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Over the summer, he started walking right through
this large shrub located in the middle of an open area, then backing up through
it...back and forth a few times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Initially, I thought he was just being a jerk and would force him
forward.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then DH's Mom pointed out that
he was scraping the flies off of his belly. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So this has been part of the routine all
summer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The flies aren't as bad now...so
I think he does it because it feels good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>:-)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">On the way
back to the barn, Gem lowered his head looking for some apples that had fallen
from a nearby tree.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He tripped over his
own front feet and his whole front end went down!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, the side of his head hit the
ground.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> WTH? </span>I was pitched forward on to his
neck...I have to say that getting a horn in the gut isn't pleasant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, my concern was righting my boy so I
quickly sat back in the saddle and steadily pulled back and braced the reins to give
him something to "lean" on to help him up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was none the worse for wear, thankfully.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>DH's Mom was impressed that I stayed in the
saddle.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">Last Friday, Gem was a bit frisky (cooler weather??) Because of this, I took the time to warm him up in the paddock. He was not paying complete attention to me and DH's Mom asked if I wanted to lunge. I believe that lunging has benefits, but I prefer to ride it out and get his head back when I am in the saddle. When Gem consistently responded to me telling him "easy", then I felt ready to hit the trails. Looking back, I am glad we had a warm up session.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">The ride started out pleasant enough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>DH's
Mom and I were joined by CL riding a beautiful Clyde,
Marty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gem looks delicate next to this
guy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> :-) </span>CL, like DH's Mom, has ridden most of her life. Marty is still a youngster - I think he's 4 - and he still has some youngster behaviour. But CL corrects and moves on. I like riding with them. CL/Marty were leading us across the
large middle field, with Gem and I close behind and DH's Mom/DH a little further back, bringing up the rear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>About
5 minutes into our ride, we started to enter the winter feeding field to gain
access to the forest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>CL/Marty stopped
dead at the entrance on high alert.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then
I heard it....the pounding of hooves!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We couldn't see exactly what was going on because of the trees and shrubs
against the stone wall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvRm6x5LKp6Wz2lvI_5WclvxcW5GbeEFrcBDmdS6rEM-YTyNqjC6iqhsicKXcgIXbusku8qLLgGxVEXceG3J-0XYBFkwi9nM_HbDz4YW83uqoi9qoV3boWnD_QOFxLMS_yTAjRl4hM1xg/s1600/Stampede.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvRm6x5LKp6Wz2lvI_5WclvxcW5GbeEFrcBDmdS6rEM-YTyNqjC6iqhsicKXcgIXbusku8qLLgGxVEXceG3J-0XYBFkwi9nM_HbDz4YW83uqoi9qoV3boWnD_QOFxLMS_yTAjRl4hM1xg/s1600/Stampede.jpg" height="400" width="310" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Direction of thundering, crazy horses.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">I moved Gem
to the right, away from the entrance and tried to take cover against a couple of bushes as
the herd of 30 horses thundered through the small opening, with a couple breaking
off and either jumping the wall (WTH!) or veering into the forest. Holy crap, Batman!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had an adrenaline rush and my complete
focus was on Gem and keeping us safe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was thinking quite
clearly and honestly, there was no room for panic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I implemented a half-halt and luckily in the
excitement, I managed to convince Gem </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">to do small circles and </span>that there was no need to follow the herd.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had my palm on the horn pushing my butt
into the saddle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> The thunder of the herd galloping by me pretty much drowned out any other noise, but </span>I do remember hearing
DH's Mom yelling at me to hang on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Understandably,
Gem was a bit bouncy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was one point
that I lost my balance slightly and thought that I might be coming off, but I
righted myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I got it together in
time to watch the last of the horses continue galloping down the bottom of the
field.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Beautiful. </span>Then I started to breathe
again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>:-)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course, this whole incident only lasted,
what, 30 SECONDS???<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have no idea what
caused the stampede. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>DH's Mom admitted
that she was a tad nervous...her main concern was a horse kicking out and
hurting her or DH.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Gem and I survived our first stampede! Yay! OK, it needs to be said - DH's Mom was not wearing a helmet. This is a perfect example of how the situation can change in an instant when you are out on the trails. Just sayin'. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">As we rode
along the golf course, a golfer's ball connected with, I think, the flag pole
resulting in a loud twang! noise...right next to us. Come on...really?? Gem did his
beautiful two large side steps...his version of spooking (geez, I wish I could
get him to side step like that when I asked....his cross-over is amazing!)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">Then CL decided to take us into the
marsh..."oh, it's not too muddy", she said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Good grief.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I should have known
better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With all of the rain we've had,
how could it not be muddy, for cripes sakes!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She led Marty through deep mud that caked his feathers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> I have to tell you it was like quicksand....as you walked, it was like you got sucked in deeper and deeper into the black goo. </span>Gem, in the meantime, was trying to convince
me that walking along the edge of the trail through very thick bushes to avoid the ankle
deep mud was OK...not! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Believe me, if
walking through the brush was a viable option, I would have been all over
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, it was actually safer to
walk right down the middle of swampy mud.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Convincing him took some effort, but he listened more often than
not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know, hard to believe,
right?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Me convincing him that mud was OK.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Crazy, eh?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>DH's Mom was struggling a bit as DH is only about 14.3hh and his tiny
feet were really sinking into the mud.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
In retrospect, it probably wasn't the safest situation for DH's Mom and DH to be in. Interestingly, although I was apprehensive as we got deeper into the marsh area, I focused on the fact that we were almost through it, and I was OK.....I did not loose my mind. Weird, eh? </span>When we emerged, Gem and Marty had mud and splashes half way up their legs and
on their bellies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>DH was covered and
DH's Mom's jeans were splashed up to her knees.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Sometimes there is an advantage to being on a taller horse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>:-)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">The whole ride, I was the entertainment...in a good way. :-) DH's Mom was reminiscing to CL how last year I would yell or scream like a girl in certain situations, or how I would tell DH's Mom to go fly a kite if she wanted me to try something, etc. etc. We laughed a lot. Later on, CL gave me a high five for being a good sport and for having a
great ride. </span>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2mgJZhqP0gfBmuKHTBa7sxHBXENVXoYqj4PiZ9AGQt7u7_Y1EtkqwiD4QO9uypld2K8iGQiu2omSAww926QIrf5b7lKyG6BJm30cSOBZ9hyphenhyphenmCigNNijNm76q26g8umyZawGaREyp66xU/s1600/Gem+-+June+1014.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2mgJZhqP0gfBmuKHTBa7sxHBXENVXoYqj4PiZ9AGQt7u7_Y1EtkqwiD4QO9uypld2K8iGQiu2omSAww926QIrf5b7lKyG6BJm30cSOBZ9hyphenhyphenmCigNNijNm76q26g8umyZawGaREyp66xU/s1600/Gem+-+June+1014.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a>As I drove to the pub to meet DH's Mom, I reviewed the ride and smiled...a lot! I did pretty good! Over beers, DH's Mom mentioned how </span>pleased she was with how I managed the various situations presented over the last few rides<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">. And then she said it. She said that I was ready to go with her for an off-site trail ride. </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nice to hear, of course, <a href="http://www.wolfie-whatwasithinking.blogspot.ca/2014_04_01_archive.html">coming from her</a>. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If she had said this to me a couple of months
ago, I would have been jumping for joy and asking when.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But the reality of it was that her suggestion
did not carry the "approval" weight that I thought
it would.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">You see, I think the last couple of rides have pushed me to the next level....</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"> I have
graduated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">...in spite of riding inconsistently. </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> I don't need an offsite to add variety to my riding experience or to prove anything to anyone. </span>I am more confident, my seat is better and I
am learning to go with whatever the ride throws my way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Gem's confidence in me shows and I would rather continue to build on that and focus more on jogging and loping out in the fields at LA's. In fact, the stampede proved to me that horses can run really fast through the fields and not trip on anything. :-)</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">I appreciate DH's Mom recognizing my recent achievements </span>and I thanked her, but I didn't take the bait. </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"> We enjoyed our evening. When I got home, I told My Husband about my super, awesome ride...and he was suitably impressed. </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"> :-)</span></div>
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Wolfiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04743943656869294788noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8766983761847636077.post-69727655041209134462014-09-08T12:35:00.002-04:002014-09-15T20:16:04.381-04:00Love, Like and Dislike<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</xml><![endif]--><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">I love
summer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love sitting on a patio with
friends having a cool drink.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love
BBQs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love sitting with my feet in the
pool, hypnotized by the shimmers on the water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I love the brightness of the sun. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love the colours of the gardens.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love the birds. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love wearing linen and sandals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I am not a huge fan of summer
riding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t like the bugs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t like the fact that, with temperatures
hovering around 30C coupled with high humidity, I have sweat dripping down my
face before I even get the saddle on Gem! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don't like the feeling of sweat-soaked
clothing sticking to me after I ride.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
addition to heat, this summer we had the added bonus of severe storms…..nice to
watch through a window, but not great for anything else…. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaxcufeeZsOu7UIeHF2p3g-CI9UShpWFUi_Rp-mNHprd55JFMd4b_bJiejYVuIN7pUeT_ilBo8SNPNwCZZt8_WB36_knucGwmQmS5tqG_WsOYBUXiGNKfLGdhdBFEpFn_RAUUCvQD5KIM/s1600/Gem2-June+2014.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaxcufeeZsOu7UIeHF2p3g-CI9UShpWFUi_Rp-mNHprd55JFMd4b_bJiejYVuIN7pUeT_ilBo8SNPNwCZZt8_WB36_knucGwmQmS5tqG_WsOYBUXiGNKfLGdhdBFEpFn_RAUUCvQD5KIM/s1600/Gem2-June+2014.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a>Gem has
been enjoying his life of leisure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He loves his private turnout area, where he spends the day munching on
hay or lounging under his tree.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> DH, his roommate of 5 years, was turned out with the herd in J</span>une and now has his own little harem. I thought Gem might miss him, but he took it in stride. Besides, Gem is
not alone; there are five other turnout areas bordering on his that have one or
two horses in each.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are separated
from each other by electric tape fencing but are still able to socialize.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>LA lunges him once a week,
just to keep him loose.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looks big and
shiny and in spite of the heat and the horrific number of flies, his humour is
generally good. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I see him, we enjoy
each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe it’s an age thing (he
will be 14 in October), but he seems content.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You would think that my inconsistent riding schedule over the summer
would cause him to be impatient with me when we do ride, but it hasn’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I like the fact that there doesn’t seem to be
any anxiety for either of us. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">There were
a few times that I just didn’t want to ride out in
the fields; too hot, too many bugs, etc. etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So Gem and I did short sessions in the front paddock.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We hadn’t really “worked” in a while, and I
really enjoyed communicating with him this way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He was patient and responsive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One
time, we actually did Keyhole with a young lady getting ready for a
competition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What fun!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of
course, his turn wasn’t tight after he went through the barrels, but he sure enjoyed
loping home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Arial; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">:-)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Arial; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"> </span></span><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/dUW3MhBJi4M?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">I actually
love riding in a soft rain. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love the
quiet that comes about when it starts to rain, I love the sound of it on the
leaves and I certainly love the coolness of it on my skin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A fellow boarder and I were out on the trails
last week and it started to rain, soft at first and then a little harder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We ended up going into the forest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We stood and watched the golfers on the other
side of the wall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was refreshingly
cool in the forest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were quite dry
under the trees and it was peaceful.</span>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">I went out
with DH’s Mom recently.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had had quite
a storm the night before and I wasn’t too happy about going out on the
trails…..there’s mud after it rains…..mud.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Anyway, I sucked it up and off we went. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The forest is great, but for a big guy like
Gem, it can be confining.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some of the
trails are too narrow, some have trees that are too low.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have to be careful and remind my riding
buddies of Gem’s size.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s happened
more than once that we had to back out of a tight spot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The forest is also a great place for deep
mud….it never gets a chance to completely dry so when it rains, the mud gets
deeper and squishier.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After walking
through some deep mud without issue, I relaxed. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yay!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were on a narrow path and I was gabbing to
DH’s Mom over my shoulder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then…wham!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gem swerved to avoid a puddle and my left
knee was slammed into a tree, pulling my leg out of the stirrup and half
unseating me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It hurt!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I iced it as soon as I got home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My knee did swell a bit and I still have a
really nice black bruise covering my knee cap.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The reality is that I should have been paying attention to where we were
going in the forest, not turned in the saddle having a conversation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lesson learned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It seems that I always end up with one injury
every summer….I am hoping that this is it.</span>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>DH’s Mom, TS and SS have gone on quite a few
off-sites over the summer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In general,
the excursions have been good. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I guess
you really get to know someone when you travel with them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Arial; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">:-)</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>There were a couple of scary
incidents, including TS experiencing a runaway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>DH’s Mom mentioned that she didn’t like the fact that SS believes that
it’s OK to let his horse graze untethered…apparently, he believes that he has
trained his horse to “stay”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I agree
with DH’s Mom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If something were to
spook the horse, he could take off and be a danger to himself and others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The three of them did manage a
camp overnighter mid-summer and said that although it was stifling hot, laying
out under the stars and hearing your horse munching next to you was pretty
awesome....I agree.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Arial; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">:-)</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggyYW8dkLg23-pLWciDM3jrRnozJ0EKiO5P_1XdsTS0nGd5sNClXUmj9RmhocbNBeA8z9_OC2IAEL57SOFqM3wCIO-E_4aq2Id3OiDPrD3SFMUUD7WQXv6mecv6k51lVpb6VbYm-tbQNQ/s1600/Popeye.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggyYW8dkLg23-pLWciDM3jrRnozJ0EKiO5P_1XdsTS0nGd5sNClXUmj9RmhocbNBeA8z9_OC2IAEL57SOFqM3wCIO-E_4aq2Id3OiDPrD3SFMUUD7WQXv6mecv6k51lVpb6VbYm-tbQNQ/s1600/Popeye.jpg" height="200" width="104" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">My plans to
do an off-site trail ride this summer sort of went by the wayside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The weather was a major factor for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>LA and I talked about it on and off, with
plans to do something the end of August.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Then LA sustained an injury to her forearm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was loading a usually calm mare, a mare
that she knew well and had ridden, into her trailer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This mare had trailering experience, but for
some reason freaked out and kicked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her
hoof narrowly missed LA’s head; fortunately her forearm happened to be
positioned in front of her head and took the brunt of the kick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was confirmed after a visit to the
hospital, that no bones were broken, but skin was broken (in the shape of the
hoof!) and her arm was so swollen that her fingers were numb. Her arm looked
like Popeye’s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was on pain
medication for a week and had to take it easy. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She did not have an unkind word to say about
the horse....stuff happens when you are around them and some things cannot be
predicted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">The flies
have been horrific this year, but for some strange reason, Gem only has a very,
very small smattering of bot fly eggs on his legs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What’s with that???<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am not complaining!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I like the fact that his legs don’t look
yellow from the knee down!</span>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1HvPARJ0uEk9Y_jN03LylI2JnW5jzqBLcbQX6ZErSuYIB9wZWgIvTS_BoVxiwGfBtawgi7Jhz-IrXmR_rgTnk7XSVuLXrkLxOqUl0r4WCOImwpdkBNEVgU45UDq418LzPRUKjd7aIN1s/s1600/Lady-May+2014.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1HvPARJ0uEk9Y_jN03LylI2JnW5jzqBLcbQX6ZErSuYIB9wZWgIvTS_BoVxiwGfBtawgi7Jhz-IrXmR_rgTnk7XSVuLXrkLxOqUl0r4WCOImwpdkBNEVgU45UDq418LzPRUKjd7aIN1s/s1600/Lady-May+2014.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lady - May 2014</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">Lady is doing well! She has put on weight and is loving her life. She's now 35 years old and I like that she has found a forever home that allows her to mingle with other senior horses. She is at a peaceful stage in her life and looks great.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">I don't
like barn politics and I certainly don't like being involved with barn
nastiness. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>unrest at the barn this summer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My understanding is that a boarder had LA
look for another barrel racer for them. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The thought was that this second horse would
also be boarded at LA's.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>LA put time into locating a perfect horse
for them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They waffled back and forth,
