What's Up Wednesday

 

We had a brief moment where it seemed like it was going to start warming up around here, but that was just mother's nature idea of a joke apparently. (Important to note, when it "warmed up" it was 35 degrees. Which is NOT, in fact, warm.) We've been back in the low 20's all this week and everyone I talk to has had enough of it! The horses too. They were stuck in for three days because this weather is so silly. Sunday morning it snowed a few inches, and then turned to rain. It proceeded to pour buckets of rain for much of the day. Important to note, it never got above 35, so all that rain pretty much froze as soon as the sun went down. So now everything is just covered in ice. Monday and Tuesday we had winds that gusted as high as 50mph too. It's just been lovely. I think even the horses are ready for some nicer weather. 

Another wee problem with all the cold and ice... the rats. Now I know all barns have rats. (Except mine. I had two rats at one point that tried to hang around but I eliminated them. I can honestly say I do not have rats. Mice though, those I have a plenty.) Even the old barn with all it's fanciness had plenty of rats. But with winter being so brutal the rats at the new barn are hungry. VERY hungry. So hungry they're trying to eat my horse's feet. I've been painting them with hoof oil every day before I leave which seems to be helping, but if any of you have some tried and true advice to keep them from chewing on my horses, please share! Important to note, Shiny seems to not allow it because her feet are not chewed on. Which surprises me none. I love that pony.

Okay, I'm done whining about the weather. I think. At least for the moment. Let's talk about horses! 

We'll start with Al this week. Because his name comes up first in the alphabet. Al's been his usual self for the most part. Sunday I opted to lunge him rather than ride him since the vibe was a little nutty amongst the equine that day. It was raining and windy and icy... and the horses were just all a little up. Al wound up being perfectly quiet though because he loves to mess with your mind. He lunged very nicely. Monday he had off as we don't ride Mondays and again that was for the best. Because on Monday when the sun came out, all the ice was sliding off the roof. And while it's mostly quieter than at the old barn, it was still pretty noisy and the horses all hated it. He had a nice hand walk though, once the roof got quieter later in the day. By Tuesday he was feeling big sad about not having any turnout in YEARS   a few days. So sad that he was lazy and just wanted to be tucked back into bed. We had a short lunge and a short ride and just let it be. Because some days aren't meant for hard work! Today though? All the stars aligned to allow us a lovely ride. First, he got to go outside in the morning group so he had fresh air before riding time. And on top of that goodness, there was a dressage lesson happening in the ring when I rode. Which meant the instructor was positioned near the one end door, and the horse having the lesson is this lovely little warmblood. He's 23 years old, quiet as they come, and sweet as pie! Though he can be a little cheeky. Very cute little horse! Al loves riding with him. So Al had a buddy that he loves, a human by the scary door, and he was just a lovely rideable dude! He gave me some really nice trot work, both with impulsion AND in the proper shape. Stepped right into the canter immediately when asked either direction, and even had a few short moments of a nice canter both ways. I realize this may not happen again for many months, so I'm just so proud and happy with our ride today. I like to acknowledge these days so when I forget they happen I can look back and be reminded. I might set some stuff up for him to play with tomorrow. We'll see how motivated I am. 

Photo from a few weeks ago when it was warm enough 
to ride in just a vest.

Eros continues to feel like the horse I used to know. I realize it's mostly due to the Robaxin, but I'm just glad it's working! He's been really using himself well, lifting that big belly of his. Which I gotta tell you, he's lost some of that extra weight and is looking more like a fit horse. I mean, he still has a dad bod, but like a fit dad. Even his butt is getting some shape back. I'm excited! Just from him using himself better all over, his front end that's always a little less than perfect is also feeling better. Probably because he's using his core to hold himself up instead of leaning on his front legs. 

I'm not sure how long he'll be on the Robaxin. Originally it was just a month and then we were due for a recheck. Which I had a tentative appointment for last Friday, but doc wasn't able to get back from Florida so that's pushed until March 7th. He'll stay on the meds at least until he gets seen then, and we'll make a plan then for what comes next. Hopefully by then he'll be stronger and won't need them anymore. Especially since he has his saddle back. I think he feels good in it so hopefully that means it's fitting him well. Even though I still hate it... It is less offensive to me now after a couple weeks of rides in it, but it's still far from my favorite saddle ever. If he's happy though, I'll deal with it! Whatever Eros wants, Eros can have. 

Look at this svelte pony!

I think I mentioned last week that I had some concerns about Shiny. I felt like she was suddenly dropping more weight more quickly and that seemed alarming to me. Her top line wasn't looking so full and strong anymore, and that had me spiraling a little bit. (Me? Spiral?? About a horse's health?? Never...) I was patiently (ish) awaiting that recheck appointment to ask doc about it, but when it had to be rescheduled I decided to have our other more local vet come out for a visit. Can't have too many educated eyes on a horse, right? Right. 

