What's Up Wednesday

Lots to cover this week! I'll just jump right in with what I'm most excited about... 

It just took me an hour to get this photo inserted.
I had to do it on my phone. I prefer to blog from
my computer. Do better Blogger.

I get to start trotting long sides with Eros! Since we never found a glaring issue on any of the imaging we performed, there was nothing to visibly recheck, but rather doc watched Eros trot some long sides and felt comfortable starting with that for two weeks. So for the next couple weeks Eros and I will be walking for thirty minutes and incorporating 4 lengths of the ring at trot each direction. No trotting through corners yet. If all goes well, he'll get rechecked in two weeks and we'll progress from there. It is very possible that he could come up unsound again since we are speculating at what was wrong. So I'm cautiously optimistic. But so far things are going well. He's been an angel, I haven't even had to use any ace. Which, I dunno about you guys, but rehabbing a horse that has had four months off in the middle of winter with no ace is a pretty rare thing to me. He's such a good dude. 

The very best view

Okay, that's the last photo I'm sharing today. Blogger is a mess. Sorry for the coming wall of text. And my apologies. 

Next on the vet visit list was Shiny. I thought for certain we'd be doing some injections, but we didn't. Doc watched her go and did several flexions. He was actually pretty satisfied with her flexions, but was concerned with something else. Early on in the ride she tripped behind pretty significantly twice and in front a few times too. She's always been a bit of a tripper in front (remember that time we full on fell down..) but normally she is pretty solid in the hind end. That coupled with some of her recent behaviors led him to think she may have epm. So we're treating her with Toltazuril for the next month. I'm not yet sure if I've seen a difference. She's very much still kicking out at the canter, but she does seem to be tripping a little less. So time will tell. It doesn't work overnight. He also said if there's no change to the behaviors we can check for ulcers and there are a couple of other things we can look at too, but for now, we're starting here. The kicking out isn't a new behavior for her, and as of yet it was not indicative of ulcers, which is why we aren't starting there. But definitely haven't ruled it out yet. 

She had great lessons this week though. And was especially fun on Saturday. We spent a little extra time on the flat which really got her loosened up and when it was time to jump she was super willing and ridable. She seemed to be having as much fun as I was which is always the goal. 

So Al was not on the list to see Doc, but when he brought up EPM for Shiny I asked about a few things I was concerned about with Al that I felt could also be indicative of a similar affliction. First is the obvious one in which Al lost his mind in December. Very much an EPM symptom although also, a little bit of who Al can be as a horse sometimes. But that was concern #1. Next, I've had three instances in lessons where Al jumped something and tripped on landing. He can be an occasional tripper, but it's never happened when jumping until a few weeks ago. Though for all of those instances he was also pretty behind my leg, so there are for sure alternate possible reasons for the tripping. Still, I considered that concern #2. And lastly, I've noticed lately that instead of actually bending when asked, he would tilt his poll in the direction I wanted him to bend. So like, pointed his ears that way but didn't actually bend his neck, and his nose would be slightly pointed in the opposite direction. It's very subtle, but it's something I noticed Rio doing not long before his EPM crisis. So we also decided to start Al on a course of meds. I really should have become a pharmacist. These horses are getting very expensive. Thank goodness Toltazuril isn't quite as expensive as Marquis was. 

In Al's case, I am actually seeing a difference already. As of Sunday, (meds started on Friday) he hasn't tilted his head at all. When I ask him to bend he does it properly. His emotional state hasn't fully changed, he was pretty spooky on Tuesday, but his work ethic seems to have improved. The last two days, when I put my leg on, he actually responds to it. He's much more willing to bring himself together and put in some real work too. It's too early to say for sure it's the meds, but I do think they're doing something for him. I should have tried this sooner. It was in the back of my mind, but I did think at first I was just being paranoid. I mean, the trauma from what Rio went through is still very much a part of me, and I was thinking I might be projecting. Especially because Al is a very similar horse to Rio. But when I told Doc about all of the little things he was very much on the same page. Those little things add up and if you do nothing, you could end up with what Rio went through. We do not want that!