then bought the horse, did not pay LA a finders fee and then set the horse up in
a out building on their hobby farm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then the
boarder took her daughter out of lessons and started coaching her on the new
horse at home. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>WTH??<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This woman doesn't even ride!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her thought was that because she had sat
through so many lessons that her daughter took with LA, she could do the same at home and save the
money.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, to add insult to injury,
this boarder started encouraging others at LA's barn to take gaming clinics at
another facility; some boarders did, so there were two camps - the loyals to LA and the betrayers. Sigh. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Disappointing for LA from a business perspective,
yes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But also devastating to her personally because this boarder and LA were friends!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Well, not so much any more. </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>I am not sure if LA asked her to leave or if
she did on her own but her other barrel horse is gone and so is her tack.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> I like that the tension seems to have been lifted....and I also like that there is more space in the tack room!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">I like the fact that the temperatures will start to become cooler. My favourite time to ride is the fall and winter. I love the colours and breathing in crisp air. There are predictions that we are in for a mild fall. If it means that I don't have to seriously layer-up clothing-wise until the end of November, then I will like that. :-)</span></span></div>
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Wolfiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04743943656869294788noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8766983761847636077.post-66470514494606013902014-06-05T13:12:00.000-04:002014-09-15T20:15:18.183-04:00Freedom<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<![endif]--><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">I am the
type of person that doesn't like being dependent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As an example, I loved smoking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I smoked for a very long time and for the
most part enjoyed it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But when I
realized that it was becoming inconvenient to smoke and that I was planning my social
time around smoking, I quit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Just like that. </span>And it was
freeing.</span>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">After <a href="http://wolfie-whatwasithinking.blogspot.ca/2014/04/shades-of-scared.html">DH's Mom's conversation</a> with me regarding trailering offsite, I gave my head a shake
and set my jaw. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was reminded that I
did not want to be dependent on others when it came to riding and frankly, no one was going to tell me that I couldn't handle an offsite
ride!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>:-)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">I booked a
private lesson with LA, out in the loping field a couple of weeks ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I told her that I wanted to start riding on my own
safely and confidently.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">That I wanted to be able to have the freedom to come to the barn when I wanted and not feel the confines of having to ride with someone. </span> She eventually
got it out of me how inadequate DH's Mom's comments made me feel.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">LA:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you think DH's Mom is a good rider?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">Me:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She's a confident rider.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She's been riding since she was a kid.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">LA:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Yes, she is confident. But she's far from perfect. </span>We all have little technical quirks when it
comes to riding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I can tell you
right now, neither DH's Mom, TS or SS is qualified to make an assessment of
your skills.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You are a much better rider
than you give yourself credit for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Stop listening to them and </span>don't
be so hard on yourself!</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">Of course, after her little pep talk, my lesson was awesome. :-) Gem and I jogged around the field numerous times. The ground, with it's lumps and bumps and hardness, feels sooooo much different from sand! Gem was fresh at the beginning, but he eventually calmed down. He was very responsive to my requests to slow down or speed up. He eventually dropped his head a bit and I think he was enjoying being out in the open. I enjoyed being one on one with him. LA did point out that the uneven terrain causes me to pitch forward a bit, so I have to work on keeping my back pressed against the imaginary wall. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">LA: I think you should lope now.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">Me: OK.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">LA: Walk him a few strides and then queue him. It will be fine. Don't over-think it. Loping around a field is fantastic.... it's the most freeing feeling.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">I cleared my head of thoughts tripping on rocks or small shrubs and focused on the sun, the view and how powerful Gem felt....and, of course, how beautiful his flowing mane looked. :-) There were a few times that I thought Gem was getting away from me, but I gently sat back and he ever so slightly slowed his pace to something I was more comfortable with. Strangely, I didn't seem to notice the differences in the terrain like I did when we jogged around the field. One time when we were going around a bend, he actually self-corrected his lead by doing a flying lead change!!! LA clapped at that. :-) I felt wonderful....and free. :-) </span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjNzqZQfu88lbK9pyOrzcq0cD3lESHvnMjbzM7am9jY5diFbNLz1Ph2GuwDXe9QtH7FNlW563Gw2LC5FoSeGbwIHUEz934A00eViVewkGrTKsW1leA8s309PW-PDYxsIYSDVLZgf5Lg9I/s1600/Gem+in+Paddock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjNzqZQfu88lbK9pyOrzcq0cD3lESHvnMjbzM7am9jY5diFbNLz1Ph2GuwDXe9QtH7FNlW563Gw2LC5FoSeGbwIHUEz934A00eViVewkGrTKsW1leA8s309PW-PDYxsIYSDVLZgf5Lg9I/s1600/Gem+in+Paddock.jpg" height="320" width="218" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">After that lesson, I went out the trails with DH's Mom, TS and SS. As we entered the large field from the orchard, TS said she was going to lope. SS and DH's Mom said they would join her and asked if I was coming. I told them to do their thing. One of the things that LA told me a long time ago was to not always lope when others did; you didn't want your horse to think that he should lope every time others took off. So, Gem and I came to a stop and watched them all take off across the large open space. Gem's ears were pointed towards them, but at no time did I feel his body coil up and indicate that he wanted to lope after them. We stood and watched them come to a stop at the other side of the field. It was then that I asked him to jog across the field towards them....which he did at a beautifully easy and consistent pace. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">And that, my friends, is how awesome my horse is.....he stayed with me. He didn't race after the group and when I asked him to catch up with them he did so at the pace I determined. I will admit that my heart did swell a bit, and I had a big smile on my face as we came up to the group. As we jogged past my fellow riders, who had stopped to catch their breath, I mentioned that Gem and I were going to hang out in the loping field and left the group standing there. He and I spent some quality time together walking around the field, enjoying the sun and the apple blossoms. Bliss. Yes, the umbilical cord has been cut..... :-)</span></div>
Wolfiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04743943656869294788noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8766983761847636077.post-51052317118670109622014-04-29T23:21:00.000-04:002014-04-29T23:21:59.852-04:00Shades of Scared<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;">Bucking Beauty:</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">The weird
weather over the last month meant that most times we were riding in the arena.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
don't mind riding in the arena.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However,
when the weather doesn't cooperate, it can get busy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">The last
two times in the arena, a young lady and her friend joined in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The young lady has a new horse....a 4-year
old ex-race horse that she wants to train for games and barrel racing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This mare is not used to being ridden.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">She carries her head very high and doesn't actually walk, she prances. </span>She only knows to go straight and fast...really fast. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She bucks when she's asked to trot or lope in a controlled manner. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is spooky and will take off. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not a great scenario when it's crowded, but
the young lady wants to expose her new mare to everything so that she's ready
for the show scene.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I get that, but I
really hate hearing "look out!!" from behind me as she is trying to
get her horse under control. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perhaps
part of the problem is that it's sensory overload for the mare and she's frightened??? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was so bad one afternoon, that all of us exited
the arena because the mare was totally out of control. It was thought that lunging might get her "head" back. I didn't stick around.....I had had enough of
her horse taking off and bucking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sigh.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"> </span>
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;">Full Speed Ahead!:</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">Flooding has affected the trails around the barn, but the nicer weather and crowded
arena encouraged people to get out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Obviously, the grass and trails are slippery because of the wet,
muddy conditions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The other day, DH's
Mom, TS and SS were out on the trails.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>TS and DH's Mom started to walk into the forest, when suddenly they
heard the thumping of hooves and SS yelling "WHOA!!!! WHOA!!!".<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For some reason, SS's horse spooked and
bolted at a full gallop across the muddy field.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It took a while, but eventually SS was able
to convince his horse to stop galloping.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was very, very scary for both rider and the observers. The other horses went into high alert, wondering why SS's horse took off in the first place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every little thing set them off. The ride was a short one. My first
thought was why didn't SS execute an emergency half-halt?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perhaps the slippery conditions would have
caused his horse to fall???<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has been
using a bit-less bridle lately, and I wondered if he had been using a bit would it
have made a difference in slowing his horse down quicker??? </span><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;">Too Big!!!</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">I had a
friend from downtown Toronto
visit over the Easter weekend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had
never been near a horse and was excited and afraid at the same time about
meeting Gem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> He was totally freaked out when he saw how big Gem is and he tried very hard to mask his nervousness because he knew that Gem might feed off of it. </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Initially, he wouldn't
touch Gem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Eventually, he started helping me groom and
tack up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>:-)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">There were a </span>couple of other riders in the arena when we arrived. My friend put on a helmet and made himself comfortable on a stool. Initially, he was nervous as horses passed in front of him, but after a while he relaxed; he was my cheering section when I loped
around the arena.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>:-)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the end of my ride, I asked if he wanted
to sit on Gem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He hesitated and I could
tell by his colour that he was very nervous, but he said "yes"!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Up he got.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Gem was a gem as usual and I led my friend around a few small
circles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was mortified at how high up he was and how powerful Gem felt, but when he
dismounted and was on the ground, he was so excited that he had faced his fear. I was impressed! He could now tell all of his Toronto
friends that he "rode" a horse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>:-)</span><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;">Breathe!!!!:</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">LA took Gem
for a spin the other day and texted me this:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>" Gem's mouth is lovely and soft.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Good work!"<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was very
pleased.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>:-)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She also mentioned that she had him in the
water and that I should take him out to the pond because he enjoyed getting
wet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>OK.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So the next time I went out, DH's Mom and I went to the pond.....and I
froze.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could not believe how flooded
the area was and how large the pond was!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Deep breaths.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Deep breaths.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>DH's Mom went right in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gem and I walked in about 10 feet.....and he
splashed and splashed, soaking DH's Mom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>:-)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was uncomfortable, and
when I felt it was too much, I asked him to walk back to the shore....and he
did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, we went in and out 3
times!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was huge for me in the "trusting
your horse" department.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So the next time we went out on the trails
with DH's Mom and TS, we went into the pond and continued walking right
across!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The water was up to his belly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think I held my breath the whole way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>lol!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
was elated when we reached the other side.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We stood for a moment on shore and then walked back through the pond without
hesitation!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He absolutely loved it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>:-)</span><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;">Satisfaction:</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">DH's Mom purchased a truck a couple of weeks ago and is in the process of purchasing a trailer. Initially, she was going to purchase a two-horse trailer but she explained to me over after-ride burgers and beer that if she had a three-horse trailer, her, TS and SS could trailer to other equestrian trails in the region and spend the day. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">Me: "I would be interested in that!!!" </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">DH's Mom (very dismissively): "You don't like water. We are looking for variety and we really want to ride these trails. There's all sorts of terrain. You couldn't do it." </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">Me: "Oh, I see."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">DH's Mom: "You only ride a few hours a week and we ride almost every day."</span></div>
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<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">I was, well....crushed. After her comments, I immediately felt inadequate. Since that time, I have listened to DH's Mom, TS and SS talk amongst themselves about how they will have to drive a couple of hours to this trail and how they would have to stay over night at that trail and how much this one costs compared to this one....and on and on. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">Enter Lady's ex-caregiver. We actually got together this past weekend for lunch. </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"> A conversation we were having about horse trailers (she used to trailer her Percheron to dressage competitions), transitioned into a discussion about her </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">new Clydesdale, a beauty that she got for trail riding on her property.....<i>yes, she owns 100 acres with trails</i>....oh, and her property has access to a couple of service roads that are connected to neighbour fields who have given her permission to ride through....a trail riders paradise it sounds like to me. And, she has invited me and Gem to come to her place and ride with her! She has offered to pick Gem up in her trailer and</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"> if I wanted I could leave Gem over night so we could trail ride over a weekend (she's only 30 minutes away from my house, so I would go home and then come back in the morning). </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">Nice, eh? </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">The next time I rode with DH's Mom, I told her about my lunch with Lady's ex-caregiver. I have to say that I felt great satisfaction in telling her about my invitation to ride with Lady's ex-caregiver on her property. I also felt great satisfaction when I realized that DH's Mom was envious. </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"> This adventure, which she and the others crave, was handed to me. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"> </span></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmJHRo1yhveNolYPE-Io2_sTZPchmkm0Tgl3pUs7Dy44M2EOscSp5Ie4pVXd9oq8N1mFiCJT8jwDJTycEgRKXZquohvTpeYxQ2VWx54eMkUkDx_2nVm4dFUn4o2nXVgJmCRaF-SvvpWYQ/s1600/Birthday+Trail+Ride+2013-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmJHRo1yhveNolYPE-Io2_sTZPchmkm0Tgl3pUs7Dy44M2EOscSp5Ie4pVXd9oq8N1mFiCJT8jwDJTycEgRKXZquohvTpeYxQ2VWx54eMkUkDx_2nVm4dFUn4o2nXVgJmCRaF-SvvpWYQ/s1600/Birthday+Trail+Ride+2013-2.jpg" height="168" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">DH's Mom and the others may think my capabilities are lacking, but my horse rocks and makes up for my shortcomings. He's not the one that spooks regularly (SS) or takes off (SS) or rears and sits down when a bird flies out of the brushes (TS) or buck-a-lopes when she's pissed or in heat, which seems to be all the time (DH's Mom). My Gem is sane. Hmm, now that I think about it, do I really want to go off site with these guys???</span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">Knowing that I have a friend who would like to ride with me on her trails (how awesome is that!!!??) has rejuvenated my confidence. </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">So, my goal over the next few weeks is to ride on my own and go in the pond, play in the mud and when the ground dries out, lope in the field to get used to the feel of the ground under foot. All of these really push me outside of my comfort zone, but when the stars align and I do get to ride at Lady's ex-caregiver's place, I will be prepared! </span></div>
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Wolfiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04743943656869294788noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8766983761847636077.post-8153514287745900902014-03-17T23:05:00.002-04:002014-03-17T23:05:11.721-04:00Stress+Awesome=Balance<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</xml><![endif]--><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">Hope everyone is well! Winter is almost over...really.... it is!! </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">There have
been moments over the last six weeks where I felt like I was in some sort of vortex.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stress was a normal state for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here's a snapshot:</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">Work life since January 2014:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>membership renewals, closing year-end, office reno and move of department to new space, setting up invoicing for new European office (damn you, VAT!), yearly audit one month
earlier than usual, Board meeting, workplace harassment. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">Personal life since January 2014:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> A house that </span>My Husband and I really liked came back on
the market so we listed ours on Feb 1st and had 5 showings the two weeks, my
mother's caregiver quit three days before I went on holiday mid-February, Lady's caregiver had to transfer Lady to the actual rescue group's farm because she couldn't feed Lady as often as she needed to keep weight on over this cold winter, my
mother became very cranky that my youngest sister and I were going away for two
weeks (we manage her care), came back from holiday to find that my other
sister has convinced my mother
that she should be taking care of her and her finances.....what???</span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">There were
times when I really thought the top of my head was going to blow off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But....it didn't.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>:-) <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, as much as there was a lot of stress, there was also awesomeness.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpXV3xaBZGm001N5EAIJGDK05I3ZfiddQpd1-izS7q2cvrI1ZH1b0Ew45j0E_cWvSGTtRgN9M1vwfAShAo0YDzdvK52ot_34kGW-6vAXM7jW2BzC6zuf7oiBFhOelP9Bv3oxj6e_LD6EM/s1600/P1030043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoY3SP979cI_rUmpfrI3sJfmCz3c19T89u5K2DJQFP2-WS6gKoFfKM49TIH1B0Ya2J0BAWs_WtFoRVwwp0tWs-Kcmfut1BEW2OyIiVKxayCGf_Sdd5v8POIQo2pFtay4I2HJ8iWenGk7w/s1600/P1020874.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoY3SP979cI_rUmpfrI3sJfmCz3c19T89u5K2DJQFP2-WS6gKoFfKM49TIH1B0Ya2J0BAWs_WtFoRVwwp0tWs-Kcmfut1BEW2OyIiVKxayCGf_Sdd5v8POIQo2pFtay4I2HJ8iWenGk7w/s1600/P1020874.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">I haven't
been on a real holiday since 1997, when My Husband and I did a wonderful tour of Scotland.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Other holidays over the years have been a
week here, a week there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I sort of got
used to that routine and when my youngest sister asked me to go on a two-week
holiday with her, I was a bit hesitant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Two weeks?!