He was able to come out Monday and was actually thrilled with her body score. He gave her a 5 which is pretty perfect. But agreed that she had lost a little top line. He suspects that our diet has done it's job but she's not getting quite enough to sustain the proper weight. Before we make any real changes to her diet, he pulled some blood to see where her glucose (non fasting) and leptin numbers are. We should have those results by the end of the week. In the meantime we are going to lower her dose of Thyro-L. Once the bloodwork comes back, if it's all good news, we'll start giving her one not soaked hay meal each day. Still weighing it so we're careful with how much she's eating, but by not soaking it she'll get additional calories. Doc's hope is that we'll eventually get her off soaked hay completely, but I don't want to get too excited for that just yet. (Because soaking hay is a real pain!) I also asked him to pull blood to check her kidneys because I'm a lunatic, but he humored me. Overall the visit really calmed me nerves about her health. I let him know about the ventipulmin and her breathing stuff and he was totally on the same page with our other vet. Keep her on it until the next recheck, but he also heard nothing alarming when he listened to her breathing. 

I'm also not as freaked out about her tripping last week. Another horse was tripping a lot too so they made an effort to drag the ring more and that all seems to have resolved. I think this wax footing doesn't do so well in the really cold temps we've been having. 

Also, now that Shiny's at her goal weight I'm looking huge on her. I've put on a few pounds this winter, so I guess now it's my turn to get to work on finding a summer bod. For Shiny's sake! I swear she's been fat shaming me. And that's only fair since I certainly fat shamed her enough the last couple of years. What goes around comes around!

So that's where we're at this week. Still waiting on some warmer weather... Supposed to be in the forties soon and we're all weirdly excited for that. Like, really really, weirdly excited. I've been spending some time during each Eros ride without stirrups lately so hopefully when it actually gets nice I'll be in shape and ready to ride the equine kites outdoors for the first time.... Come on Spring!

What's Up Wednesday

 

Um. You know what? I actually think I might be a reptile. Hear me out. Last week when we had a few days above freezing, I was all, "Let's get these horses fit and ready for some spring shows!!!" But now it's in the twenties again for like ever and ever into the future AND there's snow in the forecast pretty much every two days for the next 10... And I gotta be honest. My motivation is back to zero. Which, thankfully I was raised on guilt by a couple of boomers so I generally disregard my motivation and just do what I gotta do. So the horses are getting worked and hopefully fitter. But I will admit that we still haven't really done any jumping. They all got their feet done Saturday too which kind of messed up our schedule a little. I will admit that I absolutely used that as an excuse to be a little lazy. But it was a valid excuse. I don't really like to jump the day they get their feet done unless I can do it beforehand. And Sundays are for fundays so ya know. Couldn't do it then either! Lol. 

In case you haven't inferred from my rambling I don't have much to write about this week. But I'll give it a go. Al has been consistently inconsistent under saddle which is just who he is as a horse. But after speaking with my vet we decided to put him back on the Misoprostol. His spookiness has kind of ramped up, and while he's still more relaxed for our rides than he was a few months ago, he's spooking a bit more each day and starting to shut down a little too. Not as badly as he has in the past, but it's there. He's also been picky about his feed again. So back on the meds he goes. They arrived last night and he started them today so we'll see what we get in a few days. His canter is much better though, and he is doing some really brave things on all his own which I'm really proud of him for. Tuesday I lunged him before we rode because I had a feeling he needed to get some bucks out. With how the weather has been, they really can't do much playing out in the paddocks. The ground is either rock solid or slippery mud and so they mostly just stand around out there. Anyway, while we were lunging Tuesday, Al actually lunged right up next to the end door that he typically avoids like the plague. He wanted to look out the window while going past, but not in a spooky way so I allowed it. He's never ever done that in this ring before. It's kind of a silly thing to be excited about, but you know what? Anything that brings joy is worth celebrating these days. Even if it's just your horse looking out a window. 

Eros is feeling better and better these days. I think the Robaxin combined with finally getting his feet done are working wonders for him. We rode in the re-paneled saddle today, which... meh. I'm not convinced it fits him but to be fair, I have zero education in such things. He felt pretty willing and sound to ride, but I felt exactly the way I did before in it. I keep sliding back in it and it has me riding towards the back side of the flaps if that makes sense. It was nearly impossible to sit the canter. But if it turns out to be a perfect fit for Eros, then I will just suffer in silence up there. Time will tell. I sent some photos to the rep but she was off today, so we'll see what she has to say tomorrow. I think she's going to want a video so hopefully someone will be around when I ride him tomorrow to take one for me. If I've learned anything from this saddle experience it's to not try and save money on a saddle. I wish I had just spent the extra not that much more money and gotten him a custom one too. Live and learn I guess. Sometimes you get lucky, Shiny's saddle has worked great! But more often than not, I don't think you do. Saddle woes aside, the horse feels good, and that's the most important thing! 