Outside of meds, Al had a pretty good lesson on Thursday. He jumped nearly all the jumps in the ring (we purposely skipped one that was particularly close to the dragon's lair) and had a mostly good attitude for it all. Saturday he was less good. We were by ourselves which isn't ideal for Al in the indoor. He likes a buddy for security. Also, he had just started the meds the day before and who knows how that affects them ya know? He was just very distracted the whole ride. He never actually did anything wrong. But he was VERY behind my leg, and just not at all interested in focusing on the tasks at hand. He half heartedly did everything so I wouldn't call it a bad ride. I'm labeling it as satisfactory. We lesson again tomorrow, so we'll see what we have. 

That's what's happening over here. Keeping the pharmacy and our vet in business and plugging along! How are things with you guys and your horses? 

What's Up Wednesday

 

This was a relatively quiet week. The most exciting part was my first lesson with Al! I rode in my old Bellino lesson, but it's grown to a big group. A couple of the kids were less experienced so everything stayed low and easy. Perfect for our first time jumping courses together! I have some pretty terrible quality media to share... But it's media none-the-less! (Winter is tough, what can I say?) 

Guys. I had SO MUCH fun! I absolutely do struggle keeping him going sometimes, and we have a lot to learn about each other. But this horse is game! He takes zero offense if I make a mistake, and seems to be really brave to the jumps too. He popped over all the boxes and some flowers and while I won't say he didn't take a peak, he never offered anything but to do his job. I'm STUPID excited for what might be to come with this horse.

I also had my second lesson on him this past Tuesday. It was a flat lesson which we desperately need. We did do some work through a line of poles. It was set as a four stride line if the jumps were up and we had to do four, five, and six. While we did make some mistakes and didn't nail it every time, we did manage to all three options very nicely (eventually). He's only six after all, so it's understandable that we're not going to be perfect the first time at everything. 

Unfortunately (there's always one of those, isn't there) I discovered he has a quarter crack after my ride today. He's completely sound on it, so I'm hoping VERY hard it won't really be an issue other than my farrier having to make some changes. Unless it bothers him, I'm hoping it's okay to proceed with caution. 

It honestly is less apparent in person. Hopefully this won't be a thing. Ugh.

Eros had his first real lesson too! I have no media though because his lesson was early and there weren't any pony moms around to record for us. He was a good boy, and we only jumped about six fences since he's really just starting back to jumping. I remember now why I dislike doing formal lessons with him. Trainers always want to get the horses moving forward on the flat, which yes, is good practice. But in the case of Eros, once his stride gets bigger than 12' he has very little interest in shortening it back up. And thus, when we trotted in and cantered out of a three stride (cantering in...) line, we were not successful in putting four strides in that line. I wasn't going to fight with him about it right now, as he did stay soft and relaxed and wasn't a freight train. That's a lesson for a fitter day. He has another lesson tomorrow morning, and I'm pretty excited to try again!

Chronic blanket sniffer.

Shiny seems to finally be feeling better. I've been keeping our rides a little short, letting her really warm up before asking for contact. And once she gives me some nice work, I let her stretch again for a bit before trying again. Today was the first day that she felt pretty sound while in the contact tracking left. So that's a big step for her. Hopefully she's on the mend!
Part of her plan right now is to make sure we do our carrot stretches before our ride everyday. Guys. She's turning into a bit of a treat monster due to that! I always give the horses a cookie at the end of the day before I go home (or at night check if they're home with me) but I don't generally treat them on the cross ties or before we work. But since she has to do these stretches, she gets treats. And she looks for them now! So bad. Very annoying. But it's pretty cute when she does the stretches on her own hoping she'll get a reward. Sorry Shiny, the only reward is a well stretched neck...

Nothing has changed. He still eats everything I wear.

Pammon is doing well back in the barn. I was very worried he'd be weaving a lot and upset to be back in the stall, but honestly, I think he's really happy to be back. He's been so relaxed and happy. His body, however, is taking a little longer to acclimate. He stocks up all around right now. I'd be super worried if it was just one leg, but since it's pretty consistent with all of them, I'm not freaking out just yet. The legs look better after our 30 minute walk too, so that's reassuring. It's tough though, because I'm supposed to watch for swelling in the bad leg, and well, yeah it gets swollen... But he's walking nicely and seems happy, so we'll carry on until his next vet visit. It's fun spending real time with him again. I hope he makes a real comeback. 

That's about it from here. How was your week? Do anything fun with your horse(s)? 