</span>Then I gave my head a shake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>:-)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had a fantastic time cruising around the Caribbean!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She snorkeled and swam with sea turtles, we
went to an amazing butterfly farm, we got kissed by dolphins and we rode on a
beach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We ate and drank ourselves
silly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was exactly what the doctor
ordered for both of us.</span><br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpXV3xaBZGm001N5EAIJGDK05I3ZfiddQpd1-izS7q2cvrI1ZH1b0Ew45j0E_cWvSGTtRgN9M1vwfAShAo0YDzdvK52ot_34kGW-6vAXM7jW2BzC6zuf7oiBFhOelP9Bv3oxj6e_LD6EM/s1600/P1030043.JPG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpXV3xaBZGm001N5EAIJGDK05I3ZfiddQpd1-izS7q2cvrI1ZH1b0Ew45j0E_cWvSGTtRgN9M1vwfAShAo0YDzdvK52ot_34kGW-6vAXM7jW2BzC6zuf7oiBFhOelP9Bv3oxj6e_LD6EM/s1600/P1030043.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm not that round!...it's the wind!! </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The riding on the beach was a highlight for me. It was very windy and the ocean was very rough that particular day, so for safety sake we did not wade out into the water. Nobody wanted to get caught in an undertow! The horses were clean, healthy and happy. Our saddles were interesting; the guides called them military saddles, sort of an English saddle that had a roll bar on the front that you could grab on to if necessary. They were very comfortable and light.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;"></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">My riding
at home has been sporadic over the last few weeks, mostly due to weather.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If we weren't experiencing a blizzard, then
the temperatures were very low.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Arena riding has been crowded and the stir-crazy
horses let their grumpiness show through when being ridden. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lots of bucking, running and general bad
attitude.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Who could blame them?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When a horse (or human) is used to having a
work out 4 or 5 times a week and then down to once a week or not at all, of
course there is going to be some grumpiness!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Fortunately for me, Gem is quite happy with the routine of only being
ridden once or twice a week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>:-)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I was able to ride, Gem was attentive
and responsive and our rides were good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">We actually had a fantastic trail ride the day before I left on holiday. The weather was perfect; -5C, no wind, sunny. The snow was pristine, very deep and we had to break the trails. Gem was almost up to his chest in places, but he never wavered. DH's Mom's feet and stirrups were actually touching the snow in places as we plowed through. :-) It wasn't a long ride because it's very tiring for the horses, but it was a great memory to take with me on holiday. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">I have been able to ride three times since I got back the beginning of March. I feel pretty good. The sun and warmth of my holiday has rejuvenated me and Gem has kept me centered since I returned. I could have let my sister's actions with my mother while I was away really get to me and take away all the good that my holiday did...but I let it go. </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">I guess feeling like my life spinning out of control occasionally can be a positive thing because it makes me appreciate the good stuff and savour when things settle down. </span>This weekend, Gem and I are participating in another Western Dressage clinic. Should be fun. Oh, and our house sold and we bought the house we wanted all in the first week of my holiday! Yay! Looking forward to a slower pace, warmer weather and sipping a cold beverage by my new pool. :-)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">Have a good week, everyone!!</span><br />
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Wolfiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04743943656869294788noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8766983761847636077.post-59351865755909600642014-02-06T15:43:00.000-05:002014-02-06T15:43:15.980-05:00Dressage Goes WesternAt the end of January, I participated in a Western Dressage clinic
(thanks <a href="http://transitiontoharmony.blogspot.ca/">Calm, Forward, Straight</a> and <a href="http://quartersforme.blogspot.ca/">It's Quarters for Me</a> for the encouragement!).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had never heard of Western Dressage until LA mentioned it to me in December. It's still fairly new and is drawing quite a following. Western Dressage uses the classical dressage techniques to help improve communication, softness and balance between western rider and horse. There is no specific "western dressage" breed of horse. Any western rider and horse can participate and benefit. What's not to like? I can't find many videos of Western dressage, but perhaps this one can give you an idea..... <br />
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Boarding in a reining and games barn, I see a lot of sliding stops, gallops at full speed, sharp turns around barrels, etc. This seemed a little more up my alley. :-)<br />
<br />
It was a balmy -15C day, with just enough wind to blow snow off the roof of the arena. My team mates included Nervous Classmate, who
was riding a dead broke lesson horse (this was good because she was anxious about the snow blowing off the roof) and <a href="http://wolfie-whatwasithinking.blogspot.ca/2013/05/blind-to-obvious.html">Wade and his crazy Arabian, Dar</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was a little nervous, not because of the snow or Dar, but because there was
quite a crowd observing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
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<br /></div>
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We had to walk, jog and
then do a working/posting trot so that the instructor could evaluate us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Considering I haven't been getting in much riding lately,
Gem and I were working together nicely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As we moved up from a jog to a posting trot,
the instructor said "Wolfie, you have a good seat."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why, thank you!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a good way to start the session.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>:-)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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There are some advantages to being in a group; you get to
learn and observe a variety of things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For
instance, in Wade's
case, he competes in endurance
events and his horse only goes forward; Wade does not know how to back
up, side pass or turn on the forehand/haunches.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Interesting, eh?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hadn't really
thought of that. I assumed that if you were competing, you would know at least how to back up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also, Wade has been riding for a few years, but does not know
how to post.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His understanding of posting was
having the horse pitch you forward, popping you out of the saddle and then plop back down in the saddle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So when the instructor explained about using
his legs to post, you could see it was a light bulb moment for him.</div>
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Personally, I was glad that the areas that we worked on were mostly at a walk or jog. I know that I need to know how to lope confidently (I am getting
there!!!), but to be honest, Gem and I could jog or post trot all day
long; we both love it and have the stamina. Here's what she helped me with:<br />
<ul>
<li>I shouldn't plan too far in advance of where I want to end up. When I do that, I
turn and look and my shoulders inadvertently move to follow my head, making Gem start to change direction sooner than I want. So, I should know where I
want to end up, but only plan two horse lengths in front of me so that my
shoulders stay in the correct position.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>I tend to ride with my elbows sticking out. Sigh.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>I have always wanted to side pass consistently and she broke it down for me. When side passing right, I tilt Gem's head ever so slightly to the left so I can
see his nostril and then lightly bump with my left leg at the girth, keeping
shoulders and hands straight. Easier said then done, but we were able to
get a few good cross-overs with nice big movement. With practice, Gem and I will get it.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Turning on the forehand; Gem ends up counter bending regularly (my fault). Same set up as side pass but I need to keep my left leg just a smidge back from the girth (I was too far back), my right leg ever so slightly on to stop him from bending and bump (not push) so that his hind end moves over. Again practice, practice.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Oh, and I should stop looking at Gem's mane all the time. :-)</li>
</ul>
The snow did come down of the roof a couple of times, causing Dar to bucked and dance during the session. Wade is so used to this behaviour, he just sat through it. I could tell Nervous Rider was, well, nervous, about the snow and about Dar, but she survived. :-) The feedback from all participants was positive. I can see that Dressage would help in endurance, trail class, reining; using Dressage principals can only help improve the communication between rider and horse no matter what activity you are involved with. Gem seemed to enjoy the challenge of this clinic and he was very
well behaved and light on his feet. Would I do it again? Definitely.<br />
<br />
Have a good weekend, everyone!!<br />
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Wolfiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04743943656869294788noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8766983761847636077.post-31318099593204367512014-01-17T14:19:00.002-05:002014-01-17T14:19:38.542-05:00She's a Lady....<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Holy jumpin', the last few weeks have been hectic! I have been dealing with year end activities and a major reno at work. And then there the polar vortex over the holiday season. Wow. At one point, my location was colder than the South Pole! Of course, there was very little riding going on. It was either too cold, or too snowy. I did manage to get three rides in over a two week vacation, though. Better than a kick in the pants, as my father would say! :-) LA let it slip that she kept Gem and another large horse in the barn during the coldest days (along with the old horses), because they helped keep the barn warm. Fortunately for me, Gem is pretty sane and being kept in didn't really bother him. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> * * * * * * * * </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lady is celebrating her two-month anniversary at her forever home! Boy, time flies. She has settled into a routine. No fuss, no muss. She and the other seniors sort of hang out, but she's still a bit of a loner. She likes her privacy. The Caregiver has been working at gaining her trust, as she was a bit difficult to catch initially; now not so much. The Caregiver calls her "little muffin". :-) Since the arrival of snow, the horses and Very Bad Llama (VBL for short) have been kept in a small field near the house, for ease of feeding and so that The Caregiver can keep an eye on everyone. There are some old log out buildings that provide shelter. The Caregiver didn't like the look of Lady's left eye and had the vet out to look at it just before Christmas. It appears that she has limited sight and it was confirmed that she had sustained an injury a while back because there was old scar. She stood patiently while the vet poked and prodded and looked and felt. Her eye was causing pain, so she's now on drops and bute. It has made a big difference to her demeanor. She is much happier. </span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZyIltctnVjKvg_mS2vPz6pnOMunzRuHGEzY1OJtbcdmBgoeCdmORPOu-xJULiFuy44bUmRXYuKhCIDaCkQIZX9wzBQPVluNktyErlCWfZ1sbS1BvaFxhC6OLyDxaz6KjHZgy-hkp63W8/s1600/Lady+Jan+2014.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZyIltctnVjKvg_mS2vPz6pnOMunzRuHGEzY1OJtbcdmBgoeCdmORPOu-xJULiFuy44bUmRXYuKhCIDaCkQIZX9wzBQPVluNktyErlCWfZ1sbS1BvaFxhC6OLyDxaz6KjHZgy-hkp63W8/s1600/Lady+Jan+2014.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The cold snap was a bit of a challenge for Lady. At 34-years of age, she was starting to have issues keeping warm. The Caregiver had been blanketing her after we hit our first -25C day, but Lady was getting out of the blankets, leaving them to be buried in snow until spring. The Caregiver was now out of blankets. :-) LA kindly donated an old blanket and I bought a beauty at Greenhawk; my contact there gave me a discount because Lady was a rescue! I also picked up a supplement to help Lady keep weight on. Lady managed to wiggle out of and lose the high end blanket that I bought. However, she likes the one that LA donated. Unfortunately, it's not really waterproof. What can you do? She has her own fashion sense. :-)</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I initially thought she had teeth, but I was wrong. Her food has to be specially prepared; a nice warm mush, which she gobbles down with gusto. The Caregiver says it's not a pretty sight watching her eat....sort of like a running blender with the top off. :-)</span><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2SbDX9tj-UNkJT7XGbtK6oAtBTUQe17ppm4e60cIt91bv3nPVm6qAl7mJAglMSdz9DmzHszgA4ypG7R83f5K0BF54yH_THnlChdlIS_jR8xuLqgs_jzpgLv1Sb73mCLBD_cjiSp1oCcw/s1600/Lady+feet+Jan+2014.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2SbDX9tj-UNkJT7XGbtK6oAtBTUQe17ppm4e60cIt91bv3nPVm6qAl7mJAglMSdz9DmzHszgA4ypG7R83f5K0BF54yH_THnlChdlIS_jR8xuLqgs_jzpgLv1Sb73mCLBD_cjiSp1oCcw/s1600/Lady+feet+Jan+2014.jpg" height="148" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tippy toes!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It had been a while since Lady had her feet done when she came to me. The Caregiver, </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">who happens to be a police officer, was working a lot of shifts leading up to and through the holiday break, so it was decided that when her schedule allowed, to get the vet in first to look at her eye, then schedule the farrier. Monday the farrier came out do do all the horses in The Caregiver's care. The Caregiver said that Lady was "WONDERFUL!" Yay!</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZRLmzJG7qpCgHMwJ6sOnviycOo4Bj0L9B0gFqrp8bkfkJOpXfN6ncn1qu1vfGvFV7dAnimPoY0iM94OSvW5xO9sf4VPNNDGBUyymkE0pL0BSdsae8WjBeSdb-wu2_PgfAMw0-DXyJGLQ/s1600/Lady+feet2+Jan+2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZRLmzJG7qpCgHMwJ6sOnviycOo4Bj0L9B0gFqrp8bkfkJOpXfN6ncn1qu1vfGvFV7dAnimPoY0iM94OSvW5xO9sf4VPNNDGBUyymkE0pL0BSdsae8WjBeSdb-wu2_PgfAMw0-DXyJGLQ/s1600/Lady+feet2+Jan+2014.jpg" height="200" width="185" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before - Yikes!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNIHYjIGUuWLY61LT_SXxI7tm1DZ_OwFTBBUiKj0OasNFmRVzUOpzu6rinlyRm7YcTb2UAgR4VdV8IMnYJUMGw_B6MKjveGYMo-8B4RrnrM8P3BcLIcmCcBa1GYh-rwwD9d_dEulCus_U/s1600/Lady+feet3+Jan+2014.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNIHYjIGUuWLY61LT_SXxI7tm1DZ_OwFTBBUiKj0OasNFmRVzUOpzu6rinlyRm7YcTb2UAgR4VdV8IMnYJUMGw_B6MKjveGYMo-8B4RrnrM8P3BcLIcmCcBa1GYh-rwwD9d_dEulCus_U/s1600/Lady+feet3+Jan+2014.jpg" height="148" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2SbDX9tj-UNkJT7XGbtK6oAtBTUQe17ppm4e60cIt91bv3nPVm6qAl7mJAglMSdz9DmzHszgA4ypG7R83f5K0BF54yH_THnlChdlIS_jR8xuLqgs_jzpgLv1Sb73mCLBD_cjiSp1oCcw/s1600/Lady+feet+Jan+2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As I have said before, horses are magic. </span>My mother is sponsoring Lady's care. One of my Christmas presents to her was a framed picture of Lady. My mother was delighted! She tells everyone that she has a horse and now she has a picture to show them. :-) Lady brings a smile to my mother face and I am grateful that she has a purpose and feels engaged with something. She looks forward to the Lady updates, which I receive regularly through The Caregiver. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I sent pictures of Lady in her
new home to the feed lot rescue team. I wanted them to see that their
hard work does have a good outcome. They were so happy to see her doing
