What's Up Wednesday

 

What a week! Sheesh... Last week we enjoyed fake spring, and it was GLORIOUS! Eros and Shiny rode outside nearly every day and Al even went out a few times too! The ring at the boarding barn is ENORMOUS, so I do worry some the first few times out there about potentially dying. Or you know, getting run away with. Fortunately, none of them offered up such nonsense, and it was SO AMAZING to be outside again! Pammon got to walk outside a little, but for now we're still trotting indoors. 

Alas, this week it's been cold again. Highs only in the 40's and Tuesday the wind was absolutely insane. So for the most part, we're back inside this week. I did take Eros out today when the sun peaked out for a bit though. Tomorrow is supposed to be a total rainy washout and then more cold weather through the weekend. Hopefully spring comes back again soon!

Eros was a superstar in his lesson last week! The course that was set was mostly single jumps, which honestly is better for Eros. He just gets ridiculously excited about related distances. I'm not sure why really... He won't say. Anyway, the single fences were great for him, and we were able to string a whole bunch of them together without him dragging me around. Baby steps! We'll see what tomorrow brings. I have a feeling with the weather Torpedo Eros might make an appearance. But maybe not! You just never know with him. 

The most awkward Al photo to ever have been snapped...
Why does he look so little?

Al was AMAZING this week in our lessons! For both, we did the flat part outside, then went in to jump. (No jumps in the outdoor just yet, but probably soon!) I think warming up outside was really helpful in getting us more forward thinking. Because when we came in to jump, he was right there for me. I didn't feel as much like I needed a nap mid course as I usually do. I'm still pinching myself that this is my horse. He's just exactly what I would pick if I could punch my wants into a computer program and print out a horse. I mean, I might have made him a LITTLE less spooky, but hey. You can't have everything. 

In other Al news, I finally contacted the Butet rep to see about finding him a better fitting saddle. She requested a bunch of photos of two of my current ones on him and now we're trying to figure out a time and day for her to come out. 

Eros' saddle. Not great.

Pammon's Saddle. Better in some places
but too narrow.

The tricky part is that the boarding barn is a CWD barn. The owner said I could have the Butet rep out, but on a Monday when the other clients won't be there. Of course, this rep doesn't work on Monday... so I'm not sure how this is going to work out any time very soon. Might have to wait until I have some horses home, and then bring him here for the appointment. But I'd really like to have a saddle sooner than later. Nothing is ever easy! I would expect a saddle rep to have a somewhat flexible schedule, but who knows. Maybe this is just a side gig for her. 

Shiny had a great riding week. She's still protesting picking up the canter the first time. And by protesting I mean first refusing to do it, then kicking out, and then finally sighing heavily and just doing it. Once she gets going, her canter feels amazing. So I'm not entirely sure what the dramatics are about. I did let her have a relaxed bareback meander outside on Sunday, hoping that might reset the grumpy pony for next week. Unfortunately, she decided she wanted a longer reset as you read about yesterday. Her foot is doing as well as can be expected. She's on a broad spectrum antibiotic for now and we're flushing and re-bandaging daily. Once she seems more comfortable we can hand walk and even turn out (with a boot on the affected foot, so waiting for that to arrive). She's been a very good patient though, so hopefully this time it will resolve a little more quickly than the last time. 

Pammon was supposed to start rigging this week, but selfishly I decided to wait. I'm down a pony to ride so I don't want to give up another! Even though it will just be once a week for now. I'm also a little nervous about him being on a lunge circle still... I may hold off until his next recheck. We've upped our trotting to 12 minutes this week though! So things are getting pretty serious. When we get to 15, he'll have a recheck and see what the next step will be. 

Last week when the weather was so incredible, I made sure to get the pups out in the yard for a wander around. 