What's Up Wednesday

 

I don't know if any of you are like me, but I thrive on routine. When my routine changes, it takes me a little while to settle back into the day to day. Things are pretty fluid right now with the horses having moved and trying to find my new daily schedule. We'll get it ironed out soon enough though! Despite my feeling a little disheveled, things have been busy and full of fun!

Last week I mentioned getting my covid booster, but my dr actually ran out before my appointment, so I had to wait until today. I am now boosted though! Hopefully it's kind to me and I can go about my day tomorrow. So I guess that's less fun, but still something good!

Anyway, back to horses. When we last left off, I was looking forward to my lesson with Shiny to see where her head was at. I had a private lesson with the lady who teaches the beginners. I've known her since I was a little kid, and she's wonderful. She's been around horses forever and has loads of useful knowledge, but she also will listen to what I think I'm feeling and my concerns. Not all trainers are like that... Certain personalities seem to think that amateurs know nothing and don't want to listen to us. It's frustrating. Thankfully this person is nothing like that! We started off with some light flatwork to get her listening and her parts moving, and then moved on to the jumping part. We started as easy as it gets with just poles on the ground. After doing them a few times, they became little tiny crossrails, and then eventually little verticals. We kept everything small, probably 18" at most. After popping over all the jumps as little verticals, my instructor said to just go ahead and jump around like I would at home. She would offer advice if I needed it, but she wanted me to try and get the feel I had at my house. It was EXACTLY what we needed. Shiny felt great, and by the end she was really taking me to the jumps like she was enjoying herself. So it may be premature since everything was small, but I think we're no worse for the wear after the clinic. And my apologies for having zero media. No one was around to video. I should have brought Pivo since we had the ring to ourselves. Hindsight and all that.

Dumb and dumber... I mean...
Pammon and his younger lady friend
who lives in the paddock next to his.

In more exciting news, Pammon saw the vet on Friday for his first ultrasound since he temporarily retired last spring. The news was positive. The ligament does not look perfect, but it remains to be seen if it ever will look normal. It's significantly improved though, and doc thinks he's healed enough to start some very light work under saddle. And by work, he means 30 minutes of walking. Which would be boring, but the horse is feral now, so I imagine much excitement will be had. He can do a working walk, not just meander on the buckle. So that should help the time pass.

I put the saddle on him and he looked
at me like he thought I had lost my mind. 
Also, yes that is indeed mud on his feet.

We had our first "ride" yesterday (with a little chemical assistance of course). It went okay until the horse in the ring with us left, and then he seemed like he was going to lose his shit. So 22 minutes was enough for day one. I had an eye dr appointment this morning and then my covid shot appointment this afternoon so I only had time to ride the other two today. I'll get on him again tomorrow though! It's nice to have him back in the rotation again. Hopefully I can keep him healthy this time. Fingers crossed.

Eros had a recheck Friday too, and he also got permission to keep moving along with his rehab. I'm just adding a little time each week to our daily rides, but he's honestly doing almost as much work as we normally would when not rehabbing. The hardest thing about rehabbing horses at a boarding barn is that we can only jump in a lesson. I totally get it, this has been a rule at every barn I've boarded at. But it's tricky because Eros is allowed to add some little jumps into our rides, but I don't think he's quite ready for a full lesson yet. I'll have to see if there's a real beginner jumping lesson we can hop into. The way they do lessons here, they want to warm us up. So it's a lot of flatwork before we ever jump. It's great for some horses, like Bellino and Shiny, but it's not ideal for Eros. We will make it work. I'm DYING to pop him over some fences though! I really need to figure out when I can do that. 

Saturday they hosted a schooling show at the boarding barn. I had originally planned to show Shiny, but after the clinic I decided not to (next one though!). Since I wasn't competing, they asked me if I wanted to judge it. I once judged a schooling show back when I lived in Saratoga, and it was so much fun! So I agreed. And it was super fun! So much respect to real judges though, because it was hard to put these kids in order. Like is it worse to find bad spots to 5 jumps or have two late changes? Tough call. There were only a few divisions: Walk/trot, walk/trot/canter, short stirrup, 2' and 2'6" so I was done around noon. Nice and early with plenty of time to ride! (There were some jumper classes after that were run at all different heights, but they were judged by someone else and were outside leaving the indoor free.) Both horses were great, though we didn't do anything exciting. Just a flat day. As I was finishing up in the barn, a big storm rolled through. I waited it out, and then headed home at which point it was dark out. So I didn't notice right away that the storm had left some tree damage at my farm. 