well and even posted the pictures on their FB page....so many found her story uplifting. </span>Through Lady, I have made three new friends - the lady at the feed lot who helped me bail her out, the lady at the rescue group who helped me place her in her forever home and The Caregiver....who, btw, has invited me out for a visit and beverage this coming weekend. :-) Lady has touched so many. Yep, magic. Thank you, Lady. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJczjyRd_JKBjFBkS2erB888-tXzLTcXQ1VcFCNyzx6ZYrue6oI0bEMHr5-R7HZIIiUTOxobr3nvMPwV_9b9xPQ7BYHIxkla2TpkS3cMSSUlPju6Riyd-QOsOMw2E0ubLkkJRtzpoIwPg/s1600/Lady+Dec+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJczjyRd_JKBjFBkS2erB888-tXzLTcXQ1VcFCNyzx6ZYrue6oI0bEMHr5-R7HZIIiUTOxobr3nvMPwV_9b9xPQ7BYHIxkla2TpkS3cMSSUlPju6Riyd-QOsOMw2E0ubLkkJRtzpoIwPg/s1600/Lady+Dec+2013.jpg" height="320" width="271" /></a></div>
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<br />Wolfiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04743943656869294788noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8766983761847636077.post-7855464355888150162013-12-13T16:27:00.000-05:002013-12-13T16:27:08.309-05:00Confidence Lost and Found<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The trails that we ride are through forest, brush, swamp and open fields. The trails are good, but some have become inaccessible because of fallen trees and overgrown bush. LA has been busy the last couple of years with improvements to the facilities, so clearing the trails has not been a high priority. A couple of weekends ago, one of the boarders organized a trail clean up day. Her son has some serious chain saw equipment, so he came out in the morning and cut down encroaching trees in the forest and cut up those that had been downed over previous winters. A few other boarders walked through and started cutting up the branches, etc. for easy hauling. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Later in the day, a few of us tacked up and started through the forest trails, snipping at branches that were at face level or grabbing clothing. In addition to DH's Mom, TS, SS and myself, were were joined by the tallest herd member, Martin, a Clyde-mix standing about 16.3hh, and his rider MC. Martin and MC lead the way, which was good for me because if they made it through then Gem and I would. :-) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The horses were on high alert, ears forward and a little on edge. The forest trails had been altered and looked different to them. There was the smell of downed trees. Deer and other wildlife had been disturbed and were making their own noises. The herd horses were actually further into the forest because they now had access. There were snapping and chopping noises in the distance as other boarders were breaking up piles of branches for those of us that would be dragging them off the trails later.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We sort of weaved our way in and out of the trails bordering the winter feeding field and came to an entrance that Gem and I hadn't used before. We had to step over a fallen tree to gain access to the forest. To be honest it was a bit close, but Martin and MC were crashing their way through, which meant we could. :-) SS, bringing up the rear, had brought a little mini saw with him and decided to saw off a branch that I had to limbo under. Kind thought, but when Gem heard the unfamiliar sawing sound right at his butt, he didn't like it. This coupled with the altered scenery, the tension coming off of the other horses and the lumberjack noises, started him prancing. SS stopped sawing immediately, but then a boarder appeared out of no where, stomping through the brush and trees....another unfamiliar sight. Gem started doing a pirouette, like this only faster:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To be honest, I was starting to get nervous, which didn't help the situation. I turned Gem around and took him back outside the forest entrance and walked him in small circles, telling him "easy". After a bit, I thought I had it together and that I had his "head" back. I turned him towards the opening. In an instant, I could feel him start to power up. Holy crap. I didn't have any time to react. He squared himself up, took two big trotting steps and JUMPED over the fallen tree to gain access to the trail.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was obvious that he wanted to catch up to the group, who had continued walking through the forest. He started trotting through the trees on a not-quite trail path. I don't recommend this, particularly when you are on a tall horse. Maintaining my balance, while simultaneously trying to rein him in, protect my face and body from branches and screaming like a girl was a real challenge. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I managed to execute a half halt while telling Gem to "WHOA!!! WHOA!!!". It worked, but like a crazed idiot I continued pulling back so hard on his face we ended up backing up into trees and bush....snapping and breaking branches, bending small trees over....again, not something that I would recommend. Visions of us both being impaled flashed across my mind. DH's Mom made her way back to me and told me to stop screaming like a girl, and to stop pulling him; I was to put my butt in the saddle, move the reins up his neck, and cue him to go forward. Yep, OK, that worked. And when we got out of the bushes, he stopped immediately. I took some deep breaths. My heart was racing and I informed the group I was getting off....the first time I have EVER been that nervous on Gem. DH's Mom vetoed me getting off. I didn't argue......actually no one argues with DH's Mom. :-) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We continued on. My heart was still racing and I continued to take deep breaths. SS was riding beside me and when I told him that was the most nervous I had ever been on Gem, he looked at me and said that if that was the worst, then Gem was a very sane horse. :-) All of the horses continued to be on edge. Each horse took a turn at acting up. TS's horse actually reared in the forest and scared her. Gem didn't spook, but occasionally he would show us how beautiful he looked doing a side pass when he suspected that another lurking lumberjack was going to jump out and swing an axe at us. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At one point, we left the forest and started walking across an open field. I had had enough. I said my farewell to the group and headed back to the barn solo. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The next Sunday, I saddled Gem up and went to the arena; no trail ride for me. We had not been to the arena in a while - I have taken a break from weekly lessons. There were a couple of other riders there to keep us company. I have to admit my confidence had been bruised from the previous ride. However, as soon as I sat my butt in the saddle, I knew it was going to be a great ride. He was attentive, his eye soft and once I saw how responsive he was, I just relaxed and went with it. He easily adjusted his jog speed when I asked. His trot was big and floaty and I could have posted all day. After a while, he dropped his head and was nicely collected! Where the heck is LA when you need her to see stuff like this?!! We loped a few times around the arena each way, at an even pace with my butt in the saddle! We did squares and backing up into a box. We trotted over poles. We attempted turns on the forehand and haunches. We rode for well over an hour and when we were done, he had nice foam around his lips and a little bit of a sweat on. We did all these things ON OUR OWN. No LA, no riding buddy coaching. On our own, communicating with each other. It was wonderful.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My confidence was temporarily lost, but that arena ride a couple of weeks ago helped me find it. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Actually, Gem helped me find my confidence. He gave me what I needed at the time I needed it. He's a gentleman. :-) </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I think it will be one of those rides</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I will recall when my confidence is being challenged, just like I refer to my first solo ride around the fields when I need a boost. I have since been out in the snow with Gem a couple of times. He has led the group with a purposeful walk, breaking through the snow and making the base for the trails. He loves the winter.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> L</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A has asked me to participate in a western dressage clinic in January. Perhaps word got back to her about the forest ride and Gem being a potential eventer/dressage candidate. :-) I may consider it....who knows!? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Have a good weekend, everyone!! </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<br />Wolfiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04743943656869294788noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8766983761847636077.post-16359965314862050192013-11-18T11:41:00.000-05:002013-11-18T11:41:25.996-05:00Lady Luck<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, on Thursday I bought another horse. I know...crazy, eh? I have named her Lady Luck, Lady for short. She's a Morgan, dark, with a little white star and white socks. I wasn't planning on getting another horse. But, Lady spoke to me. I had to have her. You see, at 34 years of age, Lady ended up on a feed lot, destined for slaughter this week. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVs6NzKlJWqtuk6BzrkckpHTvviat-aBFmZX__01SIEO7_YWLxeBajcLsQ00EZgeAtamnyWPAXpLrBoFIOH5IUA94QEv55yD5a4zCwHrN5GRUfiDQVRKRjgToeXMA1gHLQIObnwdEWo-8/s1600/Lady3-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVs6NzKlJWqtuk6BzrkckpHTvviat-aBFmZX__01SIEO7_YWLxeBajcLsQ00EZgeAtamnyWPAXpLrBoFIOH5IUA94QEv55yD5a4zCwHrN5GRUfiDQVRKRjgToeXMA1gHLQIObnwdEWo-8/s200/Lady3-2.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the feed lot.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The reasons for having older horses trucked varies. Sometimes people don't want to have to provide special care over the winter. Sometimes owners don't want to have to deal with the expense of having the horse euthanized. Some believe that an older horse going through auction will be purchased as a companion (sometimes they are). Some owners are not up to the challenge of the maintenance of a senior horse. Owners pass away and uneducated family members don't realize the fate of senior horses that are sent to auction. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I found Lady through some volunteers that go to the local feed lot and see the new horses that are brought in every week. They lightly groom them, tack them up and sit on them, or lead them around. They then post a picture on FB, giving a brief description of their experience with the horse, hoping to find homes for them before they are shipped. They act as middle men between the dealer and the public, collecting and paying the bail money. They are not rescuers, just concerned women who love horses. These volunteers are amazing. I have <a href="http://wolfie-whatwasithinking.blogspot.ca/2013/09/awesomeness.html">helped with bail in the past</a>, so I texted my contact. No offers of help had come in for Lady.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So the stars aligned and I was able to purchase Lady, secure a forever home for her through a horse rescue group, get the transfer of ownership done and have her transported to her forever home, an hour away, on Sunday. Yay! My mother is sponsoring her care for a year through the rescue group. They will be responsible for her well-being going forward.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was miserable, wet and windy yesterday, but nothing could have dampened my spirits. I have to say that seeing her in a field made my heart swell. Just after her arrival at the farm, two other rescued seniors arrived; a gelding 26 years old, and a mare a little older. The full time residents include two large dogs, two younger Percherons and a llama. The owner, who specializes in special care cases for the rescue group, greeted us with a big warm smile and told me, My Husband, my sister and my niece to make ourselves at home. My Husband stayed near the car, but my sister, niece and I walked into the field. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For 34 years of age, Lady is actually in great shape. She's a good weight, her winter coat is in, her feet are a bit long, but look good. Her mane and tail are long and thicker than some of the other horses at my barn. :-) I think she was loved and cared for in her previous life. How did she end up on a feed lot..</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">...?</span></span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lady enjoying being out in the wind and rain.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lady trying to make friends with the other seniors.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The gelding didn't like her near his friend and ran at her a few times.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There was some prancing and posturing by the 26 year old gelding. Understandable. He was stressed and in a new environment. Apparently, he has arthritis in his ankles, but you wouldn't know it the way he was moving around!</span>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Percherons to the rescue!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They told the senior gelding to back off. Were they showing respect to Lady because of her age?</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They stayed with Lady until things calmed down.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The
Percherons are just gorgeous. The owner actually rides the larger one
(16.3 perhaps??) in competition, although I can't remember what
discipline. </span>To be honest, I was amazed at how energetic the
seniors were. There was lots of walking and trotting. A little stiff
maybe, but there was still a lot of life and vibrancy left.</span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The resident llama really liked Lady.</td></tr>
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<tr align="center"><td class="tr-caption">First contact. What a gentle soul. </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Lady was patient with us, allowing herself to be petted and fussed over. She enjoyed the little treats we gave her - she still has teeth! :-) But after a while she had had enough and simply walked away. Can't blame her. Even though the last few days for her must have been extremely stressful, she was still a class act.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">This experience with Lady has been very rewarding. She may just last the winter, or she could live on another few years. Whatever happens, at least she is somewhere that will give her good memories. This experience is also a reminder that horses live a very long time and the responsibility of horse ownership is a big commitment. The owner of the farm said she liked me and I was welcome to visit any time. :-) Lady has quite a fan club now, so I suspect that I will have company when I go out to give her a brush!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Have a good week, everyone!</span><br />
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Wolfiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04743943656869294788noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8766983761847636077.post-7190459115668339052013-11-05T19:57:00.001-05:002013-11-05T19:57:51.102-05:00Sweet and Sour<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<![endif]--><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">Sunday before last was Gem's annual birthday trail ride.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He turned 13 in October!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He's now
officially a teenager.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Where has the
time gone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was our first really cold
day, but after a couple of dark rainy days, the clouds parted and the sun shone
through for the ride.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Yay!</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"> </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzp565tmoonmjR_ZRd1GKEfcYROQbCkCqbCGW4DyiQhXDVH-LMwfUi9i2vMtFMnM-Kqzvc6f4wkHbuf2jWnVFQ5dXFHLyFaSFhLvTw6cATDwiuKoof_BN_uwRf7dIVmnqGj11_4oQr_uk/s1600/Trail+Ride+2013-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzp565tmoonmjR_ZRd1GKEfcYROQbCkCqbCGW4DyiQhXDVH-LMwfUi9i2vMtFMnM-Kqzvc6f4wkHbuf2jWnVFQ5dXFHLyFaSFhLvTw6cATDwiuKoof_BN_uwRf7dIVmnqGj11_4oQr_uk/s200/Trail+Ride+2013-2.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Starting to get ready!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">For the last four years, I have hosted a little trail ride/get-together in honour of Gem's birthday. I post a notice on the barn whiteboard,
saying that all boarders are welcome. I pick up plates, napkins, forks,
cake, chips, pretzels, beer, soft drinks, hot chocolate, coffee and
Bailey's to go with the coffee. :-) I bring an extra table to set up the food/drinks and a couple of extra chairs.