Rita isn't the biggest fan of being on a leash, but she's getting better. Her recall is pretty good MOST of the time, but she's already been hit by a car (before she was mine!) so I'm just really nervous about letting her off leash. My property isn't fully fenced for doggos, so I worry. I'm so glad the rope harness I had gotten for Artie adjusts enough to fit her though! She's so tiny!

I didn't hang on to P the whole time because she doesn't get around so fast anyway. I could surely catch her before she got herself into trouble! Plus, she can't walk as much as Rita. We still managed to over do it out there, and she needed her overnight pain meds a little earlier in the evening. Noted. Will definitely not let her walk as much next time! It's tough with these old pups. They don't realize how much they can and can't do. On the positive side (for me anyway) she slept the WHOLE night that night! I got 7 hours of uninterrupted sleep! It was glorious. 

That's about it from here. How was your week? Is spring really happening where you are? 

What's Up Wednesday

 

Holiday weeks are always full of all kinds of things, aren't they? This one is no different! I spent most of Wednesday morning at the car dealer picking up Betty's replacement. You've all heard my car woes all summer, and last month I finally took the plunge and ordered a new car. She arrived Wednesday. Everyone, meet Beatrice Mila Winthrop:

Yes. I bought a green car. And it's a convertible. I think it's clear to all of us that I'm having a pretty solid midlife crisis, what with the horse and the convertible... It sure is fun though!

But you're not here for cars. You're here for horses! Most specifically Al. 

Stands for hoof picking like a champ!

Since he had surgery, then a month of recovery, and then he flew here, we're taking things slowly, letting him get his fitness back. We've mostly just been flatting. But on Sunday, I managed to get on during a quiet time in the ring (VERY rare on a weekend!) and the assistant trainer was riding the barn owner's young horse and having a little school. Barn owner had set a little pile or rails on the ground, and I asked if I could join. She said sure, so I followed the baby horse over the poles. Eventually it became a little vertical and barn owner said to keep going too. So I did! And you guys... Al is wonderful to ride. He's adjustable and feels pretty brave. It was a plain white rail with nothing really under it, so nothing spooky. Not really a bravery test. But he didn't worry when I made him add one too many or kicked up for the long one. He was just like, okay yeah, cool. 

I know you're not supposed to compare horses to each other. But I have to tell you guys. This horse rides EXACTLY like young Rio. Al is a touch more green, but Rio was 8 when I bought him, and Al is just 6. So that's expected. But everything else feels weirdly familiar. Even how he acts when he's fresh. The same. It's crazy! They're not particularly closely related so I'm pretty surprised by the similarities. I mean, I had a feeling watching the videos and seeing how he carries himself. But it's a little mind blowing. I'm feeling VERY excited for the future. We'll probably mostly flat this week, and then maybe start jumping small next week. I don't see any reason to rush into things. We have all winter to get to know each other. 

He's been so cooperative for everything we've thrown at him since he got here. He goes out in the med paddocks next to mares and doesn't misbehave in the slightest (phew). He got worked on by our body worker last week (which I've already talked about, I know) and then on Thanksgiving morning he got shod. 

The farrier took his time, since not all of Europe hot shoes, so who knows if he's had that done before. He wasn't concerned about it, so I'm guessing he has. My farrier pointed out something interesting. Al's outside heels are kind of scrunched up behind. He says that's very typical for stallions (due to um... them doing their job... and also how they stand to accommodate "the jewels") and it will correct itself now that he's gelded. Al will see the vet I think next Friday so they can meet and get a baseline for how he goes and feels. 

I got on Al first yesterday morning. Unfortunately, I was in a big rush because I had to run my dad and stepmom back to the airport, so there were two horses getting rigged while I was trying to ride. Al came out FRESH, so being stuck on a small circle wasn't such a bad thing... lol! He settled down though, once we trotted for awhile and had a nice, albeit short, ride. I put him down for a free lunge today so hopefully he enjoys that and gets some fresh out. I really like how sensible he is, even when he's feeling wild. I hope that feature stays with him!