Shiny's doing just fine these days too! I checked in with the vet as our two week trial on the Ventipulmin was coming to a close. I sent him a video of her belly while she was breathing... Vets must get the weirdest videos. Anyway, he was happy with her improvement but recommended we keep her on it for awhile. Which is fine with me since it's making her feel better. But it is a little bit of a pain. He recommends just squirting in her mouth twice a day rather than putting it in feed. It will be not very annoying when the horses are home, but with them not here? It's not the most convenient. I am really happy at the new barn overall, but the staff is a little disorganized and it's a lot of different people on a rotating schedule that I cannot figure out. So I don't really trust to ask them to medicate her for me. Most days I'm there long enough that it's pretty spread out. I give it immediately when I arrive and then last thing before I leave. But on Monday, my non riding day, it means I have to drive up there twice. It's not that far, about 25 minutes. But that's pretty close to two hours of my day off. Two hours less to get all my chores and errands done. But since I don't have a real job, I really can't be too complainy about that. Plus I take Rita at least one of the trips up there and she enjoys that. Boy I can get off topic... Anyway, Shiny is definitely breathing better and she's not holding her breath at the canter so much anymore. She's still bouncing off the contact and doesn't seem to want to really carry herself up into the contact, but we didn't do a shockwave last visit and I think that was a mistake. I'll own it, I said we should wait until after the epm meds have a chance to work to see if that was the culprit. But truthfully I know she responds well to the shockwave and I should have done it anyway. Doc will be back in a couple weeks though, so we'll do it then for sure. She's been much less trippy since being on the Toltrazuril and she's using her hind end a lot better. So I'm not disappointed that we decided to treat her. 

And that's what we're up to here! Just kind of more of the same. Complaining about the weather and trying to push through the dark days of winter (and the collapse of our civilization... but I digress...). Hope you're all staying warm and getting through it too!

What's Up Wednesday

 

Our re-entry back to real worker has been... not all that consistent. Ha! But it's January. So I'm zero percent stressed about it. We started off with all good intentions. My plan for the rest of last week was relatively easy rides as we ease back to things after their week of vacation. But I forgot that there was a gymnastic clinic on Sunday. We were welcome to try and ride during that, but it's a small ring, and I decided I didn't want to. I would have loved to do the clinic with Al but I don't think it's fair to throw that at him after having not really jumped in quite a while AND having had a week off. So we'll try for the next one. 

Anyway, we did ride Thursday through Saturday and everyone was really good. Not a one of them tried to murder me! What good horses. I was really curious to see what I'd have with Al particularly. He finished up his course of Misoprostol while I was away, and so I was interested to see if I would have the same horse I left or if the fire breathing dragon would return. Which, the dragon could appear regardless after a week off mid winter... So there were a lot of unknowns there. But you know what? He's been lovely. A little spooky here and there, but I can get his attention and he is giving me some nice work. Very proud of him!

Sunday, instead of riding, everyone had a mane pull and enjoyed their turnout time. Monday they had off per our normal schedule and then this week... This week is stupid. The actual high has been 22 degrees (F) and the wind! 30-40 mph winds. It's nuts. Fortunately, the indoor is you know, indoors, so the wind chill isn't a factor. But it's so noisy. Yesterday I legit thought the arena might just fly up into the air and jet off into orbit. It was terrifying. But again, the horses were all pretty good. Even after two days off. I dunno... Maybe someone swapped them with different horses while I was gone? 

We've just been flatting so far this week. I don't see any point in jumping when it's this stupid cold. Hopefully by the weekend it will be a little more mild. We have been working on some lateral work though, and getting all the parts moving nicely again. Eros has a weird bump on his hind leg Tuesday with some heat just exactly where the bump was. I think he must have stepped on himself. He felt sound when I rode him lightly, and I iced it after. Today there was no sign at all of the bump nor the heat. So I'm going to assume that it was no big deal. 

The new barn stays pretty comfortable even in this cold weather. I haven't put the thermometer in the ring so I'm not sure the temp in there, but feet and hands have remained unfrozen for our rides, so it can't be that bad in there. The barn itself seems to stay between 35 and 40 so long as the doors stay closed. I do love that I get to choose how I want to blanket my own horses at this barn. Took me a little bit to get it just right (they were a little chilly a couple of times) but I think I've got it down now. At the old winter barn, they didn't let us decide what to dress the horses in (hated that!) and my barn is temperature controlled to 45 degrees in the winter. So it's been a long time since I've had to really think about these things. I'm not completely happy with my heavy weight blankets so I'm still on the hunt for the perfect ones. Maybe next year I'll find them. 