It's a bit of an effort, but Gem's worth it. :-) L</span>ast year, a fellow boarder made chili, which was great. There is a
bunkhouse on site, and LA's mother puts wood in the stove and when we
get back from the ride, we all hang out in the warmth. It's fun.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRLS2zDOTyQrsB-8j-rs_5WsW7yCQ4Gj3kSx3EkWZTG1fztu-UCmPUW2_y0r1ZovFvntNHJ848W10YX_TyXWNrQecQjLaLtLN3HMyUYAu0D0X77-_MJvwRpPUqFzyVDvg9SWLV0e-_TiI/s1600/P1020688.JPG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRLS2zDOTyQrsB-8j-rs_5WsW7yCQ4Gj3kSx3EkWZTG1fztu-UCmPUW2_y0r1ZovFvntNHJ848W10YX_TyXWNrQecQjLaLtLN3HMyUYAu0D0X77-_MJvwRpPUqFzyVDvg9SWLV0e-_TiI/s200/P1020688.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gem excited about his party...or not...</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">This year,
Gem shared his birthday celebrations with <a href="http://wolfie-whatwasithinking.blogspot.ca/2013/02/love.html">Mary</a>. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"></span></span></span>Her mom, R., mentioned that she </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">was going to have a few of Mary's friends over on the weekend to celebrate her birthday. Mary wanted to participate in the trail ride so R. asked if she could extend the invitation to her daughter's friends to come out on the trail. I appreciated her asking. Sure, why not!</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"> R. made the chili this year (delish!!) and I brought everything else, as usual. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading out!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">Word has spread about the event, and this year we had a total of 15 riders, which was awesome. G</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">em and I were leading the
trail ride this year. :-) It had rained for 2
days prior to the ride and it was muddy! In a way, it was a godsend
that the grounds were so wet and slippery, because everyone had to walk
or slow jog; no crazy galloping! I was feeling quite confident, even as
we waded through some pretty boggy areas. Surprisingly, a couple of
the very experienced riders asked occasionally to take a different route
or not to go through the forest because they didn't like mud. WTH? I felt vindicated! I wasn't the only rider that didn't like mud! :-)</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgNB6ylZ8RTTtUeoBprPbLtU-G8YUfLtuAf7QVcKPJRFD-LogVKM-ka4FNJ52q8m6QsWhYVF-vMhd9s5Ai7cqkjw7MKUw29H5q5laHevMT_ih0f2YGQPf8uWnPM94nXiYCA8nGiyBPRuw/s1600/Birthday+Trail+Ride+2013-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgNB6ylZ8RTTtUeoBprPbLtU-G8YUfLtuAf7QVcKPJRFD-LogVKM-ka4FNJ52q8m6QsWhYVF-vMhd9s5Ai7cqkjw7MKUw29H5q5laHevMT_ih0f2YGQPf8uWnPM94nXiYCA8nGiyBPRuw/s200/Birthday+Trail+Ride+2013-2.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Birthday boy!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">Gem was a star. Mud? We don't care about no stinking ankle-deep mud! Thick brush? Bring it on! Water? So what! He walked with purpose the whole time and I felt connected to him. There was an incident with a horse from the herd coming over to the group and causing a bit of a ruckus. Gem didn't like his attitude after a time and pointed his butt at the horse and indicated that he was going to give him what for. But this was a fleeting display, and we continued on without incident<span style="font-size: small;">. </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">It was a really good ride in spite of the conditions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were out
for over an hour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lots of laughs, lots
of talking, lots of rosy cheeks.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">The
après-ride in the bunkhouse was packed! People were chowing down and the chatter brought the noise level up. Over the din, a woman, whose child
had joined in the ride, started whining and complaining
to anyone standing around the food table about the variety of soft
drinks I had
brought. I found her complaining irritating. I didn't know her or her
daughter; I assumed that her
daughter was part of Mary's birthday group. When she continued on and on, I
finally said to her, "Then don't drink them!" and stared at her. She backed down. Then I
heard someone else complain that all of the hot chocolate was gone.
Then someone started whining that the coffee wasn't as hot as it should
be. WTH? </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">The fact that I had bought and schlepped all this stuff to the barn was lost on them. </span> I went outside and ate my chili in the sun with other boarders, and sipped my cold beer. It was a good move. The 6 of us talked music and movies (could Chris Hemsworth be any more handsome???!!) and shared a few laughs.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">At
one point, R. and I were together outside and I mentioned the woman who
was complaining about the soft drinks. It turns out that this
woman's daughter was not part of Mary's group! The woman saw my post on
the board while her daughter was having her riding lesson, called LA's
mother and asked if her daughter could join in. Now, my note on the board
specifically said "boarders only", but LA's mother said she could! </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"> In her defense, I guess LA's mother thought it was OK because of Mary's friends participating. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">The next day, I received a text from R. Unfortunately, word had spread through the lesson people that there were apparently exceptions
to the "boarders only" rule when it comes to the birthday trail ride and
some people had their noses out of joint! Great. Sigh.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">The Birthday Trail ride was a sweet success, the best turnout yet. </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">Clearly, people enjoyed themselves. There were lots of positive comments flying around on FB. </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">However, unless the barn hosts a Fall event next year, there won't be a repeat. Having a couple of Mary's non-boarder friends join in, LA's mother allowing a lesson person to participate and some inaccurate wording of FB posts giving the impression that it was a barn event, have created a bit of a problem. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">Frankly, it's getting too complicated and I don't want to be the bad guy by putting my foot down and refusing to open up the invitation because of barn politics. Why should I fund an open invitation? So, I am thinking that it's time to transition the ownership of this successful event. Maybe it's time for the barn to host it, then LA can manage the politics. Or maybe R. could host it as Mary's birthday event. Perhaps I am being a sour puss...... but, I would rather stop my event than have the fun for me slowly sucked out of it. Ending Gem's Birthday Trail Ride at it's peak is a good thing in my opinion......always leave them wanting more. :-) Happy birthday, my handsome boy! Don't worry....we will find a way to celebrate your special day. xoxo</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">Enjoy your week, everyone!</span></div>
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Wolfiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04743943656869294788noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8766983761847636077.post-48513609078962466032013-10-24T14:52:00.000-04:002013-10-24T14:52:13.494-04:00Being Morbid<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<![endif]--><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">First, checkout the Sunday Serial <a href="http://joyous-art.blogspot.ca/2013/08/sundays-serial-cursed-gift-chapter-1.html">The Cursed Gift</a> over at Joyous Art. The weather has turned colder and the days are shorter...the perfect time to snuggle up on the couch and get lost in magic and
mystery! </span></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">* * * * * </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">A friend of a friend of a friend is trying to re-home 9 cats
for a lady who passed away. This is not
a hoarding case. Individually, these cats came into this lady's life because they were in great need and she took them in out of the kindness of her heart.
She could afford their upkeep; they were all well-fed, vaccinated and groomed. Unfortunately, as much as she cared for them
in life, she had no plan for their upkeep should something happen to her. Now neighbours and friends are scrambling to re-home the cats so they don't end up at the shelter.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">This is not a unique situation. I regularly see dogs that were obviously cared for and loved by their
owners, end up in shelters after something happens to their caregiver. I see the same situation for horses who end up on feed lots.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRt87sEBfAfmtWw6pDHU4JSbMtZoeSKp84OluT1TjKnn8mjU4S2N0ZcLDI-EklQCZ9Zau2V-VY5H7OTlflG8Ld9nZfRGPUeqXhXQmZpR_orKP2FobRqxe383fvwJKHBGvFqgtzrSJhrs4/s1600/002.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRt87sEBfAfmtWw6pDHU4JSbMtZoeSKp84OluT1TjKnn8mjU4S2N0ZcLDI-EklQCZ9Zau2V-VY5H7OTlflG8Ld9nZfRGPUeqXhXQmZpR_orKP2FobRqxe383fvwJKHBGvFqgtzrSJhrs4/s200/002.jpg" width="156" /></a></span></span>I have always had a plan for my four-legged companions should something happen to me. When friends and I talk about our companions, most stare at me like I have antennae sprouting out the top of my head when I mention that I have a plan for my dogs, and now Gem, should I become incapacitated or die. I am amazed that not one fellow boarder that I have spoken to on this topic has a plan in place for their horse should something happen to them. </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Horses live a long time (my friend's horse passed away at 36 years of age). Gem has another 20 years of living yet to come and his long-term needs need to be considered. </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">My friends and fellow boarders think I am morbid. They don't want to think about the future or their death; they want to enjoy their horse NOW. I find it intriguing that no seems to think like I do. :-) </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The reality is that your Will outlines your "wishes" and it's important that you have someone you know well and trust to make sure your wishes are carried out. </span></span>My Husband will obviously manage the care of the dogs and Gem should something happen to me. I have an amount set aside for Gem's board and care so that he can retire (hopefully at LA's) without worry. My Will states that he is not to be sold under any circumstances. Depending on his age, having him ridden by a staff member a few times a month to keep him tuned is OK, but only my niece is allowed to ride him socially. If he cannot stay at LA's, he will be moved to a reputable retirement farm 1.5 hours away. I have a very close friend who act as my executor should My Husband pre-decease me and she will take over the responsibility of the care of my dogs and Gem. She also happens to live 10 minutes from the barn. So, if she is managing my estate or helping me if I am unable to get to the barn, she has committed to grooming Gem on a regular basis and checking on his well-being. My niece will be helping her in this area. </span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I am guessing that the topic of this post has probably got you squirming a bit. But you know, it gives me comfort to know that my companions will be looked after. Does thinking about my death make me morbid? I guess in some eyes it does, but I look at it as being prepared. I would be interested to know if there are any other "morbid" people out there. Hello? Hello? :-)</span></span></div>
Wolfiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04743943656869294788noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8766983761847636077.post-35309815857021011562013-10-02T13:03:00.000-04:002013-10-02T13:03:19.909-04:00In an Instant.....<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<![endif]--><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">This past
weekend, My Husband and I attended a wedding in Montreal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was a lovely affair, with about 250 people in attendance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were booked into a chic hotel about 5 minutes away from the event. There was a cocktail party prior to the 6:00
p.m. ceremony and a dinner/dance after.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Very civilized!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>:-)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The food was fabulous, our table companions
were fun and the band was awesome.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was great.</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">I bruise
fairly easily.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On top of that, I have a
high pain threshold.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not a good combo,
actually, because when I knock myself about I REALLY knock myself which results in big bruises and lumps.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sigh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So, after a couple of bad bruises on my forearm and the top of my hand
(WTH??) a couple of weeks ago, I decided to be careful when I was around the
barn and out on the trails.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn't want to look like I had just gone 9 rounds when I was at the wedding. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>:-)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">The day before the wedding, DH's Mom and I decided to take advantage of the 21C temperatures and bathe our horses
for what would probably be the last time before Spring. The wash station is
located outside in the "yard" that separates the house and the two
barns.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She bathed her horse first, while
I kept her company and then she helped me bathe Gem. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9SRm1XV2-1eA4OM_hSwvyZxAOaPTz_5EXnAT-b2oToYV8pPBe3uI9y7ovL5ZL2POGgzgfpuobmC2Y6Wiqph-vfb8mTxdRWePv_J5AAEzGdDG5IYIZ04ATIOH8mwiv2Fw72hdnzwQGslM/s1600/after+bath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9SRm1XV2-1eA4OM_hSwvyZxAOaPTz_5EXnAT-b2oToYV8pPBe3uI9y7ovL5ZL2POGgzgfpuobmC2Y6Wiqph-vfb8mTxdRWePv_J5AAEzGdDG5IYIZ04ATIOH8mwiv2Fw72hdnzwQGslM/s320/after+bath.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Squeaky clean!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">While Gem
was in the cross-ties being soaped up, a horse trailer was backed up right
behind him and parked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then the father
of one of the boarders drove his truck through the yard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gem didn't bat an eye as these vehicles came
within a few feet of his butt. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Good boy.
