What's Up Wednesday

What. A. Week. Seriously. Let's just get right to it. As you already knew, my saddle wasn't going to even pretend to work for Shiny, so I didn't plan to ride her until the weekend when I could pick up my old saddle at the barn. (I had it there to attempt to sell.) Which was really a good plan, because Friday I had to have an endoscopy anyway. Just a let's make sure everything is good in there kind of thing, nothing to worry about! And all is good, so glad that's over.

Anesthesia always leaves me pretty exhausted afterwards, so I took the rest of the day pretty easy. I wasn't allowed to drive myself anywhere, but my mom stuck around and we ran some errands and had a nice lunch together. The horses got fed and that was about all I did with them that day.
Saturday was a big, busy day though! I was up fairly early because Fefe would be arriving, and I had to get all of her stuff set up at the barn.

I rode Eros first, and he was a good boy, as usual! And then my stepmom and I got busy putting away all of Fefe's stuff while awaiting her arrival. She got there around noon time, and unloaded like a perfect lady.

We really didn't fuss with her Saturday, since she had a long trailer ride up from Florida. Andrea went back later in the day to groom and hand walk her.
I spent the rest of my day with the kids at home. Rio had a nice groom and a graze. And I finally got to ride Shiny!

I'm big on her, but not TOO big at least. This saddle fits her  better than my regular one, but it doesn't actually fit her, so I have something with a wide tree coming on trial. Hopefully soon.
As for the ride, she was exactly as advertised. Very quiet, and very green. But she went around fine, despite my neighbor being noisy and dropping tools every so often... (Seriously, that guy.) I had a really hard time getting her to canter, but when I did, her canter was a dream! So smooth!
I had to rush a bit after getting her put away. They got fed, and I hopped in the shower super fast. I had to pick my mom up for a 6:45 dinner reservation at the casino. My mom turned 70 on Tuesday, so we were celebrating over the weekend. My brother and sister-in-law got a sitter, so it was just us grown ups for a REALLY nice meal.

Why yes, that is three types of mashed potatoes. A flight if you will.

23 layers of delicious.

Happy Birthday Mom!

It was a late night, but mom had a great time. And I didn't lose all my money at the casino, so that was nice too.
Sunday was another BUSY day. But I guess I best get used to it! My barn helper had the day off, so I was up early to get the kids fed, turned out, and their stalls cleaned.

Photo not actually from that morning. But Rio is the cutest in his walkout.

Once chores were done, I headed over to the barn. I met up with stepmom so we could see how Fefe was feeling about the new barn. The plan was to throw her on a lunge line and I would ride her that day. I opted to stay indoors as they were having jumping lessons outside. They don't like us to lunge during those. It worked out great, and Fefe seems like a pretty cool girl. She wanted to look around, but she wasn't wild nor spooky. She seems like she can maybe getting rolling along a bit at the canter, but if you ask her to slow down, she does. We didn't do too much for that first day. I just wanted to see what we were working with, and let her stretch her legs a little.

I rode Eros next, and he was wonderful. No more of the complaints he had last week!
Next I went home to tend to the other kids. Shiny was a good girl again, though I really feel like I'm fighting the saddle more than I'm riding the pony. Can't wait to try something else on her! Fingers crossed the first one will work, because this one isn't!

Rio had some more good groomies, and a little grass eating too.

Last Thursday, before I had a saddle to use, I gave Shiny an extra evening turnout. While she was out, I took Rio out for grass. And they met face to face for the first time.

You guys. He LOVES her. Probably too much. And I think he put her into heat. Sheesh. Mares. Now I remember why I have a no mares rule. They're so gross! But it's pretty cute that they love each other, and get along. I do fear she'll get a little clingy, as she does call to him when I take him out for grass. I'm not sure if that's about him though. Probably she just wants grass too.

After work Monday, I fed my kids, but gave them the night off. Instead, I headed over to ride my old buddy Big Brad!

He was really good, and even got round at the canter! Something that's been hard for him in the past. Not only that, but he even gave me some nice bend both directions at the canter too! Not easy things when you're as big as he is. It was a fun ride. I've missed him!