Good timing at least since the horses aren't there. My barn worker has been working on cleaning this up for me this week, and I'll see if I can fix most of the fencing myself this weekend if he gets finished. The gate may be a loss though, it's pretty broken. 

Always something when you have a farm! Despite the tree problems, it was a great week, full of good news for Pammon and Eros. And Shiny too really. She's going to have a vet check this Friday. Nothing is wrong, but I have a nagging feeling she could use some maintenance. It only hurts my pocket to have her checked out, and that's much better than not checking and hurting my pony. The nice thing about the boarding barn, is there's always horses that need to be seen, so at least the vet call is shared! 

Did you all have a good week? Have some lessons, or do a horse show?

What's Up Wednesday

 

Guys. It's official. Hope for our country. Happy Inauguration Day! I mean, that's really what's up today amiright?

But you're not here for politics. (Obviously.) So let's chat about last week. Lots to discuss. You may remember that Eros and Shiny had a vet appointment on Friday. It was a good visit overall with some interesting developments. 

Pammon likes his new Monkey toy that I 
finally remembered to bring for him.

Pammon didn't have an appointment, but we did chat about him briefly. He has been given the green light to start jumping again, so that's good news! We'll take it slow, but since he's been jumping himself around during his free lunges and staying sound, hopefully things will go well. We did a line of poles in our flat lesson yesterday. It was... um... a little exciting. It was a four stride line when set as jumps, so we were aiming for five strides. The first time through he stayed nice and soft but we did six. So then I kicked up a little and from there on out it was pretty much a 4 each time. Pammon thought shortening for the five was incredibly offensive and literally was YANKING me out of the tack. It was aggressive. Made me remember why I rode him a slow twist before... that little french link loose ring was doing me zero favors. Lol. I think he was just excited though, and I appreciate his exuberance. We'll work on it.

When we last left off, Eros was a little lame. I was thinking it was probably the same front end issue we are always kind of dealing with, but Doc thought what I was feeling was coming from the back end. This was actually good news because we know Eros is overdue for some maintenance. His flexions went as expected give Doc's hypothesis, so we went ahead with hock injections and did his stifles as well. He got to have the weekend off with some cold hosing and hand walking. 

He also got his mane pulled, but it's still ridiculous. Ha. Maybe we'll do more next weekend. Anyway, I got him yesterday with a little ace (because perfect Eros is effing wild lately). He started out kind of the same, but actually felt better and better as we rode. So hopefully we're moving in the right direction. We'll see what I have a tonight. 

Shiny is where things get interesting. Her vet visit had two objectives. First was the easy one, have that check ligament looked at. Doc said whatever was going on with it has resolved and he couldn't find anything to be concerned about there. Phew. Good news. The second part was to see if we could figure out the tripping. We've run bloodwork for Lyme and EPM and both came back with low exposures. So very likely not the culprit. We decided this time to investigate the neck. And we found some interesting things. First, she has a disc problem up near her head. There is a narrowing in one of the spaces which does not change based on movement. It's very abnormal according to Doc, but there's not really anything we can do about because of it's location. He's not sure if it's really a problem for her or not. But it's something to keep in mind. The next finding was that there is some impingement around the middle of her neck. This does bother her and definitely shows up when you ask her to bend around. Since she's young, I wanted to explore options before injecting her with steroids. So we did ProStride instead. This is my first time trying it, it uses the horse's own blood, a PRP type therapy. Interesting. Since you can't rest a neck, she was able to work lightly all weekend. Necks can take up to a couple weeks to show improvement with injections, so I'm not sure yet if it will help or not. So far there is no change, but I'm hopeful. Because you have to be. 
Doc was also surprised by Shiny's attitude under saddle. She's been incredibly resistant, inconsistent in the contact (if she'll give it at all), and for a few days last week refused to canter entirely. Doc does not think all of this is from the neck issues. (The contact maybe, but not so much the other stuff.) He is concerned about her weight (she's put on lbs at the boarding barn, they have really rich hay) and thinks she's likely experiencing some insulin resistance. She did well on my less rich hay, but to keep things less confusing we're first going to try soaking the hay they have at the barn. If that doesn't prove helpful, I'll just bring my own hay over. Doc pulled blood to check her levels so we'll see what he finds. I'm not sure how I feel about all this, but it is what we have. So we just take it from here. This pony was bought to keep Rio company, and she did that job. So anything else I get to do with her is just icing on the cake. And if she's limited in what she can do, that's okay. She'll get whatever she needs. HOPEFULLY, all this is just manageable stuff and she'll be able to jump around and continue being super fun. One day at a time!