As for myself, I think I've gotten my layering system down pretty solidly. I can't explain why, but I am never comfortable with multiple pants layers. I also don't like most winter breeches. But I've been wearing a slightly heavier sock (the Noble outfitters ones that are patterned on the leg, but the foot is more like a heavy athletic sock) and the Dover Wellesley breeches. But my top layers are the important part. I always wear a cami under all my shirts, so I have that on still, then a merino base layer. On top of that for 30-40 degrees I like a wool or wool blend sweater. But when it's below 30? I bust out the cashmere. I have a small pile of old cashmere that I've accumulated since probably college. I used to save them for wearing to work or for non horse things, but many of them are getting a little past their prime so those are barn sweaters now. And I have to tell you, nothing is warmer than cashmere. Plus, as an added bonus, they aren't bulky. So I never feel like Randy from a Christmas Story when he can't put his arms down. Nothing worse than that! On top of the sweater I add a puffy vest and jacket. My favorites are from Columbia, but I also have sets from Eddie Bauer and Old Navy. They all do a nice job of keeping me warm. I also vary my riding garments slightly depending on just how cold it is. If I'm wearing wool, I'll probably also have on the sheepskin paddock boots and matching sheepskin lined half chaps. But if I'm in the cashmere? Then it's the same paddock boots with the full chaps instead. I am SO GLAD I resurrected those! The final piece of the puzzle for the incredibly cold days is the winter liner inside my Samshield helmet. It has fuzzy ear flaps. I haven't used that yet this year, but I do think I used it some last winter. 

What are your favorite layers for stupid cold riding days? At what point do you decide it's too cold to ride? I used to say 15 degrees, but now that I'm old, I opt out if it's below 20. 

What's Up Wednesday

 

I need to start taking notes throughout my week, because I barely remember what went on... We're kind of in that point of winter where every week feels mostly the same. So there's not a ton to report on (or remember). Anyway... 

Eros' hives have gotten REALLY bad, so I just recently started him on some Benadryl which should hopefully help. Also, the new shavings came, so hopefully that will just fix the problem. Otherwise, he's still living his best life. We had a few beautiful days where the weather was sunny and in the 50's. Felt like spring! So E got to do his walks outside, and we both really enjoyed them. We walk for 30 minutes and usually cover about 1.1 miles. But outside E had some pep in his step and we managed just under 1.5 miles in the same amount of time. We even got to see Al during our walk since he was having his outside time while E and I were strolling.

Speaking of Al, he had a decent week. Not the best we've had but not bad either. Thursday we had a pretty great lesson, but then our Saturday lesson wasn't as great. He was more distracted and not moving off my aids very well. We rode a little earlier than normal though, and it was pretty chilly still at that point in the day, so I'm not getting worked up about it. This week it's cold again, and tomorrow's lesson will be in the low 20 degree range so I have no expectations for that either. Hopefully it's at least less windy than today. The indoor was rattling it was blowing so hard! And the snow is still up on the roof... These are wild times my friends. Wild times. Thankfully the goat's been wandering free lately to keep Al company with his thoughts...

The goat lives with Al's half brother CD (who we lesson with!) but is allowed to roam in the mornings. When he was a baby goat he was raised by all the barn dogs, so he's not really sure what species he is. He wags his tail like a dog. Doesn't eat tack or carrots, but does like donuts. He also especially likes to pull the jump flowers out of the boxes and drop them on the ground. He's a pretty good goat as goats go. And Al really seems to enjoy his company. 

Shiny was SASSY this week! She was kind of sticky all week, not wanting to get to work at all. I was thinking she may be coming due for some maintenance, but I don't actually think so. I'm pretty sure she should't be due for a bit longer. Our Thursday lesson she was cranky about picking up canter, but once she got going she was great. Jumped around willingly albeit maybe a little short on pace. Saturday though? So many opinions. ALL THE OPINIONS. And she was not at all interested in moving up to the jumps. At one point, I asked her to lengthen to get to a nice forward spot at a little vertical. She made faces and sucked back until we were about a stride and a half away. And you know what she did then?? She let out a HUGE buck. Which there wasn't space for. Next thing I know, we're about one inch away from the fence and I'm thinking... Huh. Wonder what's going to happen now... I was hoping she'd stop. But Shiny doesn't stop. Shiny is the most honest animal on the planet (unless the fence has square rails, she hates those). So she pings herself right over. I was just up there like a rag doll with sticky legs. Fortunately, no one died, and we came back and tried again without the acrobatics. We compromised the rest of the lesson, I picked the slow distances and she agreed not to try and kill us. 