Which brings us to last night. I got on my pony last night, and well. She wasn't very good. She was snarky when I put my leg on, and a couple of times when I asked for trot, she sucked back, kicked out, and tossed her head up and down like she was contemplating a rear. I don't feel good about this, it reminded me very much of Ducky. But. Here's the thing. I really think it's the saddle. So I don't want to pick a big fight until I find a better fitting saddle for her. At the walk, I was able to get some really nice work out of her. She actually came up through her back onto the bit. But when I asked for the trot in that frame, I got the above behavior. And I think it's because she's uncomfortable. I hate to make excuses, and I don't want to let her get away with bad behavior. But I also don't want to punish her for telling me she's uncomfortable. If that's what's happening.

Still gives the snuggles though.

 This is the hardest thing about not knowing a horse. It's hard to judge when to be a trainer, and when to be a listener. I'm going to listen for right now, until I get a better fitting saddle. So tonight maybe we'll just lunge. Or have a turnout. And I'll see about getting that saddle shipped asap. I'm also not going to let naughty behavior linger. Once we have a saddle that fits, if I'm still having trouble, I will bring in a trainer to set everything straight. This is a lovely pony, and I don't want to mess her up.

And that's where we are at. Saddle limbo. Have you guys been through similar issues with a new horse? Think I'm taking the right approach? Any suggestions for deciphering bad behavior from uncomfortable behavior in a horse you don't know?

What's Up Wednesday

Wednesday already? Where does the time go? I always seem to forget how busy May is. It starts off with all the birthdays, then you have mother's day, and it just keeps going! Adding a new horse to the mix definitely makes for some long days. But not in a bad way! Anyway... Let's look back at the past week!
I spent my evenings last week grooming my boy Rio and getting things ready for Shiny's arrival. That included hanging up her new blankets and replacing the nameplates on the stalls. I replaced all of them since I wanted Eros to have one too, and Rio's was getting really beat up looking. No amount of polishing was cleaning it up.

Turnout clothes!

Empty stalls just have Winthrop Corner plates so they match the rest.
Also, I have no idea why this one random stall had different screws than all the rest.

Saturday was pretty busy. I went to ride Eros in the morning and ran a handful of errands. Came back home to tend to Mr Rio and give him lots of extra attention in his last hours as an only horse.

Also hung this blanket out to dry after I washed it, and forgot about it so it was rained on overnight. Nice work self.

I was hoping to have Shiny arrive around 1 or 2 so I could let her settle, but still have time to let her have a little time turned out. Unfortunately, she arrived closer to 4.

Me and my pony!

 I had to be looking presentable at a baby shower at 6, so I didn't really have much time to do anything with her. I wanted her to have some time to relax in her stall after the long ride rather than fuss at her right away. So I gave her some hay and water, stared at her for a bit to make sure she was cool and content, then fed them both and was off to be social at the shower.

It was kind of a bummer to have to run out the door, but what can you do? The shower was lots of fun. My friend is Peruvian and her family did most of the food. It was DELICIOUS!

I wasn't home too late, and got to check on Shiny again and Rio too of course. Everyone seemed happy, so I was content too. Phew.

Sunday was another early morning. I went to the barn first to do Eros who had broken his halter in turnout. So I lost some time getting his spare out of the bottom of our locker and adjusted. And then he was a bit of turd nugget. Not bad like when Jampy used to be a spookasaurus rex. That's not Eros' style. But he had zero interest in using himself and working on the bit through his back... you know, correctly? So we had a bit of a discussion which was pretty short because this IS Eros after all. I think I need to ride him at least once during the week. He's getting a little too content to pack my step mom around without really working himself. I think once I get Shiny settled and figured out, I'll aim to give her Wednesdays or Thursdays off and go ride Eros that evening. I don't think I'll be able to do both after work. We'll see I guess. (Anyone else think work really gets in the way of pony time?)

Anyway, after I rode Eros, I headed back home to groom Rio and Shiny. It was pouring buckets so I wasn't going to be able to work Shiny. I think we were both disappointed. She's used to overnight turnout, so coming to my place and basically getting stuck in a stall was kind of unfair to her. She did have turnout Sunday morning for a few hours, but it was pouring and she hated it. Sorry pony, I can't control the weather! She was good to groom though, and of course I grabbed some photos.

I know it's gross and dirty, but LOOK AT THIS TAIL!