Everything is going well with the other two also! Eros still hasn't jumped. I need to sit down with the lesson book and find a spot for him. Shiny didn't jump last week either. She normally lessons on Thursday and with the holiday we missed out. I could have put her a different lesson another day, but I figured I'd give her the week since she had all that vet work done the Friday before. We'll lesson tomorrow. 

She is feeling great though! Her canter transitions are feeling better, and her hind end feels so much... smoother? If that makes sense. She's been a little sassy for her first canter lately though, kicking out some. So I'm not sure if something else is bothering her now, or if she's just feeling a little sassy. It's sometimes tough to distinguish with her. She feels very sound, so I'm leaning toward attitude. 

Eros is feeling good too, despite me using the wrong saddle on him for two days. Boy do I feel silly for that! In my defense, they look nearly exactly the same. Heh. Oops.

This isn't my saddle... -Eros probably

But in the more midlife crisis (and non horse) news... Pia is getting a sister after New Years! 

Her name is Rita and she's some kind of Chihuahua cross. There is a pair of sisters who have a pony at the barn and their parents are a vet and vet tech. They've been fostering Rita. She was hit by a car and her former owners surrendered her because they couldn't afford the bill. (Though they also didn't stick around long enough for the x-rays even to know that the bill wasn't going to be too bad... People suck.) Anyway, from the accident, Rita had a broken pelvis and one of her eyes was popped out. Fortunately, the eye went back in with no damage at all, and her pelvis did not require any surgery. She's been on crate rest for a few weeks, and is now having light exercise and doing great! She will be spayed this week (seriously people, do this for your dogs as soon as they're old enough, don't wait!). She's about two years old, so past the puppy stage which is nice. I'm taking a trip after Christmas, so I asked if they could keep her until I get back. Seems unfair to take her, then give her back, then take her again. It would be confusing I think. So they are happy to do that since they also love her. I also feel more comfortable having her rehab with the vet for a little longer. 

Pia and Rita met on Sunday. I had told the fosters, I really wanted Rita, but it was up to P since she's in charge of the household. While I'm not sure Pia loved Rita, she didn't mind her at all. So I think they'll get along just fine. 

So many changes happening over here lately! Horses and cars and dogs... Oh my! If anyone is looking for me, I'll just be over here enjoying my midlife crisis to the fullest. 

What's Up Wednesday

It's been pretty quiet around here this week, just settling back into the routine. I got home from Florida on Thursday, and went straight to pick up my pups at my mom's and then to the barn to see the kids. Shiny hadn't seen my vet yet at that point, so I soaked her and wrapped her foot up. And I got to ride Eros. I missed him while I was away!

Friday the vet came, and we covered that yesterday. I rode Eros before the vet arrived and then was just there waiting my turn for the rest of the day. It was like the good old days of being a barn rat! Saturday I was able to handwalk Shiny as she was feeling much better with that splinter removed. Sunday I got to have a lesson with Eros. It was a great lesson, though we did nearly part ways at one point. We were supposed to do three jumps on an S turn. We came through the corner to the first fence, I saw a nice distance and just softened to get to it, but I think I surprised Eros by just letting go of his face entirely. He tried to chip, but didn't make it, and we sort of crashed into the jump. There were several moments where I thought we were parting ways as he picked his way out of the jump, but somehow he kept me on. We went back and tried again and got it done quite well actually. AND the whole course was 2'9" to 3" so we're getting somewhere in our quest for the adult hunter ring. Yay!

The rest of this week has been a total waste. I caught some kind of virus and have had a fever since Monday night. These guys are pretty happy to have me working at home:

Feeling a bit better today, but still working from home. Hoping to ride tonight though. 

How was your week? Do anything fun? Have a great lesson lately?