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>A few of the younger riders were sitting around a phone squealing while watching something. Two other horses were lined up, waiting
their turn to be bathed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The yard was a
busy place!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After his bath, I walked Gem across the yard
next to the house and let him graze in the sun, just to dry him off a bit before he
went back to his stall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was a horse
on a mission to eat every blade of green grass, head down facing the
house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I, on the other hand, was
standing next to his head facing the opposite way with the sun on my back,
relaxed enough that my eyes were glazed over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>:-)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">The next thing
I knew I was flat out on the ground with people gathering around asking if I
was OK! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To be honest, I was dazed and a
little unfocused.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I struggled to sit
up, my immediate concern was Gem but I realized that he was now standing next
to me on the other side.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> My second thought was how many friggin bruises I was going to have! Darn!! </span>After a
minute, DH's Mom and someone else helped me stand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did a quick check.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My jaw was sore, I had a
cut from a tooth on the inside of my right cheek, my cheekbone and brow bone hurt, I had the
beginning of a bump on the middle of my forehead, my neck had a kink and my sciatica was coming
into play.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>WTH??!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Was I unknowingly in the path of a truck or
trailer and got hit??<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">DH's Mom
saw what happened as she was walking towards me to chat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The father of the boarder unloaded a lawn
mower from his truck and decided to start it up to see if it still
worked....right next to Gem's head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1300
lbs. of horse spooked and jumped to the side, hitting me jaw to jaw and
knocking me down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What idiot starts a
machine next to a grazing horse???<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Apparently, this arrogant bastage does.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He didn't even apologize.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">People
volunteered to drive me home, but by this time I was a bit embarrassed and
really sore and just wanted to get the heck out of there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I drove myself home and after taking Advil, I
stretched out on the couch with an ice pack for my face and a heat pack for my
back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> I was not missing this wedding!!! :-) </span>I had some time to think about the
incident and I sort of laughed to myself about being so careful to avoid bruises and then to have this happen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">Then anger set in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How could a man who is around the barn all
the time think that starting a lawn mower next to a horse is OK?? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">To let go of my anger, I tried to focus on the positives. Yes, there are positives.....i</span>t
could have been a whole lot worse:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">Gem is not
a lunatic kind of horse; his spook was just a couple of big side steps and not
the snorting-and-running-around-the-yard kind of spook that could have potentially
caused injuries to the other horses and people in the yard.</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">I was
standing sideways beside Gem, shoulder to shoulder; if I had been turned facing
his shoulder, his head connecting with my face would have broken my nose, no
question.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">I was
standing close enough to Gem that when he swung into me he did not have his full
body momentum behind the step, so the hit wasn't as forceful as it could have been. </span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">Gem did not
trample or kick me.</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">Other than
the bump and bruise on my forehead, I didn't have a visible mark on me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>:-)</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">I
have been in worse pain from falls off of Gem while riding. But this
incident shook me because it happened while I was on the ground.</span></span> Other than getting stepped on or shoved or even bitten, I hadn't really considered being injured by a horse while on the ground. </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">When you are around horses, things can change in an instant and you
must be prepared to react or be proactive in avoiding dangerous situations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> True, you can't predict idiocy. And, the reality of it was </span>I couldn't see this guy
unload the mower or him starting it because Gem's body blocked my view.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, perhaps if I hadn't been so relaxed that
I was "glazed' over, if I had been more in tune with what was going on around me, I would have heard him and investigated??<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">The drive to Montreal the
next day was a bit of a challenge, but Advil helped.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> The bruise on my forehead was covered by make up. </span>The fun (and vodka!) I had at the wedding made me
forget about my aches and pains.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My back
survived dancing and my 3 inch heels.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>:-)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> My new outfit made me feel like a million. </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">We enjoyed ourselves immensely.</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Sort of hard to believe that just a day earlier I was sitting on my couch with ice and heat worried about a black eye and a bad back! </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Enjoy the rest of the week, everyone, and be safe! Remember....there are idiots out there!!! :-) </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
Wolfiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04743943656869294788noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8766983761847636077.post-11333828869265928462013-09-09T14:31:00.000-04:002013-09-09T14:31:16.346-04:00Awesomeness<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">It was my
birthday this weekend. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I started my
birthday month (yes, month!) celebrations on Friday evening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A girlfriend hosted a dinner party in honour
of my birthday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have been celebrating and
laughing with this core group of friends for over 25 years. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How awesome is that? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Saturday My Husband and I went for a lovely
sushi dinner with another couple.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
actually introduced them to each other over 20 years ago and My Husband and I
stood for them at their wedding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cool,
eh? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There will be lots of vodka sodas over the next couple of weeks. I am up to the challenge. :-) </span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">Sunday
there was a Fun Day at the barn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Boarders and lesson people competed for little prizes in Command, Poles,
Barrels, Key Hold and Apple Bobbing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
was awesome seeing all ages competing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
think the oldest competitor was 65ish and the youngest 11.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The sun was shining, temps were around 17C
with a sight breeze.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perfect.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">Gem and I
did not compete.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A number of people
tried to cajole us into competing, but I held firm and declined. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Today was the day; I had other plans for Gem
and I.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>:-) <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did not want to share my plans with anyone,
in case I jinxed them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was a lot
of excitement in the barn as everyone got tacked up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could tell that Gem was a little pumped by
the activity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And when everyone was
finally out in the front paddock warming up, he was anxious to join them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not so fast, handsome.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">I walked
him to the arena, past the spectators and the riders warming up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After his initial look at everything, he
turned his attention back to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were
alone in the arena.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We warmed up and
eventually worked our way up to a lope.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Yes, lope.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By myself. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the arena.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He did try to give me the business initially, but he eventually agreed
that loping was a good thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>:-)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> My butt was in the saddle - a good sign. </span>It was awesome!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">After we
loped a couple of circles each way, I noticed that the warm up period was over
in the paddock.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I decided to take
advantage of this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I dismounted and
walked Gem right through the paddock to the trail obstacle course on the other
side.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All the competitors were there,
standing around waiting for the competition to begin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We walked through the crowd to the
mounting block.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He stood perfectly still
as competitors walked around and behind him; I mounted him without issue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Good boy!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzQaCpeEQ-j2V2xi129ueJdaHKnnrjdA_aZK8Axa69FyW518llo7-17qqAwq6GmG3n5rE0AodPnD1s1EYmrKyu0YUYDAzRZsRdOW0OdQlnLzOwR_EyLO0JG8L85ut2q2_N3mvdbW7N_8A/s1600/Gem+at+Fun+Day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzQaCpeEQ-j2V2xi129ueJdaHKnnrjdA_aZK8Axa69FyW518llo7-17qqAwq6GmG3n5rE0AodPnD1s1EYmrKyu0YUYDAzRZsRdOW0OdQlnLzOwR_EyLO0JG8L85ut2q2_N3mvdbW7N_8A/s320/Gem+at+Fun+Day.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gem giving the stink eye to the loose horse.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">We milled our
way through the crowd (maybe 20+ riders??) and did some of the trail obstacles,
loosening up and getting used to all of the noise and horses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was friggin amazing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nothing bothered him and he did not resist at
all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was attentive and I felt really connected to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some of the horses from the herd heard the
excitement and came to join the party, walking in amongst the competitors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There
was the odd squeal, and one horse did sort of give Gem the business as we stood
there, but both he and I dealt with it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">We stood at
the fence and watched most of the barrel competition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lots of cheering, clapping, yelling and whistling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gem stood majestically, facing the spectators
on the other side of the paddock, patiently waiting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>OK, it
was time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I took a deep breath, turned
him around and started walking him away from the crowd of competitors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We walked along the perimeter of the front
field; our first time walking on our own, in a field.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> No riding buddies, no instructor. </span>Deep breaths.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I admit that I did talk to him as we walked in the sun; in fact, I might have been a bit of a Chatty Cathy. :-) He politely
listened, he ears twitching back and forth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When we got to the bank of bushes at the end of the field, we crossed
the bottom of the field and walked back up to the paddock from the other
side.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His head was low, one ear front
one ear back, head occasionally turned slightly to look at me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was awesome.</span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">So for the
rest of the afternoon, we alternated standing and cheer on the riders (he stood
perfectly still each time), going through some obstacles (he is getting really
good at backing up through the "Z" layout!) or I would walk him
around the field solo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My confidence
continued to increase and at one point I actually did a slow jog down one side
of the field and back!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>:-)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I even walked him through a small pathway to
the Loping Field, thinking that I might even try jogging him around the field
on my own. I know! Crazy, eh!!.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately, there were a
number of herd horses grazing there and I didn't feel THAT confident about
riding around them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That day will
come.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>:-)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">As our ride
came to an end (time to set up the potluck!), I realized that he and I had been
outside for over 3 hours! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I took him
over to the apple tree next to the paddock. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The last few weeks, our routine has been that
before we head to the barn, I stand up in the saddle and pick some apples for
him (all of the apples on the lower branches have been eaten by the other
horses).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can no longer reach apples
this way, so now I walk him right into the tree, stand up, grab a branch and
start shaking it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Apples fall and he
chows down, slobbering his version of apple sauce all over the place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>:-)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">As I
untacked my handsome boy, I didn't want our time to end.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was such a perfect afternoon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think he felt it, too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He actually let me give him a lingering
hug.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>:-)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I was driving home and
reflecting on the day's events, I came to the conclusion that this was probably
one of the best times Gem and I had had together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sure, there have been great lesson
experiences and trail rides, but this particular afternoon was just him and
I.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> No one else. </span>We did everything on our own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And it was OK! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> You know, I</span> knew it would be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had started forming my plan to ride the
front field by myself on Saturday afternoon and did not deviate from the plan,
even when I had people trying to shame me into competing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>:-)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> I visualized it over and over again and</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe my determination helped my
confidence when the time came.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My goal of riding the trails
solo is within reach!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Awesome!!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">And, just to put the cherry on top of a terrific weekend, I donated the outstanding amount still needed for the purchase price of a 20-year old draft cross that was to be shipped today from a feed lot to slaughter. She's a very well-trained, lively girl and I am delighted that she will be given a second chance. It's difficult when there are so many that need to be saved, but in this case there was a foster ready to take her if the kill buyer's fee could be paid. She is now safe and in foster care until she can be permanently placed. How awesome is that?! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">Have a good week, everyone!</span></div>
Wolfiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04743943656869294788noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8766983761847636077.post-55925101651241837922013-08-22T15:05:00.000-04:002013-08-22T15:08:54.982-04:00Getting Reaquainted<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Jean and Stu left today for
their new digs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their new location is
about an hour and a half away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
distance is not so great that there won't be opportunities to get together in
the future.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She doesn't have an onsite
trainer, so I gave her the book <a href="http://www.amazon.ca/101-Arena-Exercises-Horse-Rider/dp/088266316X">101 Arena Exercises by Cherry Hill</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She seemed quite
enthused with it.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">* * * * *</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Gem and I have been making up for lost time! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have to say though, that after not riding
him for almost two months, my muscles (what few I have) have had to go
through an adjustment period.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had
forgotten how big he is and my inner thighs have been reminding me!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">We have participated in two
lessons now and we have been out on a few trail rides. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>Because of the varied terrain, I believe the
trail rides have helped him to get back on track physically. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has been awesome out on the trail. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I mentioned before, I think we have turned
a corner in our relationship and I am feeling much more confident in him and in
me. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh, he still gives me the business
on occasion just to keep me on my toes, but<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> I seem to know better how to bring him back to reality.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">LA took me out on a trail
ride last week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a beautiful
day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gem and I were the leaders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of
course, because we were leading, I tried to avoid the areas that
made me nervous.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>:-)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No such luck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>LA instructed me to go to the dreaded creek.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Me:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I heard the bugs were really, really bad in
the forest.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">LA:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All the more reason to keep moving.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Me:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think it will be really slippery because of
all the rain yesterday.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">LA:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let Gem pick where he wants to step.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Me: The swamp area mud will probably suck those leg protectors off of your horse.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">LA: </span>Let's go. Move it.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Off we went.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, it was muddy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, it was a bit slippery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But going through the forest without incident
eased me into facing the black horse-eating mud around the creek.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The mud was coronet band deep and it did get a bit close - the bush was overgrown and really
tight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At one point, Gem refused and
started to dance a little and back up.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Me:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Holy crap!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Holy crap! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">LA:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Push him on.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Me:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can't see where we are going!!!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">LA.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is a path.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Trust me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Move forward!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Be decisive!</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Well, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">I somehow convinced Gem to carry on. </span>Then came the dreaded creek. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have to admit that it was a shadow of it's
former self in the Spring, but it was still a creek.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I took
a deep breath and then Gem and I crossed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Yipee!
</span>And, leading LA and her mount back through the muddy path to the forest was....well....fine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>WTH?! :-)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
rest of the trail ride was awesome.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
went through brush, mud, the pond and open spaces.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Last year, my heart would have been
fluttering, but not so much this summer. :-)</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">My last couple of lessons
have been interesting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Having gone from
school horses back to Gem has been an eye opener.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The horses I rode in lesson had training as
reiners or in dressage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Over countless
years of training riders, they are very responsive to what is being asked. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It's easy to ride them and it helped my
confidence tremendously.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gem is sometimes stubborn and lazy, but he is much,
much better than he was a year ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
and I are so much better, in fact, that our new project is to learn how to do a
lead change while doing a pattern at a lope!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cool, eh? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">This week's lesson was very good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gem was a bit frisky - head tossing and the
occasional little happy dance - but it didn't interfere
with what I was asking him to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
made me laugh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In addition to the usual work,
we incorporated some of the trail obstacle course into our lesson.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Gem LOVES when we do stuff like this - he is easily bored with the usual lesson routine of walk, jog, lope. </span>He's actually pretty good at backing up
through the "Z" pattern of logs!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It's a great exercise for rider, too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Your horse has to trust that you know where to go because they can't see behind them and you have to be
able to communicate to your horse where to place their feet, when to start
turning, etc. etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Gem's feet hit the logs regularly, but he didn't move any of the logs out of place. </span>This is one exercise
that I am going to continue practicing! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Side passing over a log - not so great; Gem rolls the log up his leg, puts it in his mouth and
then starts to carry it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sigh. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We jumped/stepped over a
cavaletti </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">a number of times</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> at a trot and crossed over a bridge without incident.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then LA said we were going to the Loping
Field.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gulp.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">The Loping Field is a small
field that is completely surrounded by trees and bush.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a natural circle, so of course it's the
perfect place to learn how to lope in the open.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As we walked over, LA suggested that I lope the field.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Me: Are you mad?? </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">LA:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You will be fine.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Nervous Classmate:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do it! Do it!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Me (<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>to Nervous Classmate</i></span>):<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Easy for you to say. </span>Listen, I will lope in that field when
you do (<span style="font-size: xx-small;">knowing full well that she never would</span>).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">I had just about convinced LA and Nervous Classmate that loping was not going to happen when DH's
Mom, out on a trail ride, joined us and put in her two cents worth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sigh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I agreed to lope in a straight line first. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And you know what?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gem and I did it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I queued him and </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">he responded right away. We loped at a very even, gentle pace in a straight line, turned and loped
back to the group.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>I couldn't believe it!</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyone was
cheering.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Then I decided to go the full circle! We repeated our performance and
you know what? My butt was pretty much in the saddle the whole time!