I love how she's so dark on her upper legs and lower bum. Her color is really fun! I mean, those DAPPLES! She's so much smaller than my other horses though, I was surprised how little time it takes to groom her. I was kind of like, um... now what should we do?
Overall she's pretty sweet, but she does sometimes offer up the mare glare. Usually when you go to blanket her and then sometimes when she thinks you should give her a treat but you don't. She best get used to that, I mostly only treat in the feed bucket.
Once the horses were cleaned up, I was rushing off again to my brother's house for Mother's Day dinner. My mom helped my four legged kids surprise me with a cute mug with a little stuffed doggy in it and my brother's family gave me flowers because I'm a fur kid mom. It was really sweet of everyone to think of me, when I'm not a human mom.

Monday after work I had to neglect the tall kids. It was still pouring rain anyway, so I don't think they were overly offended. Maybe Shiny a little. Rio was like whatevs, just feed me dinner before you go. I had to go pick up a birthday gift for my mom and run a few other errands. I just wasn't able to get everything done over the weekend.
I was really hoping to ride last night. It wasn't supposed to rain, but guess what? Rain. As soon as I got in the car to leave work (late I might add). WHY?! My footing can handle rain pretty well, and usually drains pretty quickly, but we've had so much, it's pretty wet. Also, it's been cold. I don't mind riding in the rain so much if it's at least somewhat warm out. But it was 42 degrees when I got home yesterday. So I nixed any riding plans. Instead, I threw Shiny on a lunge line. And honestly? It was the better move. She was CRAZY! Like, holy shit, what did I buy, this thing is nuts CRAZY! But really, I can't blame her. It's freezing cold and wet, plus she's gone from lots of turnout to hardly any with no riding for three days. I'd be crazy too. I'm happy to report that despite her mild lack of manners heading out on the circle, she did not try to murder me. And she does know how to lunge. My biggest problem with both Romey and Ducky was that they were terrible to lunge and spent more time plotting my death than working on a circle. While Shiny was nuts, running (a little scary fast) and throwing some pretty big bucks, she never once pulled on me, and she mostly stayed out well on the circle. When she was half done being a nut ball she stopped and turned toward me so we could change directions. I at first wanted to make her go back out on the circle in the same direction (because she's the pony and I'm the human and I make the rules), but she seemed confused. So I was like, well let's just change directions and see what we have. She was a little rude again heading out to the circle, but didn't kick at me or anything. She proceeded to once again gallop like a mad woman and throw some more bucks. And then she took a deep breath and trotted around a bit before telling me she was all done. Ok then. I took her for a little hand walk on the dryer parts of the ring, and then brought her in to get cleaned up. And then I let her go back out and have some grass. Because I'm such a good horse mom I will stand in the rain for such things.

 You guys, she is an AGGRESSIVE grass eater! I've never seen a horse hoover grass like that! I was told they only let her out on grass every third day because she holds her weight so well. Um. I can see why!

Rio got to have a nice grooming and then ate some grass too.

It was 9pm before I knew it. Guess I have to readjust to having two horses again! Or maybe I'll move myself a little more efficiently when it's actually nice out? Probably that one.
It's finally not raining today, but it's is pretty cool and windy. My dad told me I shouldn't get on Shiny alone the first time, and I tend to think he's right after seeing her on the lunge line yesterday. So I'll probably just work her on the lunge line tonight and tomorrow. Friday I have to have an endoscopy, so I'm not sure what I'll want to do after that. They put you to sleep for it, and I usually am pretty groggy after anesthesia. But this weekend, you better believe my butt will sit on that pony! Fingers crossed she's quieter by then....

How was your past week? Did you get lots of pony time in? Go to a show? Do some shopping? What's happening with all of you guys?

Truthful Tuesday

My confession today is that Shiny arrived late Saturday afternoon (around 4 pm) and I haven't gotten to sit on her yet! Do you know what kind of next level torture that is?! It won't stop raining! And it's not like a light drizzle while it's 70 degrees either. It's pouring buckets and in the forties. THE FORTIES. It's MAY for crying out loud! UGH.

We did take selfies though. Pretty princess is all about the camera.

 I'm hoping after work today I'll finally get my chance. Which brings about something I hadn't really considered (but obviously should have)... Um. Look at her withers! Or lack of.