What's up Wednesday

Phew, time is flying! Wednesday already? Summertime is my favorite time of the year, but it sure is busy. Not that I'm complaining, I love having fun stuff to do and horses to ride. And I love the warm sunny weather.
I scheduled an extra lesson on Eros last week because there aren't any trainers at the barn the next two weekends. They're all up in VT at the show. So Thursday after work I headed over there for a lesson. It was probably one of the best I've had with him lately. Maybe things are starting to click?

We worked on some more hunter style courses instead of lots of bending lines and roll backs. While I do think all horses should be able to do those things, it's also nice to work on what we would actually be doing if and when we get to a horse show. Eros definitely needs to get stronger behind, I think I need to work harder smarter about getting him back on his hind end when we flat. He's fine when the jumps are 2'6" but he's really unloading himself when the fences are 3'. It's ugly and hard to stay with! I know he has enough scope for the 3' so I think it's likely a strength issue. That aside though, he was really good despite it being a little rainy and late.

Friday after work was back to my four legged kids at home. They both just flatted since they had the day off on Thursday. Nothing too exciting from those rides to share! (Never a bad thing!)

I had 4 manes and two tails to braid Friday night, but the customer asked to have one of them done in the morning before they left at 6:15. There was no way time-wise to do some and then go back if I wanted to sleep at all, so instead I just started late and braided through the night. I got done at 5:30 which was perfect, as they were just arriving to feed. Hopefully breakfast kept the horse occupied so he didn't rub.

It was a long night. I climbed into my bed at 6 am and slept until 9. You guys. I am WAY too old for these all nighters! Anyway, I dragged myself out of bed and went and ran some errands. My car's emissions were due, so that was my first stop. Then coffee. Then off to ride Eros. He was kind of funny Saturday. I had new reins I was using, and they were so slippery I felt like I couldn't get anything done properly. And he was oddly kind of forward and sassy. It was a weird ride, but not bad really. Needless to say, those reins are going in the trash.

Next I headed home to ride my other two and take care of Rio. I planned to start with Shiny, but when I pulled her out, she had a fat hind leg. I couldn't find any cuts or anything, and her tendons didn't palpate sore, so I'm guessing she just bumped her leg on something. I wanted to ice it, but when I was putting the ice boot on, she kicked out at me. I smacked her, which wasn't all that smart since I hadn't fastened all the straps yet... So she jumped forward and the boot slipped down. She proceeded to panic. stomp my wooden brush box to kindling, and break the cross ties. Fortunately, once the cross ties broke she gave up her antics and I stuck her in the wash stall. I figured she could stand there and calm down while I cleaned up the mess. And then I cold hosed instead of icing. We followed that up with a hand walk and some grazing. Finally I wrapped her up behind and tucked her back into her stall.

Next was Pammon! He was perfect for our ride and I was grateful given how tired I was! We just flatted and worked on things like my dreadful sitting trot.
Pammon enjoyed some grass after our ride too, and then it was Rio's turn for attention. He had a nice grooming and some grass.

I had a ton of stuff to do in the house (how does one person make such a mess?!) but I knew I likely wouldn't do any of it given my three hours of sleep. And I had really wanted to stop by the carnival in my hometown. So after I fed the horses and the pups, I headed over there for a few minutes. The carnival is a fundraiser for the fire department there in town which is all volunteer run. After the fire at my childhood barn when I was 14, I try to always come and support the carnival. It's the least I can do.
It was already dark when I arrived, which makes it look way more fun.

I wanted to play a couple games and eat some crappy food. So I did just that! I won a unicorn at the dart game and stuffed balloon dog at whack-a-mole. Then I ate some fried oreos and left. I don't think I was there even a  half hour. Ha! Efficient!

There were five... but I didn't snap a pic until after I stuffed some in my face.

And then I went home and fell asleep on the floor with the pups... I woke up at 4 am and went to bed. I really need to stop doing that!

Sunday morning I had another lesson with Eros. This one went great too, which is kind of mind blowing. I'm a little bummed I won't get to jump again for two weeks with him now that things are coming together. But that's pretty much the story of my life isn't it? Lol. It was pretty hot, and Eros was letting me know that while he was drying off from his after-lesson bath.