Sunday Funday she was fine for but we barely did anything... I rode Al early that day, then went to brunch and came back for Shiny. So I was suffering a food and mimosa coma and let Shiny have an extra easy ride. We both enjoyed it. But then Tuesday? She was SPOOKY. Shiny! She only spooks maybe twice a year. I wasn't thinking she could possibly be wild already. She just free lunged the week before last. Those normally take for at least a month with Shiny. But then I got on her today and when we were done with the warm up shuffle, I asked for canter and she just wanted to kick out and bounce up and down. At first I worried that she was hurting, but then I decided you know what? I think she's wild. So I hopped off, tied up the reins and stirrups and let her have herself a free lunge. She was nuts. Galloped around, threw some bucks, had a grand old time. When I got back on she was much happier, and moving forward nicely. I frequently forget that when Shiny gets especially backwards, it means she's wild. It's counterintuitive, but that's a pony mare for you. 

I had actually hoped to ride her outside during the nice days last week, but our lessons didn't give us the opportunity. I did take walk her out outside on Friday though, and it was lovely. She was definitely happy to get out of the indoor. 

That's about it from here this week. Hope you all had a good one! Is the weather all sorts of up and down where you are too?

Truthful Tuesday

 

This week's confession is that I'm feeling a little mid winter slump. We had fake spring this past weekend which had me feeling super motivated and looking forward to spring/summer and being back home with the horses. Hopefully by that time Eros will be back in work too. Lots to look forward to! But then, winter came back with a full on snowstorm today. Gross. It brought the cold with it too. Double gross. So now I'm back to feeling very unmotivated. Fortunately, Al isn't the kind of horse to let me slack off, so we're still plugging along. But still. It's not as fun as it is when it's actually warm out. 

I figure tomorrow and or the next day will be its own special torture when the snow comes off the roof of the indoor while I'm riding. I regularly question why I love living in New England when this time of year rolls around. I for sure need to start playing the lottery so I can be a proper snowbird someday. 

What's Up Wednesday

 

Winter has been a little bit of a PITA these past couple of weeks. Despite having an indoor to ride in, sometimes it still is just plain too cold to work horses. Here in southern New England, that doesn't happen often. Usually once or twice a winter. But it happened twice in the same week already! Fortunately the days were spread out, so there was plenty of riding anyway. The unfortunate part is that it interrupted some of my lesson plans. 

Last Tuesday was one of those too cold to ride days, which meant all the horses had two days off (barn is closed on Mondays). I was a little worried they would all be murderous lunatics by Wednesday, but lucky for me, they were all just fine on Wednesday. Nothing exciting that day, they all just flatted. 

I haven't been jumping Eros since he's not 100% right now. Shiny is also on the flat only train, so I opted to do just my morning lesson on Thursday with Al. Normally I would do either Eros or Shiny in the morning and then Al in the afternoon lesson. But honestly, during the winter, I don't really like waiting around all day for that late lesson. So I decided to do the earlier one. It's a less advanced level class, but honestly, Al and I need some work on the basics anyway. So it was the perfect fit for this week. He was being a bit of a child about the end of the ring (most of the horses find it spooky down there, Al is no exception) but he worked through it. By the time he got to jumping, he'd mostly forgotten about the death eaters down at the end. I'll call it a win! Even when he's being spooky, he rarely actually spooks. He just stares and asks repeatedly if we can run away. If I say no he accepts that. Rio was the same way when he was younger. So I'm hopeful he'll outgrow it at some point. (Took Rio about 15 years...) 

I had hoped to keep the momentum going with a second lesson on Saturday, but alas, too cold again. 

When the feels like is -2F... this is what I wear for hand walking.
And yes, I'm wearing two jackets under that coat. I might have
overdressed though... I was sweating halfway through my first horse.

I felt especially sorry for Shiny as she got clipped again on Friday. Poor thing. She and Al both got clipped right before the two coldest days of the year. Fortunately, we have plenty of warm layers for them, and the barn itself stays quite comfortable. Even on the really cold days, it stayed in the 30's (Fahrenheit) in there. 

She's pink now.

It was unclear initially what Sunday would bring. At 8 am the indoor was 8 degrees. So I stayed home until about noon and then headed over. I dressed to ride just in case, but figured I'd see when I got there what the temp was like in the ring and what everyone else was doing. Turns out it warmed way up and the ring was 30 degrees! So everyone got ridden. I knew Pammon would be fine since he gets a little ace for our walks still. I wasn't so sure about the rest. I suspected Eros would be fine since he usually is, but he was a little spicy! Nothing naughty, but I could tell he was looking hard for a reason to be silly. He kept his poo together though, and we had a nice ride. Shiny was the wild one! And wild for Shiny just means she's a little extra belligerent and she might scoot a little here or there. All of which were things that happened, but nothing tough to deal with. I was most worried that Al might be a little crazy. I saved him for last as the other boarders were heading out, and I figured I'd be able to free lunge him before I got on. Unfortunately, the next wave of boarders showed up so I had to just get on. And I felt like an idiot for worrying. The horse was absolutely perfect. Go figure. 