Pretty sure my saddle may have finally found a horse it does not fit. Do saddles even come in this shape? Am I going to have to ride this pony bareback forever? Looks like I may be used saddle shopping... and soon. Hopefully she'll tolerate an ill fitting saddle for a few rides. I have all kinds of pads to try and absorb the pressure. Nice thin ones... Sorry pony. And I mean, if she's as quiet as I'm told, I DO have the thinline bareback pad... But I'd really prefer a saddle while we get to know each other and she adjusts to less turnout in her life.
I feel so badly as she's used to living out at night. I live on a state road, that I wouldn't call very busy, but it's busy enough, and my place is not set back from it. I just can't leave horses out unattended. It's too dangerous. So she gets her mornings out now, but I know that's a big adjustment. And being stuck in all evening with this rain is super boring for her. I gave her a jolly ball, but she's not terribly interested in it. But then last night I brought out the Likits. I don't have a rafter to hang it from in the middle of the stall, so they have it pretty easy with the Likits up against the wall. She figured it out quickly.

Rio has never really understood the Likit concept... He prefers to eat his like an apple. Typical chubby kid. #getinmybelly

Hopefully that will keep her entertained until this evening. I'm planning to tack her up and lunge her and see how that goes. If all seems okay, I'll hop on! Ideally, it will be very unexciting. But also like SO EXCITING cause I'll finally get to ride my pony!

Truthful Tuesday

So... I was going to wait until this particular purchase had arrived before sharing with all of you... But I have the patience of a hungry 2 year old so I'm just gonna tell you. I bought something last week, Friday actually. A sister for Rio! Yes you read that right. I bought a mare. I may regret this move in the future, but it seemed right. Everyone, meet Shiny:

She's a six year old welsh/quarter horse standing at 14.1. She's been to some schooling shows, but has no usef number which I'm actually fine with. I almost never change a registered name, but she comes with the name Sunshine, and I just can't. Not that it's a terrible name, but how many palominos do you know named Sunshine? Or Sunny? Most of them. Seriously. So I'm going to call her Shiny, and if she ever shows, it will be under the name 14 Karat.
Now for the true confession. I bought her off a video. Which I mean, we all know how that's worked for me in the past. But I have a good feeling about this one. Which also rarely pans out for me, but like someday that might change? Maybe today? Here's the story:
I had made an offer on another pony, but the people wanted to wait and see if they could get closer to the asking price. Whilst waiting I found an ADORABLE appy pony that is at a dressage barn, but also jumps. He looked SUPER fun, but I couldn't get the owner to call me or message me about him. And then I found Shiny. I was trying to find a time I could get down there with my dad to see her (she's in Maryland), and it wasn't really working out. There were several videos of her online. One with a tiny child jumping around a course on her, and several with a small adult riding her. She isn't quite auto with her lead changes, but she was honest to all of those jumps. She's a nice mover (not your hack winner, but not at all offensive) and jumps calmly. Over the trot jumps, she pretty much just literally trots over. Which is what I was looking for in a back yard pony. Rio and I don't need an overachiever.
I did some vetting of the trainer representing her, as I have a friend in the area, and she came with wonderful recommendations. So I felt confident that what I was being presented with was accurate. I also saw lots of people lining up to try her, and so I said to my dad, "would it be a terrible idea if we just bought her?" And he said, no, she's inexpensive, and we know plenty of trainers that can help if we need it. So I had her vetted, sent the x-rays to my vet, and now she's mine! But still in MD. Where they are located is not off the main I-95 thoroughfare so finding a shipper has been tricky. I do think I'll have her home by this weekend though. (Cross your crossables for me please!) I would go get her myself, but it's a five hour drive each way, and I don't really have that space in the schedule right now.
And that's today's confession! I got a new yellow horse that I bought basically sight unseen. I'm sure this will go just fine...

Truthful Tuesday

I have a secret I've been keeping for a couple of weeks now...



Surprise!



I bought a new horse!

Everyone meet Ancient Rome, aka "Romey". He is a 6 year old thoroughbred, about 16 hands tall. He is currently in Kentucky and is being gelded today. I'm not sure yet when he'll get here, but I can't wait!

Romey was very successful on the race track, and has been hanging out in a field for the last few months. He just started back to work as a hunt seat horse, so he's VERY green. I'm excited to see what his future will hold!