I skipped the farmer's market and just went straight home. I rode Pammon first. He was fantastic! I hadn't planned to jump, but decided to because I was feeling pretty good about things after my Eros lesson. Pammon was perfect! Everything was coming up out of stride, and he was landing softly and seemed like he was having fun. If I had more energy I would have gotten off and put the fences up some, but I didn't. Maybe this week!

Shiny's leg was still puffy, so I gave her another day off. We hand walked and cold hosed, and had some grass. Perhaps she did it on purpose to get out of working during the 95 degree weather?

Since it was so hot, I brushed Rio off quickly and then gave him a rinse before heading out for snacks. I think he was grateful!

I decided after taking care of all the horses that I had to skip the lake and do my adulting in the house. So I did some laundry and straightened up and that was the end of the weekend.

Monday was only half boring though! I worked in the morning, and then went to the Bronx in the afternoon to watch some baseball! I LOVE going to Yankee stadium, and Monday was a blast. It was hot when we got there, but by the time the game started the sun was low and it was the perfect temperature out.

And I got nachos in a helmet so that's pretty much all a girl needs right?

On top of a super fun evening at the ball park, mother nature treated us all to this view as the sun went down:

The Yankees were leading going into the last inning, but they managed to blow it and lose. So that was a bummer. But I still had a great time. It was another late night though. I got home after 1. Tucked in the ponies and then crashed for the night.

Kinda like this... but in my bed this time.

 Tuesday morning came FAST. But I made it to work more or less the same time as usual (which really isn't what you'd call "on time". I'm a terrible employee when it comes to punctuality in the morning...) I was hoping to ride both horses after work since Shiny's leg was looking better when I checked it Monday and also Tuesday at lunch time. But when I got home from work she had a big gash in it. I honestly don't know what's going on when I'm not home, but whatever it is, she keeps hurting the same leg! So I scrubbed the cut, cold hosed her, and wrapped it back up. It was very sore, so I didn't think riding was the right thing for it. What's another day or two off?
Pammon was perfect as always, though a bit lazy. It was still close to 90 when I rode him last night and humidity has been creeping up. Today the high is 91 with 70% humidity so I think it will be another easy ride. There are storms coming though, so it may be a day off... time will tell!
And that's about it for last week! How was your week? Do anything horsey? Lessons or horse shows? Tell me about it in the comments!

What's Up Wednesday

I think I mentioned last week that my stepmom is back from Florida, so I'm not getting much saddle time. I do get weekends though! So I was able to get some time in with Eros Saturday and Sunday. He was perfect as usual! But we were stuck indoors due to the ridiculous rain.
One thing I really like about the boarding barn is that they don't close for holidays. So it was like a normal day there on Sunday. I went a little early because I had plans later, but not by any means actually early. Probably around 9? Eros was certain it was too early.

This was pre-ride...

 Rio had plenty of attention this weekend too, with some grazing time and lots of groomies.

I got him a new fly sheet for grazing, but it's actually a bit too small. If/when I find a pony and have to order stuff for that one, I think I may get him the next size up. It's from Big D, so they tend to run a little small. I forgot about that.

In non-horsey news, I did a lot of eating this weekend. A LOT. Saturday night my mom hosted our Passover Seder. It was like old times, just me, my brother, and mom. My sis-in-law and the kids went to Florida for the school vacation, but my brother had to stay here and work. It was lovely though. I brought the short kids with me, and they had fun too.

Family portrait with my brother in the back

Sunday, after my early-ish ride on Eros, I went with my dad, stepmom, and brother to visit my little brother's grandma for Easter. Little Bro couldn't make it unfortunately. He makes maple syrup in VT and this is his busy season. It was a lovely dinner, and my stepmom even made everything Passover friendly. So thoughtful! For some reason though, I got no media whatsoever. Which is really unfortunate. Little bro's grandma is 99, so not sure how many more times we'll do holidays with her.

