Blog Hop: The horse you bought

Nope, this isn't a post about horse shopping for stepmom. This is a hop I jumped on started by Catherine at Two and a Half Horses. And sorry for not actually linking, but I'm epic in my laziness today.
Now, this post has mostly been about transformations from the green to the less green, but my version is a little different. I'm doing my mine on my journey with Rio, and if you've been around for any length of time, you know he's ancient getting up there in years. But I think the theme still applies. And anyway, I'll take any excuse I can find to talk on and on about Rio.

The very first day we met, in Holland.

Before heading out on the hunt for Rio, I had a horse named Cosmo, who was no longer very sound. He had one really good leg. The rest... not so good anymore. After much consultation with several vets, it was decided he was best suited for a 2'6" job. At that point in my young life, I was wanting to do more than that, but I had just moved home after graduating college and working as a barn manager for a year. I wasn't in a position to buy a horse, and so I was content to just enjoy Cosmo.
There was a young professional at the barn at the time who had been doing some importing of young horses  though. My dad got to talking with him one day, and the next thing I knew I was on a plane heading to the Netherlands. I know this might make some of you hate me. But I'm also fully aware of how lucky I've been to have my dad's financial support while I try to keep horses in my adult life. I very obviously couldn't have done nor do all that I have without him.
Anyhow... Rio was actually my second choice horse. Horse number one turned out to be out of budget for us. I'm not actually sure why they even showed him to us. But Rio was a very close second, so it wasn't hard to decide to vet him and arrange for him to fly to CT. Since Rio is a gelding, he arrived home pretty quickly after our trip out to meet him. And to be completely honest with you all, I didn't really love him when he first arrived. Rio had been ridden by very large Dutch men. Do you guys remember the Dutch guy in the last Olympics who got eliminated for a spur mark on his gray horse? That was Rio's trainer. Very tall. Very strong. Basically the opposite of me. Also it was winter when I got him, and he was rather cold backed. I would get on thinking this horse with the hump in it's back was about to launch me. But by the time he was warmed up, I couldn't keep him cantering. Forget about getting in a half seat at the canter! He thought that meant walk!
I didn't get frustrated though. I figured this horse could always be an investment. I could learn from him, get him to some horse shows, and sell him. Then I could find my next one that maybe I'd like more.
We started out slowly together. Rio was very much a made horse at 8 years old, but I hadn't been doing much in the year or so prior since Cosmo spent much of that time rehabbing. We began the year doing the low adult jumpers.

And getting to know each other. He was always very honest, but it took some time for me to figure out that I needed to have more contact with his mouth in order to keep him going. Seems counterintuitive. He was always ridiculously handsome though:

By summer we had moved up to the high adults. We had really started to find our groove! I was really excited for our future, and it seemed likely that we would be able to move up to the amateurs next year. At the end of that first year, we also dabbled in the hunters. That's when I realized this horse could show in any ring.

I know. Really, really, ridiculously good looking.

We had decided that year to finally go to WEF for a few weeks. I had never been, and was stupid excited about it. But a few weeks before we were supposed to leave, Rio wasn't feeling quite right. He wasn't terribly lame, just not quite right. After having our vet out, it was decided to take him to the vet hospital for some scans to try and find the issue. It turned out that he had torn his SI. Not career ending by any means, but he would need some time off. No Florida for us, but that was ok. He had a couple months of rest during the winter, and by spring he was ready to roll! And we did move up to the low A/O's. It was kind of a dream come true for me. I'm not very brave to the big jumps, but on Rio, it felt completely doable. Which isn't to say we didn't have our troubles.

I fell of in our first big class together. At the second jump. Oops. But I got back on, and we had a great rest of the horse show.

And our season continued on pretty nicely.

When I had first gotten him, Rio was very shy with his humans. He wasn't very social, and he thought all treats were poison except carrots. But over time he came out of his shell.

We only had the one full season doing the bigger jumps. The next year started out great.

We did some shows at our home barn and things were going well. But then he was off again. This time a torn suspensory right front. That took a while to heal, but I let him take all the time he needed. By now he was my very best friend. Rio could have whatever Rio needed. And at this point my own barn was being built.
When I first brought Rio home he was just starting back to work. My years are fuzzy as to which injury we were on at that point. I think it was suspensory injury number 2. Over the years, he's injured the same leg's suspensory in three different places. But every time he came back. This horse is like a cat. Has at least nine lives.
It was obvious though, that it was time to start stepping him down. So he became a full time adult hunter at that point. No more jumping any higher than 3'. He would double as an eq horse sometimes too. And he was really good at those jobs. It's pretty rare to find a real three ring horse, but Rio certainly has been just that.