So that's where we are! Plugging along, doing what we can do. Have any of you dealt with neck stuff? Any advice? I'm thinking I'll try putting the back on track on her before we ride and see if that makes any difference. How was your week/weekend?

What's Up Wednesday

 Kind of a slow week over here. It's getting dark earlier and earlier so my weekday rides are all flatwork. BORING. Ha. But necessary of course. I have to give big props to the Shiny pony. She's the same horse in the dark with the lights on as she is in the daylight. I haven't yet ridden Eros in the dark... but I'm not really looking forward to it. Lol. He'll be fine I'm sure, just tense and distracted. It's got cold here out of nowhere. Highs in the 50's for a few days, and we've had 30's overnight a couple times even. So I feel better about splurging on new blankets. Plus, they look fab on the kids.

My home office has been super chilly, so my coworker and I have been working with a heated blanket. Best purchase ever btw.

Anyway... On to horse news! We'll start with Pammon. 

Saturday morning, I went out to ride him and was having a nice enough ride. He, as usual, was very busy looking out the windows of the indoor to see what was happening outside. Normal for him. He lacks focus. So we did our loose rein trot for awhile and then moved on to a little loose rein canter. Came back to trot and started putting his body together. Things were fine. I asked for canter with a little shape. So far so good. We come through a turn, and he's looking out into the lounge area. And then he trips. He tries for several "strides" to recover but can't and down we both go. Ugh. We were both mostly fine, though I have a pretty sore rib area. Not sure if from being tossed onto his neck, or if it's how I fell. He feels about the same as before though, so I think he's fine. I am wondering why my horses keep falling down in that indoor though. In this instance, it was probably at least partially due to being aced. But still. Horses should stay upright!

It was a bummer that happened in the morning though. I had planned to jump Shiny Saturday, but my stabby rib told me maybe I should postpone. So no fun media from me this week either. Boo! Shiny and Eros were both very good all weekend though. Much appreciated. 

In the past, I think I'd have tried to jump anyway. But in my old age (I am 40 now guys) I'm learning that sometimes it's better to let things heal instead of making them worse. It's annoying. But in the long run, probably the right call.

Instead of working super hard, we had snacks and bareback rides on Sunday... (Okay, I rode Eros and Pammon with a saddle. Shiny had a bareback ride.)

The only other exciting thing this weekend was probably only exciting to me... But I'll share anyway, since it's my blog. I've been casually looking for a table for my kitchen. I never thought I wanted one, but I set up a folding table in there a couple years ago at holiday time to wrap presents and then never took it down. So I realized, maybe I did want one. And maybe something nicer than a plastic folding table. My house was built in 1759 but has had many upgrades since then (obviously). All along though, all of us owners of this house have tried to keep the old timey feel. I added pretty modern furniture because I love the juxtaposition. While I kept my kitchen cabinets wood colored to stay with the old feel, I do have a really fun green granite counter. So I was thinking for the table, I wanted something wood, but not heavy looking. Kind of old and modern all at once. I found several tables I loved. I was looking at a lot with a raw edge. But they were stupid expensive which wasn't what I wanted. (I prefer to spend my money on horses and boots, clearly.) Finally, I found... a wooden folding table! Best of all worlds if you ask me. If I change my mind about it, I can store it easily and use it as needed. I decided to do a small bench on one side and two chairs on the other. And I found chairs that are upholstered in almost the exact green of my counters. Imagine that?! Despite expected delivery dates in October, everything arrived this weekend. So here's the finished product:

The woods are all a little different, but I think close enough. Also, excuse the messy looking pantry in the background... I'm thinking about putting a sliding barn door over there but haven't done it yet. It has no door at the moment, but I think it would be nice to close it off. Or have the option at least.

So that's it! How was your week/weekend? Everyone stay upright? I recommend that. The older I get, the more it hurts when my horses fall down.