After my Monday off watching 10 hours of Golden Girls while deep cleaning my kitchen, I was ready to work Tuesday. It's been much warmer here this week, which also helps my motivation. All three working horses were pretty fantastic for a Tuesday this week. Eros especially was on his game. I got some trot work out of him that I haven't been able to access in weeks. And today he even gave me some great canter work on his tough lead. Miracles happen! Al and Shiny both had free lunges in the morning before I got to the barn, so they were both super relaxed and willing. Pammon was good too... you know that 30 minutes of walking is so strenuous. Ha. Sorry Pammon. Hopefully we'll get clearance to trot soon.

Today was also a good day all around! Tomorrow I have a dr appt in the middle of the day which kind of messes up lesson plans. Instead Eros will do the morning lesson, I'll ride Shiny before that, and Pammon after. And Al will have a training ride. I'm going to lesson him Saturday this week. Hopefully next week I'll get on a better schedule with him. I'd like to jump him twice a week, but I've been slacking on signing myself up. Cold weather is just so demotivating! I'm working on it. 

In doggy news, things are still a little touch and go with Rita. The bathroom troubles are real... and she still being rude to Pia. But these things take time and I really want to give her a chance. I'm hoping we can make this work. If not, there were several other people interested in her before I got her, so maybe another family without other dogs would be a better fit. We'll see. She's very sweet otherwise! And I've already bought her collars (yes multiple, I have a problem okay?) and her official tag. 

So that's it from here. Things are going well, just waiting on spring time! Did you all have a good week? Staying warm?

Truthful Tuesday

 

Okay, I KNOW I was really lucky to escape the cold for a week whilst in the Bahamas enjoying the 80 degree sunny days. I know this. But I'm already over winter. Today the high is 18F (wind chill not accounted for). The current feels like at 11 am is -1 F. 

Just really not my weather. Not at all. I realize some of you more northern folks experience this weather all winter long. But here in CT it (thankfully) isn't really the norm. At least not in January. (February is an asshole, he does this more often.) 

Today's confession, is that due to weather, I will not be riding my horses today. Some people feel it's fine to work in this weather. And maybe it is. But my own asthmatic lungs don't appreciate the cold air, and so I don't think my horses' lungs would either. I'll hand walk them all for 15 minutes or so, and if the barn isn't too cold, we'll groom. Tomorrow should be better (mid 30's) so we will ride then. An extra day off won't hurt anyone. 

Truthful Tuesday

 

I've been pretty lazy you guys. That's today's confession. I'm super motivated on the horse side of things. I ride all four everyday, and that's exciting and fun! But like, my house? All those projects I have on the to do list? That's NOT going well. In my defense, I've been preoccupied with holiday stuff. Finding gifts, wrapping them, shipping them, etc. But like... I didn't have THAT many to do. It's just that when I get home from the barn, and it's already dark out... I just want to eat dinner and snuggle Pia. Winter is the worst. I'm supposed to head to the Bahamas with the family on the 26th, so I'm hopeful a little time away will recharge my batteries and January will be productive! Maybe. Hopefully.

My other confession is that I'm a little nervous I'll get Covid between now and our departure date and not be able to go. I had a possible exposure today, so I'm super angsty about that. I feel not that worried about fighting it now that I've had all three shots, but ugh. Finally plan a trip after two years... Wouldn't that be the way? I wasn't particularly close to the positive person ever, but we did ride in the same indoor ring at the same time. I feel like being on horseback keeps a fair amount of distance so likely I'll be in the clear. I have a test scheduled next week already anyway for the trip, so I guess I'll know for sure then. Wish me luck friends! 

What's Up Wednesday

Phew! It's been a busy seven days. Let's jump right in, shall we?
Last Thursday I had a half day at work so I could meet the vet to finish up spring shots and have teeth checked/floated. Fortunately, I got home well before the vet arrived and had time to give Jampy a lunge. He was all sorts of wild, and my neighbor cutting down a tree was not at all helpful. We survived though!
Both boys got their rabies shots, and Jamp got his flu/rhino booster. Rio can't get that one anymore due to his immune issues from the EPM. Although Jamp hasn't had his teeth floated in a year, he still wasn't quite due. Perks of old age I guess?
Rio, however needed his teeth done. Oddly enough the older horse is growing teeth better! He has a bit of an odd chewing motion (also from the EPM) so he has a tendency to bite his cheek. Doc rounded off one of his teeth that seemed to be making a bit of a sore on his cheek, and did a light float all around. Rio HATES having his teeth done, but did enjoy his cocktail.