:-) BTW, Nervous Classmate did not lope the field.</span></span><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Loping on grass instead of sand feels completely different. I am going to end every trail ride with a lope around the Loping Field. It will help my balance a lot. My goal is to get my confidence up to the level where I can lope straight through one of the larger fields. Oh, and I think I am ready to walk around the field next to the paddock solo. Yep, you read that right - solo! :-) Giddy up!!</span></span>Wolfiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04743943656869294788noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8766983761847636077.post-65780078036941322062013-08-06T16:28:00.000-04:002013-08-06T16:28:47.548-04:00There's Good News and Bad.....<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqGu8GTwHQcCvHwzgDY__BuLRDJ_PL3l7082ROfsEqMMKUQOkKErx4wxe6aKkt3lhMqDyX2MmxOpUJKXuaOux2zuH024vm5H9Oc-UJ8atEmZNEz28eBGXfMpGSS2qFEf7PhqNRXVtAEak/s1600/Caileigh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqGu8GTwHQcCvHwzgDY__BuLRDJ_PL3l7082ROfsEqMMKUQOkKErx4wxe6aKkt3lhMqDyX2MmxOpUJKXuaOux2zuH024vm5H9Oc-UJ8atEmZNEz28eBGXfMpGSS2qFEf7PhqNRXVtAEak/s200/Caileigh.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Bad News</b>: There were some abnormalities with some blood work I had done for my 13-year old Cairn Terrier. Her liver enzymes were elevated. In addition, a small growth was found near her hip and the biopsy indicated that it was cancerous. It was decided to do an x-ray to see if there was anything else going on with her liver - unfortunately the results were inconclusive. An ultrasound was done, showing that there were some tumours on her liver. My vet booked an appointment for us with an oncologist. Initially, we talked about using ultrasound to guide a needle to her liver to collect material for a biopsy. I explained to him that I wanted a <u>definitive</u> answer on whether or not she had liver cancer. We decided that while she was knocked out to have the little growth removed from her hip, that he do some exploratory surgery so that we know what we were up against.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Good News</b>: The doctor removed the tumours on her liver; they were benign! Yipee!!! The small growth has been removed and sent to pathology, but he is quite hopeful that all the bad stuff has been removed. Yay!</span><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzWgXeLyoQ6xJSo4aTMCEUJ_zUImxIgf7qlGXgxGNo98WE2_KeQ5LwQm7TFX2uNPJWNP3mTQZcfBBB3chJScgCEgEk_-s5gRM2qkmERPXS-HJCCKDj-UY7Qx27sVCKwnKko2tgDZtvgQY/s1600/Gem-free+lunging.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzWgXeLyoQ6xJSo4aTMCEUJ_zUImxIgf7qlGXgxGNo98WE2_KeQ5LwQm7TFX2uNPJWNP3mTQZcfBBB3chJScgCEgEk_-s5gRM2qkmERPXS-HJCCKDj-UY7Qx27sVCKwnKko2tgDZtvgQY/s320/Gem-free+lunging.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gem's version of free lunging.....</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Bad News</b>: Gem's recovery from his abscess was slow. I took him out of his stall last week and he was still limping! I free lunged him or walked him as recommended whenever I saw him. I was starting to worry. My vet was on holidays, so I decided to wait for his return and have some x-rays done. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Good News</b>: LA mentioned on the weekend that he looked fine during turnout (running and bucking), so I saddled him up on Sunday and rode him at a walk for 20 minutes. He was actually happy(?) to be doing something, I think. He had a spring in his step and was enjoying being out. With LA's permission, I took him on a lovely trail ride yesterday - the first real ride on him in 6 weeks! He was amazing. We walked through some really muddy patches, without issue. I know!! Mud! It felt so good to be riding him.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Bad News</b>: The flies around the barn are horrific. Gem's stall is located at the end of the barn, next to the back door. Under normal circumstances, it's a great spot; sun, fresh air, nice view. However, flies multiply in the manure pile around the corner. I have a fly trap at his stall, but it has not had much of an impact this year. When I took him out of his stall over the weekend, his left eye was a bit swollen, red and gunky; conjunctivitis brought on by the flies irritating his eyes. I picked up some eye ointment and he has been wearing his fly mask. I hope there is some improvement soon.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Good News</b>: The fly spray I have been using has been doing a really good job. <a href="http://www.pleasantridge.ca/index.php/omega-alpha-herba-coat.html">Neemella</a> not only smells nice, but it seems to keep the flies away for longer than the traditional sprays. And, even with the billions of flies around, Gem does not seem to be suffering with bot eggs like previous years (<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>knocking on wood as I type that</i></span>).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Bad News:</b> Jean and Stu will be leaving the barn soon. Jean's husband has been transferred so she will be leaving at the end of the month. Back in June, Jean had another fall off of Stu. A few of us met on a Sunday to go out on a trail ride. Her lessons had been going fairly well, and Jean felt she was ready to try Stu out in the open. Jean, RO and I were walking our horses around the paddock, waiting for DH's Mom to join us. Jean was at the far end and all of a sudden, RO and I heard "whoa! Whoa! WHOA!" We turned our horses around to see Jean basically lying flat on Stu's back pulling on the reins with all of her might as he cantered out of control. We had (stupidly) left the gate leading to the yard open, thinking that DH's Mom wasn't far behind us and Stu took advantage of the opening and raced through. Fortunately, Jean fell with a thump before Stu ran into the barn - she would have hit the top of the barn door and sustained major injuries if she had stayed on him. DH's Mom was still in the barn and was able to calm Stu before he hurt himself or another horse. She made Jean get back on him (unlike the last time she fell) and she held the bridle and walked Jean around for a bit before she got off. Jean is not exactly sure what it was that set Stu off; it might have been her boot scraping the side of the fence. Unfortunately, Jean has been sort of reluctant to ride Stu ever since. She will be going to a very small boarding facility that does not have an instructor or arena. My fingers and toes are crossed that she will push herself to improve Stu's (and her) confidence and abilities in spite of the limitations at her new place. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Good News</b>: The weather has been decent and I am looking forward to riding my boy this week! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hope you are enjoying your summer!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Wolfiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04743943656869294788noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8766983761847636077.post-54120102673329887352013-07-15T17:22:00.002-04:002013-07-15T17:22:54.210-04:00Lingering<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<![endif]--><span style="font-family: Arial;">What I like about summer is
the warmth and light of the sun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have
much more energy in the summer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My creakiness doesn't seem as noticeable during the summer months.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have no problem awaking at 6:30 a.m. and ease into my
work day by having my morning coffee as I water my little garden and hanging
pots.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After that is done, I have my
second cup reading the paper and chatting about world events with My Husband, before I go upstairs to get ready for work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Summer replenishes me. </span>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Summer + riding doesn't work
for me, however.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The first summer I had
Gem, the temperatures were normal and I was injury free; I was able to ride
regularly but in the arena or paddock only, because of my lack of experience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The next summer, I was still recovering from surgery, so my riding was
limited.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The summer of 2011 was tolerable hot
although I remember the flies being horrific; they made horse and rider miserable. I actually had flies hit me in the
eyeball a couple of times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gross.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The summer of 2012 was awful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The high temperatures hit us in May,
starting our drought, and it was so uncomfortable that I stopped lessons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Trail rides were far and few between. </span>In July, I fell and decided that recovering
from a pulled groin was the right time to put Gem into 30-day boot camp.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This summer we have been hit once again with
high temperatures (32-35C/+90F). This year, however, it's wet. The humidity makes it feel like +40C/+100F and the only relief we get from "big hair" days is when we experience torrential rain storms coupled with thunder. There doesn't seem to be any relief in the near future; these conditions will continue to linger for the next while. Tragically, a lady that I know lost her older horse to a heart attack attributed to the sweltering conditions. Just when my confidence has improved enough to accommodate the sweltering heat and hit the trails, our time together was sabotaged by Gem's abscess. It appears that I am not meant to be a summer rider. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">We thought we had the abscess licked a couple of weeks ago. In fact, after the vet checked him the first time and my farrier put a little hole in his hoof where some pus escaped, he was sound enough at a walk for me to saddle him up a few days later and get on him for 10 minutes; I did try him at a jog so that LA could assess him and he was still off. The next time I took him out of his stall, he was lame at a walk. The heat was back in his hoof. I freaked out. LA happened to have a QH trainer friend visiting; Larry is also a farrier, so he re-opened the hole that my farrier had done and sure enough a very small amount of pus came out. Was this abscess ever going to go away???? Or was it just going to linger on forever???!!!</span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj70gA2niO8yOgkki3C9qf5e4MUeUnhRkfd7fkeUrSYTcL3Z_oT6BQsIsqXVzfVjdlhyphenhyphen4CfZbOWLg8UtGdB5rVNhNYegGr3IYV5T9JTVfNGdimf4J8YWsF4zXrFPi4gxoT0ZPIqVruqELE/s1600/Coronet+band+abscess.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj70gA2niO8yOgkki3C9qf5e4MUeUnhRkfd7fkeUrSYTcL3Z_oT6BQsIsqXVzfVjdlhyphenhyphen4CfZbOWLg8UtGdB5rVNhNYegGr3IYV5T9JTVfNGdimf4J8YWsF4zXrFPi4gxoT0ZPIqVruqELE/s200/Coronet+band+abscess.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Abscess at coronet band.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">We continued to soak and poultice daily. The vet was out to float some teeth, so I asked that he take a look at Gem. As he felt around the coronet band, Gem pulled his hoof away when he applied pressure to the front of the band, straight up from where the hole in his hoof was. The vet believes that the original hole closed up, even with us soaking and applying poultices daily. When Larry re-opened the hole, residue pus escaped, but the rest of the infection was already traveling upwards toward the coronet band. </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">When I rode him, even though it was at a walk, it aggravated the infection. </span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> Now it was a waiting game. He recommended that I take Gem for short walks or light free lunge to stimulate the blood flow to the hoof and encourage the abscess to blow.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I have been continuing to soak his foot, just to keep the original hole clean, and have been hand walking him or allowing him to run around the paddock. He is sound at a walk, but still off at a jog. When he lopes/canters (at his instigation, not mine) around the paddock, he seems sound but I suspect that it's an illusion because of the gait. Standing in direct sun, in hot sand, is not my idea of fun. The sweat drips down my face, even into my eyes. Thank goodness for waterproof mascara!! :-) But watching Gem look somewhat normal as he moves around the paddock is a big relief.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Something that I have observed since his abscess is that some of his manners have gone by the wayside. He sometimes revert back to being pushy. Could be the heat, could be his discomfort. But, it's something that we will be working on over the next couple of weeks while we are spending time on the ground. Yesterday, I let him loose in the paddock. He wouldn't move away unless I did, so I started walking around the paddock with him following me like a dog. We worked on whoa (pretty good), stand (pretty good) and come (not so good). He crowded me a couple of times and I had to correct. There is an exercise ball in the paddock and I kicked it to him and he "threw" it back to me a number of times before he lost interest. It was just too friggin hot!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Gem appreciates the 15 minutes out of his stall when I walk him or let him run around the paddock and he especially enjoys the grass treat afterwards. I have to say that I am so pleased that he's not out during the day in these temperatures. He gets to nap is the coolness of the barn and then appreciate more acceptable temperatures at night when he's turned out. I know, I know....he's a horse and they can easily accommodate the weather, but it makes ME feel better to know that he's as comfortable as he can be. :-) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">As of yesterday, there is no indication that the abscess has blown and there wasn't any heat around the coronet band. Perhaps the abscess has been reabsorbed?? Keep your fingers crossed that Gem as at the end of this incident. Hope everyone is staying cool!!! I find Mojitos help. :-) </span></div>
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Wolfiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04743943656869294788noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8766983761847636077.post-4414544869895213252013-06-27T22:15:00.000-04:002013-06-27T22:15:01.544-04:00Cheating.....again.....<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYukR7xTb8tefHrCtRM6nCVsDBwlmNdU57TnwZDxPmxRR_5ozK_fRIB3Xgwc02Wljl6Fwy0NTU20Xbq_x4VKCG7XaWG2peVoYyymtxfCHAyZ_KUPf9Pnv_6I0RiEHdt1i0gTrlCcusGqs/s1600/P1020644.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYukR7xTb8tefHrCtRM6nCVsDBwlmNdU57TnwZDxPmxRR_5ozK_fRIB3Xgwc02Wljl6Fwy0NTU20Xbq_x4VKCG7XaWG2peVoYyymtxfCHAyZ_KUPf9Pnv_6I0RiEHdt1i0gTrlCcusGqs/s200/P1020644.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Does this stall make my butt look big?</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well, as you know, Gem has been recovering from a hoof abscess the last couple of weeks. The farrier was out last week and dug a small hole in the bottom of his hoof at the toe. LA supervised and a small amount of pus did come out, but not a lot. We continued with the Epsom salt soak and the iodine poultice. Quite honestly, I don't know what I would have done without LA. There were many times that I was unable to make it to the barn to change his poultice and she always came through for me. Over time, Gem's limp and discomfort became less and less. LA stopped the poultice application late last week. We continued soaking his foot, minus the Epsom salt because it was now becoming quite drying. When I arrived last Friday,</span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqDnnd6YIenj3meCmfPMl42qawyQNgIvfp7OyL9CDV5JF-yaO983GZwmxSFRxbdPHAt7WTDnzJSj5JaP4kG9SrZti_MqaBYOXTege6KZRFWPEmELIlo_xtLdTsIGMYgXPYKhyuHr-BA1Y/s1600/P1020643.JPG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqDnnd6YIenj3meCmfPMl42qawyQNgIvfp7OyL9CDV5JF-yaO983GZwmxSFRxbdPHAt7WTDnzJSj5JaP4kG9SrZti_MqaBYOXTege6KZRFWPEmELIlo_xtLdTsIGMYgXPYKhyuHr-BA1Y/s200/P1020643.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No bootie!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> LA told me to wait at the barn door. She went and got him, fast walked him up the aisle and then trotted him around the open area in front of the barn. He was sound at a walk and 95% sound at a trot; if you weren't looking for it, you wouldn't notice the very very slight hitch in his step at a trot!!! Yipee!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But, I haven't been sitting around idly waiting for Gem. Nooooo....... While he's been dealing with his abscess, I have been <a href="http://wolfie-whatwasithinking.blogspot.ca/2012/08/cheating.html">cheating</a> on him. I decided to continue with lesson without him. Cold, eh? :-) The first lesson without him, I actually rode LA's former reining horse. Jazzy is occasionally used in lesson and is also used as a teacher of young riders who want to get into barrel racing. This horse LOVES running and consistently wins at local competitions, no matter who is riding her. :-) There was a nano second of apprehension when LA told me who I would be riding and then it was gone. Go figure. I saddled her up and off we went. She is a lovely 15.1hh Bay QH, with a black smudgy nose. Her stride at a jog and lope were much shorter than what I was used to. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I tried to relax into the saddle when loping, but I just couldn't</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">; I felt like my body was a jack-hammer. :-) But her responsiveness was spot on and I did enjoy riding her very much; everything was so easy on her! I actually spinned her!!! This is what spinning looks like:</span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/gLVzFWecDyA?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">I was very dizzy after I spinned.!! I don't know how they do it!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A couple of days later, I borrowed steady eddy Sally and went for a trail ride with a couple of friends. Jean had an incident on Stu - more on that later. We warmed up in the front paddock and I had Sally up to a lope a number of times. I was delighted at how smooth her lope was and how I managed to keep my butt in the saddle. WTH??! However, I did become a teensy bit nervous when we were out and she called to her herd mates and half a dozen came over and started to surround us. She really to be with them! I managed to convince her otherwise, with DH's Mom's help.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4szPMlZjGAOo5blorqq-1WBfZY9cfQ7FTxeicPz7Vw5KCfNeiFCY92eOH8ARg3Q8Nu-wDSuIifSpMvNbL3utzJmRkau1NtiSq8fMS-5aGZendTPZ6S8FvEzbUPvYcEaXl3Y-RVqQ04rU/s1600/P1010754.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4szPMlZjGAOo5blorqq-1WBfZY9cfQ7FTxeicPz7Vw5KCfNeiFCY92eOH8ARg3Q8Nu-wDSuIifSpMvNbL3utzJmRkau1NtiSq8fMS-5aGZendTPZ6S8FvEzbUPvYcEaXl3Y-RVqQ04rU/s200/P1010754.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Last Tuesday, I rode Barley. Barley is a tall gelding. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">LA decided to put me on a horse that would approximate Gem's stride. :-)</span> He has interesting colouring; almost white with a grey and brown mane and tail. He has freckles on his nose and around his eyes,. Again, I had no apprehension about riding a different horse. What's with that? My lesson was....well....awesome. So good in fact, that LA asked "Who are you and what have you done with Wolfie!" :-) Barley is a good all around western and English horse and is used in lessons regularly. He was a delight to ride and for the first time I really experienced collection. It's hit and miss with Gem, but asking Barley for collection was easy and keeping him that way was not so hard. I left the lesson smiling and pumped.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">LA said that I could use Gem in lesson this week at a walk/trot, but I wanted to continue on my winning streak with loping. Yes, I chose another over Gem; I asked if I could ride Barley again!! Did I feel guilty....actually, no. And, Barley didn't disappoint. Even with the oppressive heat we have been experiencing, he was willing to work and please. Extended posting trot? Easy. Loping a small circle? No problem. The slightest neck rein pressure made him turn. My butt?? In the saddle!!!! I felt confident and in the zone. It was nice to have LA focused only on my not-so-quiet-hands instead of EVERYTHING. Barley made me look good.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Riding other horses has been a big confidence booster for me. Will I do it again? Yes, if I am having trouble learning how to do something. Gem is not as experienced as these lessons horses and if I can learn something in particular on them and transfer that over to Gem, I think that's a win-win situation. Gem and I are in this together. We do have our work cut out for us, but I think we are both up to the challenge. I am looking forward to riding my beautiful guy this weekend. I may have been cheating on him, but I have missed him terribly! ;-) </span><br />