What's Up Wednesday

 

When we left off last week I was waiting for the vet to come see Pammon. In the meantime, I did remember to bring the Pivo out so I could see what he looked like. Honestly? He looks fine. He doesn't look at all like he feels. He really feels not fine.

Looks fine here.

The vet came on Monday and he wasn't especially positive to any flexions. But we did decide to take some foot x-rays. My vet isn't happy with how long his toe is, and my farrier likes to have films before he makes a big change (it's nice that they know each other well enough and work together on that stuff). Surprisingly, the inside of his hoof does not reflect what we're seeing on the outside. His palmer angles are negative and needs some changes to his shoeing. We're hoping that this is what I'm feeling. Both feet are in the same predicament so he LOOKS even, but this is hopefully why he doesn't feel right to me. Fingers crossed because I would hate to think this is just how he will feel now.

Also looks fine here...

So anyway, I'm allowed to let him canter a little now. We also can shorten the reins and start engaging that hind end again. So we're moving forward at least. Hopefully his shoes can fixed soon too.

I haven't yet scheduled Eros' recheck, I need to do that. But he's feeling pretty good. The weather took a crazy turn and got SUPER cold Monday night. So he was kind of wild yesterday. Eros wild. It's not like regular wild. It's more like a normal horse that spooks a little.

Shiny's been her usual self. She's both lazy and sassy all at once, and I find her hugely entertaining. Most of the time. Sometimes I have to be a little mean though. I mean... She has one job and only has to work like 30 minutes a day. Don't make me beg! But we had a fun jump school over the weekend. Was it perfect? Oh dear, no. Not at all. But we had some good parts, and I think we're starting to get our acts together. These things take time right? Some photos below and a video clip at the bottom, but it's kind of long, so no hard feelings if you don't want to watch!

I'm still having some struggles with the go button which is causing some striding confusion. The diagonal green line should be a 4, but I don't have enough gallop to make it, so I've been opting for the quieter five. In the combination, she has no trouble at all with the first one stride (it's set for an 11 foot stride, trotting in, so 16.5'). The second one is set at 22' which is a normal cantering one for a large pony, but she's not getting up there. A few times we did two strides in there, but mostly it was just long in one. I haven't yet decided if I need to get the engine revving to get her step longer, or if I want to shorten that second one up a little. I really want to get her jumping better first I think, then work on lengthening the step. I think if she jumps better, (more power, rounder) over the middle jump, the second one will get easier. So maybe making the distance a little shorter will get her rocking back and stronger? I dunno. Worth a shot. 

That's about it from here. Did you all have a good week/weekend?

What's Up Wednesday

The equine kids and I have been having all kinds of fun now that we're all back under saddle. Doc wants to keep Eros in super light work for awhile, so we're still trotting four long sides and walking ten minutes. I'm not really sure when we add more... doc just said to keep going with that for now. Which is fine with me, I'll take what I can get! 

Pammon is up to as much trotting as we'd like (we usually do 15 minutes) and three laps each direction of the gigantic outdoor at the canter. Which... is actually a lot of canter. Especially given we are not yet cleared for any kind of circles or lateral work. Just round and round we go. He's been great, though is still under the influence of meds to keep him calm. He just has so much energy, we have to be careful with that leg still. 

Shiny has been doing really well. We had a lesson on Friday, and she jumped over some scary fill as well as through a line. It was set as a four to four for horses, but I held her for the five to five since the fences were small and she's a pony. I don't want her running for the horse strides. Maybe when she's more experienced, but for now, I prefer the add. We have a A LOT of work to do, but it's been really fun to get her jumping. I'm sad I have no media though.

She was exhausted Saturday after her lesson the day before. Plus the night turnout seems to keep her especially quiet. So on Sunday, I decided to give her an easy day. We tacked up and walked around the big field, and then another boarder joined us for a short trail ride. I hadn't had her on the trails before, and she was completely perfect. 

I really love this pony. Definitely one of my best questionable decisions to date.

I've gotten the stalls set up at home, and just need to throw some shavings down. I'm planning to bring Shiny and Eros home Sunday and I am SO EXCITED to have horses at home again!

Though I will kind of miss the giant ring and access to trails at the boarding barn. Pammon is staying there for now though, so I probably could ship Shiny over sometimes to play. 

Eros and Pammon are still on small paddock day turnout, and they may miss each other too.

Took the truck out for a ride this weekend and promptly got stuck behind a car fire for 45 minutes. Always the way, right?