Since we ate early Sunday, I was home by five to feed Rio. And then the puggers got to have a super fun play date with my neighbor's pug, her boyfriend's frenchie, and the two puppies she is fostering. It was short dog chaos, but so fun!

So much butt sniffing.

Yesterday was Rio's 23rd birthday! Since he turned 23 on the 23rd, this is his Golden Birthday, and I got him an appropriate birthday sash... and a crown of course.

Seriously, this crown though...

I can't... hahaha! Poor Rio. But also, cutest ever, right? For anyone wondering it came from Amazon, and I think it's for babies. But also horses.

I thought I'd be the best mom and hand chop some of his actual hay so he could swallow it instead of spitting it out as a hay cigar. Apparently though, after a solid 30 minutes of cutting up hay, he wasn't that into it. It smelled good though.

And then I gave him the appropriate birthday dinner full of snacks.

And that's really all that's going on this week! I have a couple of ponies/honies I've found that seem interesting, so hopefully I'll have something to share on that front soon! Waiting on some info for my front runner.

What's up with you guys? Did you have a good week? Celebrate any holidays this weekend?

What's Up Wednesday

Wednesday already! Finally? I dunno. When's Friday? This whole working for a living thing is really cramping my play time. Now that spring is here, I just want to go outside and play with ponies.
Anyway, nothing too exciting happened here over the last week. I already mentioned that Jampy came home, which was probably the most eventful thing.
Saturday was rainy, so I rode Eros indoors. Just flatwork still, nothing too exciting. But we have started re-introducing lateral work and collection at the canter. So at least now we're doing some fun stuff on the flat! I wanted to canter some poles, but the ring was busy, so I decided to wait.

Rio got shoes Saturday too, which I was glad about. He was especially unsound that morning, left front which is odd. Farrier didn't find anything wrong in his foot, which was nice, so I figured we would just see how he was on Sunday. Whatever it was, it went away, so he must have just done something to sting himself. Silly pony.

Rio only wears front shoes, so it was the cheapest shoeing bill I think I've ever gotten, now that it's just him at home. Gotta look for the positives right?!
The sun had finally come out Saturday evening, so the pups got to go for a walk. They are ridiculous though. They spend more time sniffing things than actually walking. And they never want to sniff the same things. Kids.

Yeah, they poop a lot too.

I spent Saturday evening hanging with the pups and doing some laundry. Exciting times!

Sunday, unlike Saturday, was quite nice out. Actual REAL spring! I was super excited to get to the barn and ride outside. Eros seems to be over the spring sillies (not that he was ever that bad) and we had a lovely ride in the giant outdoor ring. He even got a little sweaty, and I gave him his first rinse of the season! Followed by some grazing.

I went straight home and spent lots of quality time with Rio. He had a good grooming and then he got to have some grass too.

Tried out this new curry. I kinda like it! The nubs are really flexible, but it still picked up a lot of hair and dirt.

 I can't get over how much better he looks this year. He's so shiny, he looks wet in these photos!

The weather started turning when I was finishing up with Rio, so the pugs didn't get a second walk this weekend. They got lots of snuggles though which they're just as happy with.
This week I actually don't get to ride until the weekend. Stepmom is home and when I asked which days she wanted to ride, she said Tuesday, Wed, Thurs, and Friday. Ok then. (I really need a horse you guys.) Instead, I'm having to do awful things like exercise. The horror.

Blurry pugs, because I'm running on the treadmill while they nap.

So this week is basically just a lot of quality time with Rio. No complaints there though, we both could use it.

No mom, I'm not done snacking.

I might go for my first outdoor run in forever tonight before a little hanging with Rio. It's weird not having a horse to ride and only one to groom. Definitely need to work on that ratio.
That's about it from here. Did you all have a good weekend? Do anything fun? Are you finally having spring?