<br />Wolfiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04743943656869294788noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8766983761847636077.post-16394593181836828452013-06-20T20:07:00.000-04:002013-06-20T20:07:52.477-04:00Liebster!<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</xml><![endif]--><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Mona over
at <a href="http://panicandthepony.blogspot.ca/">Panic and the Pony</a> nominated me for a Liebster Award - thank you!! It's a fun way to get to know each other. Here are the rules:</span></span>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">HOW TO
ACCEPT THE AWARD: The Liebster Blog Award is a way to recognize blogs
who have less than 200 followers. Liebster is a German word
that means beloved and valued. Here are the rules for accepting the
award:</span></span></div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Thank the
person who nominated you and include a link back to their blog.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">List 11
random facts about yourself.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Answer the
11 questions given to you.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Create 11
questions for the bloggers you nominate.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Choose 11
bloggers with 200 or fewer followers to nominate and include links to their
blogs.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Go to each
blogger's page and let them know you have nominated them.</span></span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><b>11 Random
Facts about me</b>:</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial;">1. I will not
leave the house without eyeliner and lipstick on</span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /><span style="font-family: Arial;">2. I cannot
imagine my life without a four-legged companion.</span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /><span style="font-family: Arial;">3. I am a
sucker for Turtles, chocolate covered almonds and potato chips - preferably
being eaten at the same sitting.</span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /><span style="font-family: Arial;">4. I am not
good with bad table manners.</span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /><span style="font-family: Arial;">5. Although
vodka soda is my usual drink, I love a cold beer after I ride.</span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /><span style="font-family: Arial;">6. I have
recently become addicted to YouTube; horse stuff, operations, funny videos -
can't get enough.</span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /><span style="font-family: Arial;">7. My two
favourite TV shows right now are Justified and Longmire.</span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /><span style="font-family: Arial;">8. I prefer
Fall and Winter riding.</span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /><span style="font-family: Arial;">9. I am very
social, but I like time to myself and can sometimes park myself on the couch
with my dogs for an entire weekend re-watching favourite movies.</span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /><span style="font-family: Arial;">10. I follow the "3 strikes and you're out" rule when it comes to relationships. Relationships
require work and I am more than willing to make the effort. But I don't want to invest time in someone who takes advantage or doesn't reciprocate. After strike 3, I close the door without looking back and walk away.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">11. </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Retirement sort of frightens me. </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><br />
<br />
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">Questions
from Mona:</span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">1.
Were horses in your childhood?</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Yes, but
more from a reading perspective. I did
do some trail riding as a teenager, but I didn't become serious about riding
until 5 years ago.<br />
<br />
2. What's the weirdest lesson/clinic you've ever had on horseback?</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">I haven't
had "weird" yet, but I did have a lesson where I had to lope with no
reins. This was to improve my balance
and help keep my butt in the saddle. It
actually worked.<br />
<br />
3. What one thing would you change about your horse?</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">That he
wasn't so mouthy.<br />
<br />
4. What one thing would you change about yourself?</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">When it comes to riding, letting go of my insecurities out on the trails.<br />
<br />
5. Do you board or keep your horse at home?</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Board.<br />
<br />
6. What is your favorite thing about boarding or keeping your horse at
home?</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">I love
boarding because someone is always there for my horse. He gets checked a few times a day. I have no worries about his well-being.<br />
<br />
7. What is your least favorite thing about boarding or keeping your horse
at home?</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">I don't
like the gossip atmosphere of a boarding situation.<br />
<br />
8. What nicknames do you have for your horse?</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Handsome,
Bubby<br />
<br />
9. What scares you the most about riding/horses?</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Being
swarmed by the herd when out on the trails. <br />
<br />
10. What is your best skill around horses?</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">I am
actually good at calming them down for the vet or farrier.<br />
<br />
11. What is your dream pony vacation?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Attending a
Buck Brannaman clinic with my horse at a ranch resort location. :-) </span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">11
Questions for you:</span></b></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">1. Who do you prefer - Ryan Gosling or Ryan Reynolds?</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">2. What is
your favourite gait when riding?</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">3. Have you
ever had a light bulb moment when riding?</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">4. Do you care
what you wear to the barn?</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">5. Do you wear
a helmet when you ride? </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">6. What is/was your favourite book?</span></span>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /><span style="font-family: Arial;">7. What is your favourite part of the riding experience (grooming, competition, lesson, trail)?</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">8. What is
your favourite season for riding?</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">9. Do you have
other interests in addition to horses?</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">10. If you could only have one food if you were stranded on a desert island, what would it be?</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">11. Would you
prefer a social person next to you on a long flight or someone who keeps to
themselves?</span></span><br />
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</div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">I couldn't stop at 11 nominees. :-) I wanted to include blogs that I have recently discovered. Enjoy! </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.moondanceranchco.blogspot.ca/">Moondance Ranch</a> </span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></span><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://detroitdog.blogspot.ca/">The Dog House</a> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://thewindswepthill.wordpress.com/">The Windswept Hill </a></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://justaplainsam.blogspot.ca/">On the Ground</a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://ribbonsandredtape.blogspot.ca/">Ribbons and Red Tape</a> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://joyous-art.blogspot.ca/">Joyous Art</a> </span></span></div>
</div>
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://justaplainsam.blogspot.ca/">On the Ground</a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><a href="http://justaplainsam.blogspot.ca/"> </a> </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://galsandhorses.blogspot.ca/">A Work in Progress</a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://greymareschiroc.blogspot.ca/">Never to Old</a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://huntercircle.blogspot.ca/">It's Harder Than It Looks</a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://alisongoulding.blogspot.ca/">Alison Goulding</a> </span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://equutopia.blogspot.ca/">The Hard Way</a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://yayariders.wordpress.com/">YaYa Riders</a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><a href="http://yayariders.wordpress.com/"> </a> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://artemisareia.blogspot.ca/">Artemis Areia</a></span></span> <br />
<br />
<br />Wolfiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04743943656869294788noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8766983761847636077.post-21052068891996141212013-06-16T17:30:00.001-04:002013-06-16T17:30:12.967-04:00Rockin' the Silver Bootie<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</xml><![endif]--><span style="font-family: Arial;">Monday evening, as I was
sitting at my vet's office waiting for my bill to be done (annual vaccinations
for my dogs), I received this text:</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">LA:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i>Gem is reported to have a swollen knee.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kathy (her daughter) is icing it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am driving back from Montreal and will look at it when I am back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jeff (the vet) is out tomorrow.</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><i> </i> </span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">The bottom of my stomach
fell out.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Me:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i>A swollen knee???<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is him limping?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is he able to stand OK???</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">LA:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <i> </i></span><i>Not worrisome.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He's standing fine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think it's an abscess not a knee
problem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Will check.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Me: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i>I am freaking out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want
Jeff to look at him tomorrow and I want to be there.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">LA:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i>Will call you after I look at him.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Gem has <u>never</u> been
sick (I am knocking on wood as I write this).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He seems to be resistant to the odd colds that go through the barn, rain
rot, thrush, hives - you name it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His
feet are good and strong. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His teeth are
great. In fact, my vet is amazed at his hardiness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>:-) <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is a true "easy
keeper".<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has also been fortunate
to have never had an injury.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can
imagine how worried I was.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">LA called around 10:00
p.m.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She told me that he was fine Monday
morning when he was brought in (he has night turnout), but when they went to
put him out Monday evening, he hobbled out of his stall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She checked him over and told me that she believed it to be an abscess because there was heat in his hoof; his knee was not really swollen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She believed the barn help over-reacted
because Gem has never had any ailments and they assumed it was his knee.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I arrived Tuesday afternoon
as the vet was unloading his bag of tricks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gem was in his stall and LA warned me not to freak out as she walked him
up the aisle to Jeff.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Out hobbled Gem,
trying hard to walk on three legs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Well, </span>I did
sort of freak out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>:-)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Jeff confirmed what LA suspected; an
abscess.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> He explained that with the torrential rains that we have had the last two weeks, the wet conditions have caused hooves to soften up making it easy for little stones or a bruise to take hold and fester. In addition, the flies have came back in droves once the sun poked out, so there's a lot of bruise-creating stomping going on. He is anticipating quite an increase in abscesses over the next few weeks. </span>He used his hoof pinching
thingy and located the sensitivity on the right side of his right front
hoof.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He let me feel Gem's hoof so I
could feel how it was slightly warmer on that side of the hoof.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jeff did a little scraping, trying to locate
where the abscess might blow, but couldn't readily find anything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> He left instructions that I am to soak his foot in an Epsom salt water solution and then apply a poultice of iodine and sugar, held in place with a baby diaper and lots of duct tape. This is to be changed daily. He thought that the abscess would blow in a couple of days. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Fortunately, LA gave me the shopping list prior to Jeff's arrival, so I was prepared to take care of Gem right away. LA helped me, showing me the correct amounts of the soak and the poultice and wrapped his foot up. It was horrible to watch Gem so lame. It appeared he could barely put any weight on his hoof. I worried about him being in pain, but it was recommended not to give him any bute. </span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpDEFwQPQrQGKZGTWl1ZcpaGMEvb9QoWCKtwT7_AEEwF2IbzvNwGusBGa_ME7w9zAYP7Qz6xoBTtu12Bmgw_h_9HJ3VZervuql-CG6eZLasRBokr9PXRqM-T7W2wJKhwcxKrEulgwYWXA/s1600/P1020602.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpDEFwQPQrQGKZGTWl1ZcpaGMEvb9QoWCKtwT7_AEEwF2IbzvNwGusBGa_ME7w9zAYP7Qz6xoBTtu12Bmgw_h_9HJ3VZervuql-CG6eZLasRBokr9PXRqM-T7W2wJKhwcxKrEulgwYWXA/s200/P1020602.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">After LA wrapped his foot, I went down to the arena to give DH's Mom an update. If I was gone 10 minutes, that was all. I came back up to the barn and as I walked in I saw Gem's stall wide open. WTH? I thought LA wanted to keep him in??? As I walked down the aisle, a movement caught my attention. There was Gem, parked at the hay storage, chowing down like there was no tomorrow!! Obviously, I had neglected to shut the top part of his stall. Good grief. He had opened his stall and hobbled all the way down from one end of the barn to the other. Pain obviously does not stand in the way of a good buffet!</span></span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPGSJb-vy2yjfYPLJisThSOrsAndwM9Y17764lBRWhlyCgD8c0D4An8VjdY6O6zFh2LyMP_hUMIiIv-LL68aVtSTdMztsMfUlMkZj0UMfi5l44-hU9t1ZUTaPrcRqgsC6U9-hkMWr1yt4/s1600/P1020603.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPGSJb-vy2yjfYPLJisThSOrsAndwM9Y17764lBRWhlyCgD8c0D4An8VjdY6O6zFh2LyMP_hUMIiIv-LL68aVtSTdMztsMfUlMkZj0UMfi5l44-hU9t1ZUTaPrcRqgsC6U9-hkMWr1yt4/s320/P1020603.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Since Tuesday, I have solicited the help of DH's Mom and another boarder to wrap Gem's foot. It is a two person job. He's actually a pretty good patient. When I bring in the bucket to soak his foot, he lifts his leg and puts his foot in the bucket. Good boy. <i>(Note to self: to avoid a bright yellow hand and green coloured nail polish, never mix up sugar iodine without wearing a glove.) </i> LA turned him out Wednesday (he was getting stir crazy) and he managed to keep his bootie on, so he's back on regular turnout. </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">I think he's making quite the fashion statement, don't you??</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">As of today, the abscess has not burst. In fact, each day his limp gets less and less pronounced. He's still in some discomfort but I have been told that sometimes abscesses actually go away, particularly if it is bruise induced. This is what I am hoping for; that it will simply go away. I think Gem is, too. </span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKZoo_dAk0sT6fHwjJBJADQSl93PqhkOhVUGxnfI1C5o473gbShnUt2fjYgQBgmnHgEL_D691puwbZ95qlhf2-PsmtV4ChyphenhyphenHDqhSmA4VcZ2-M65fH6XRBH3gDepdkCFM75eqU_m4bOMak/s1600/P1020612.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKZoo_dAk0sT6fHwjJBJADQSl93PqhkOhVUGxnfI1C5o473gbShnUt2fjYgQBgmnHgEL_D691puwbZ95qlhf2-PsmtV4ChyphenhyphenHDqhSmA4VcZ2-M65fH6XRBH3gDepdkCFM75eqU_m4bOMak/s320/P1020612.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Have a great week!!</span></span></div>
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Wolfiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04743943656869294788noreply@blogger.com25