I think Jamp was a little jealous he didn't get to partake in cocktail hour. After Rio woke up, I met up with my book club ladies at a local pub for some wine and dinner.
Friday was the first night of Passover so the boys were going to have a day off. I figured that was probably nice for them since they got shots the day before. They didn't seem to mind. I had dinner at my Dad and Step mom's. It was delicious! The first of many large weekend meals...
And then Saturday, as you already know was the BIG DAY! I brought Sally the Sundowner up to Rhode Island and traded her for Frida the 4Star!

The trailer place was about an hour and a half away. I was home with plenty of time to get the boys out before heading to the second night of Passover seder. The most exciting part was that it was actually sunny out! We don't see that too often.
Jamp has a tough time with shots every year, but I'm the worst mom and regularly forget that. So I didn't pre medicate him. Sorry buddy. He wound up with some pretty large hind legs this time. I made sure he didn't have a fever and decided to just have a leisurely walk/trot day to try and get the swelling out. He, however, had other plans. Kid was nuts! So we wound up walk/trotting, but it was anything but leisurely! He felt nice and sound though, so I guess that part's good. The swelling came down some but not enough, so I checked in with Doc. He said just to wrap him and give him a little Banamine with dinner.
Rio's been a bit off this spring. At first I thought it was something with his feet, but then last week I felt a little knot on his left front just under his knee. There wasn't any heat, and minimal swelling but also, he lives on a small amount of daily NSAID. I had doc palpate that and get his opinion. He thinks a little strain on the deep digital flexor tendon. Not too serious, so we can keep tack walking and just see how it goes. So we absolutely did that in the sunshiny day on Saturday!

Saturday evening I spent with my mom, my brother, and his family enjoying a lovely meal and an abbreviated Passover Seder. My niece didn't quite make it through dinner though...

And yes, this one looks just like me. I might keep her. She'll be adorable on a pony...
Sunday morning I got up nice and early to park the trailer. But you read all about that yesterday. After doing that, I took my twisted ankle back inside, got a better pair of sneakers, and took the pups out for a hobble around the 'hood. I tried coupling them again, but Artie was wild, and P wasn't having it.

So we went back in for a second leash and started over. And visited with Rio before heading out for our walk.

I bummed I didn't get it on camera, but when Rio saw the pugs out he came trotting right up to them. He loves his little bro and sister. Artie barked at him, but Rio wasn't offended.
The boys would have another day off because we had Easter brunch scheduled with my little brother's grandma. She just turned 98 and still lives at home. She does have full time supervision, but she's holding her own.

I debated riding when I got home but it was almost six and I was fighting a food coma pretty hard. So that was that. The boys didn't seem to care. The nice thing about having old horses is that they don't mind days off!
So Monday rolled around and I woke up to this:

Yeah. It's winter again. Still? Whatever. It's not 70 and sunny I know that! Clearly, no riding Monday night. It had mostly melted by Tuesday morning, which was nice. But then it poured buckets all day. Today was rainy for half the day, but it got nice during the drive home. Jampy had a lunge and light ride. Rio just had a nice grooming. He doesn't need to be slopping through puddles. Currently the wind is HOWLING (50 mph wind gusts anyone?) so that should dry the ring up right? Tomorrow is supposed to be nice, then more snow for Friday and Saturday. Oh goody. If spring doesn't show up soon, I'm going to find myself locked up in the funny farm!
And that's what's up this Wednesday! What's up with you? Did you celebrate any holidays this weekend? Spend time with the ponies?

What's Up Wednesday!

Another crazy Wednesday over here... but hopefully this post finds its way up before late night. It was kind of a weird week over here. The weather has certainly come to terms with what season it actually is (so sad, I was enjoying summer in November) and riding has gotten to be a bit spotty. I'm trying to ride as much as I can, but I just won't get on in the rain when it's colder than 45. No thanks.  So this past week, it rained Monday and Tuesday so they had those days off. I rode Wednesday, but went to Equine Affair Thursday. I got back around 7 so probably could have and should have gotten on, but I was pooped from the long day. So I didn't. Friday was MISERABLE. The high for the day was 35 and the wind was whipping. We actually had tropical storm force wind gusts. Lovely. Needless to say, I did not ride. Both weekend days I got in the saddle though! But before I get to all that, check out my friend riding her Lusitano stallion at Equine Affair:

The purpose of the demonstration was to show how versatile the breed is. So while my friend here rides jumpers and a little bit of dressage, she dressed up as a western rider for the demo. Unfortunately, they didn't get a very good warm up, so they're super awesome drill team work they had planned didn't come to fruition. I guess the warm up ring was teeny tiny that they were allowed to use and had nine horses in it. Four of them mares. So Stallion here was AMPED when he got in the ring. She kept him together though and all went just fine.
I have nothing to talk about regarding Friday. It was cold and windy and I hibernated inside with the pugs after work and feeding the ponies.
Saturday I decided to not set an alarm. I knew my helper was coming to take care of the ponies, and my dogs would sleep all day if you let them, so I figured I'd be a little slothy. I got up at 8 and it was stupid cold out. I think in the 20's? Maybe the teens? I dunno. Everything was frozen. So after checking in on the barn stuff, I took myself out to run some errands and get breakfast. Once back at the farm, I had to do some storm clean up in the ring...