Hey, at least I know it's running! And hopefully it's ready to haul the kids home. I'll get it fueled and hooked up on Saturday and then Sunday once the horses are home, I can get the rest of the show stuff packed in there. Just checking things off the to do list! Love that feeling.

I also made some Chex mix this weekend and proceeded to eat all of it in like three days. Delicious. Guess I'll have to make more this weekend.

In quarantine news, CT is slowly opening things up but I really haven't gone or done anything. I'll let everyone else be the guinea pigs. BUT I did go to my dad's for Father's Day. We had hot dogs and burgers outside and my brother and his family were there also. It was nice to see everyone. We're all being very safe, so hopefully no negative consequences to gathering together! Fingers crossed.

The barn mates went to their first horse show on Sunday and said it went well. It was hot wearing masks, but they said it felt safe and was really nice to get back out there. I'll probably wait until next year. Shiny has a lot of work to do before showing anyway. 

That's about it from here! How was your week/weekend? Are things open and are you doing them? Or laying low still?

Truthful Tuesday

You guys, I've really been slacking in the house again. Now that all three horses get ridden, it's taking all my energy away from being productive at home. But you know what? I don't even mind. So worth it to be back in the saddle!

But since I'm not getting as much done re organizing and decorating the house, my online shopping has subsided at least. So that's a positive. Plus, I think I've purchased just about everything on the internet at this point...

Anyway, my real confession today is that I've been absolutely terrible about cleaning my house. I ran the vacuum around last night and cleaned the bathroom, but like... everything else is dusty and dirty. It's so bad. I just hate spending so much time cleaning. Ugh. How do you all motivate to get that stuff done? Clearly, I need some suggestions.

My goal for this weekend is to finish up organizing all my barn crap so the barn will be neat and ready for Eros and Shiny when they come home. Fingers crossed I get that done!

What's up Wednesday

My two full sized boys had their check in with the vet on Friday, and it went great for both! I'll start with Eros. Doc was happy with how he jogged and had me hop on to see how he looked under saddle. 

The very best view... even when blurry

He's definitely stiff in the back end from lack of work (probably will need his hocks and maybe stifles done at some point) but the injured leg looks good! Doc wants us starting VERY slowly and taking it really easy so as not to upset the progress we've made. We're doing a 10 minute walk under saddle and he can trot 2 long sides of the indoor each direction. We'll keep up with this for two weeks, and then check back in on how to add to what we've started. You guys. It feels so good to be back on him. The best part is that Eros is such a chill dude, I haven't had to give him any sedative at all. I even did our walking outside on Saturday. Such a gem.

He may have put on some quarantine lbs...

Pammon got good news too! Doc is thrilled with how he looks, and allowed us to add canter back into his routine. He's currently doing 15 minutes of trotting and 5 minutes of cantering. I generally do a 5 minute walk to warm him up, trot 5 each direction. Then canter 2.5 minutes, trot 2.5, then repeat in the opposite direction. Finishing up with 5 more minutes of walk. Unlike his brother, Pammon still gets a little help from modern medicine to keep his feet on the ground. But he is getting less than before, so that's a start. For some reason, I can't remember to take a between the ears photo on him. Maybe this weekend!

Shiny is doing just fine. I've decided to hold off on trying to put her together and get her lifting her back until she's stronger and more fit. She seems to trip less if I let her have her head right now, and truthfully, we really need to focus more on forward and listening before we get back to collection and all that. We are hopefully going to hop over a few crossrails this weekend too! Time to get back to doing things for that girl!

I feel like I'm settling in pretty well to quarantine summer schedule, though it's all about to change soon. They started on the fence yesterday which means Eros and Shiny will be coming home in July! Woohoo! The bad news is that I think they'll be bringing us back to the office in July also. Booo. I'm going to see if there's any way I can work at least a few days a week from here. It's just so much more convenient for me not to be commuting. I think I'll probably ride Pammon at the boarding barn before work (once the others are home) and then do my two here after work. We'll see. Gotta figure that out based on what happens with work I guess. 

In eating news, I've been enjoying Taco Tuesday deliveries each week from a chef friend of mine and my Sunday lobster roll dinner is a thing again. I made brownies this weekend which were delicious too.

So much for all that weight I lost... Lol. Whatever, all worth it!