By the time I picked up all the jumps (not that I planned to jump them on the frozen ground but SOMEONE would be afraid of them all blown over, ahem... Jamp) the ground was mostly thawed out. Or so I thought.

 I got Jampy out first because this was Rio's answer when I asked who wanted to go ride first:

The equine version of not volunteering in gym class.

It was our first ride of the year with a quarter sheet. A milestone each year I wouldn't mind being able to skip...

Also, he's um... fluffier than he's been in the past, and he looks like fat guy in a little coat. #awkward

I threw him on a lunge line first because riding once during the week does not make for a pleasant Jamposaur come the weekend.

He was still this spooky post ride. I have no idea what he's looking at.

Turns out, only one side of my ring was thawed out sufficiently. And that half ran the long way not the short way so riding was... interesting. We got some work done as best we could though. I decided to just lunge Rio on the section that was defrosted. He has enough problems without trying to navigate frozen terrain!
Sunday was a bit warmer, I think we actually hit 40 in the afternoon! So I was able to use most of the ring and actually get some real riding in. Jamp is kind of the worst this time of year though. He only gives you about 1/3 of his attention, so trying to fix anything is pretty ridiculous. There's one corner that he always has trouble navigating because he's SO worried about the scary end being behind him. Since he's only partially listening to me, yet still wants to be a good pony, he overreacts to everything I ask. Lift your shoulder and move to the outside of the turn? Sure! And then he just bulges himself right into the fence. So I add MORE outside leg and we're leg yielding to the inside. Wash, rinse, repeat. I mean, on the one hand, he is reacting to my aids. On the other, it's a stupid annoying cycle that won't break until next June. I'm not a big draw rein person, but I think it might be time to have a ride in them. Hopefully just one is all it will take.
Rio on the other hand is perfect in every way. Granted, I don't ask him to do anything but work around the ring on the rail, and an occasional lead change... But he does those things perfectly!

Jamp must have told him to check this corner out

 This week started out much like last in the riding department. It rained Monday so I didn't ride. Tuesday it rained too, but it stopped early enough I was able to get them both out. Tonight should be ok too, but then more rain for Thursday. Gross. Like it's not bad enough I have to ride outside in the dark when it's 32 degrees, it also has to rain all the time? What is this mother nature? At least it's still rain though I guess... I don't even want to think about the white stuff that's coming!

That's about all that's up this Wednesday. What's up with you? Has winter reared it's freezing cold face in your area yet? Have you been able to ride much? Anything else fun and exciting you want to talk about?

What's Up Wednesday...

Well this awkward... There's pretty much nothing going on here. I already told you about my exciting new hairdo yesterday. The only thing I didn't share was this awesome photo mid appointment:

You're welcome.

In other news, I haven't sat on a horse in a full week. 7 days. SEVEN! Ugh. Thankfully I have way too much to get done in the next two weeks to really miss it that much. However, when I get back to Florida and Badger promptly bucks me off again, we'll all know why.
Though not riding, we've done plenty of grooming. Sometimes we groom in their stalls because I'm too lazy to sweep the aisle.

When that happens sometimes they try to ear their clothes. And then they complain that they taste like poop.

Sunday morning I realized I better start preparing the ring for winter. But that doesn't mean I took down all the jumps like a responsible stable owner. It just means I removed the broken standard that was laying on the ground and then marked anything shorter than 2'6" with reflectors. Last year I nearly killed myself tripping over polls that I couldn't see under the snow. I don't want the old men having such issues this year.

You would think that being so prepared would result in it never snowing this year, but alas there was a little snow Sunday night. It was kinda pretty. Kinda.

Thankfully it was all gone by morning since it switched to rain during the night. We have a cold front rolling in tonight and highs will only be in the 20's. Sadz. I think I'll join Rio here for the rest of the winter:

I have three cookie swaps coming up this weekend, as well as ugly sweater day at work, our company holiday party, and a ride on the Polar Express Steam Train. Hopefully I'll have lots more to talk about next week! And lots of photos of crazy outfits and delicious cookies.
What's up with you this Wednesday? Still getting your pony time in? What's your holiday schedule looking like?