In his last year showing, I decided at the last minute to take him to Ct finals. I was originally going to take Jamp. But Jamp had been bitten by a tick and was exhibiting some signs of lyme disease. So I asked Rio to step up to the plate. I knew he'd be just fine in the first round. But I was worried about the flat class. He often got worked up when horses came up behind him, and sometimes would kick out. Once we made it through the flat, we were sitting in fourth place. They test the top four. I thought for sure I'd stay in 4th for two reasons. Rio was a cheater at the trot fence and liked to canter the last step and also, I didn't think he'd actually halt at the end. But he proved me a big liar and we had pretty much a PERFECT test. He really is a magical unicorn. We finished in second.

We had a nice winter off after that, and come spring is when disaster struck. That one weekend when he started acting weird. Couldn't chew his hay to start and by Sunday couldn't stand up without a wall next to him. After a couple vet consults we were on our way to Cornell to receive his EPM diagnosis.

Rio enjoyed two years of being a pet after that, while he regained his strength and balance. And that spring, two years later, Doc said I should ride him. I told him not to toy with me like that and he said he was serious. We spent some time just lunging with tack and remembering what a bit was. I'm sure it felt different to him after the EPM problems. It had affected him mostly in the facial nerves, so his tongue worked differently than it had used to. But he took that all in stride, and I had the very best moment of my life when I climbed back on him for the first time in so long.

It was like nothing had ever happened. Sure he was a little lower in the head, and a lot less strong. But overall, he was the same.
This year he came out of winter with a bowed tendon. It's not looking like it's going to heal, so he's officially retired. But he's still ridiculously good looking.

And he will forever be my very best friend. He's not the same horse that I imported from Holland all those years ago. But he's a better horse. He's my best friend in the whole world. He's come completely out of his shell to the point of sometimes having too much personality. And there's not a treat he'll say no to anymore.
I hope he still has lots of years left to spend with me. He's twenty-two now so who really knows. I'll definitely treasure every second of every day though. And that my friends is how Rio has changed from the horse I bought. He grew into a magical unicorn.

Truthful Tuesday

It's been awhile since I've shared something completely gross that I've done. So you may want to leave now if you're squeamish...
It's been pretty damp, cloudy, and rainy around here for the last many days. Know what that means? Frogs. Frogs are everywhere. They love this weather! I love frogs. I think they're adorable. Anyway.
Saturday evening I took a nap with the pugs before tucking the ponies in for the night. So I was a little groggy. I was scrolling through FB on my walk out to the barn, when I felt something squish under my foot. OMG. What was that?!
Yeah. A frog. You guys. I stepped on a frog! I'm officially a frog murderer. I feel terrible. Who steps on a frog? Poor thing. He was just chillin' on the walkway minding his own business, when giant human me steps right on him. UGH. Worst. I'm so sad about it. I bet his little frog family is too. I don't know how murderers live with themselves.

Not the actual frog I murdered. This one looks alive and well.

Thursday's Threads

 

Happy Outfit day everyone! Lots of people are whining about it, but I'm still enjoying these hazy days of summer. It's been in the lower 90's, but I know what's coming so I'm not complaining. I really don't want the return of sub zero temps, ice, and snow. No thanks. Bring on the heat waves! Despite it being hot and summery out there, I still dressed for fall today. But before I get to that, I have a riding outfit AND a running outfit to share. It's a full post here today! We'll go in order of wearing, so I'll start with last night's riding outfit.

I was in a rush, so please excuse this super awkward pose. And lack of helmet. I try not to drive in it when I can remember! 

Helmet: One K

This photo is fake news because I actually wore my black snakeskin one K, but I forgot to snap a photo. So please enjoy this photo of my new one.

 

T-shirt: No idea on brand

You all have seen this shirt before. It's probably my most favorite and most accurate shirt ever.

Belt: Mane Jane

This strap from Mane Jane matched the piping on these breeches PERFECTLY! Love me some Mane Jane. May or may not have one in the works to match my new helmet...

Breeches: Smartpak Piper

The color on these is more accurately represented in the belt photo. They were the new color this spring. I say it every time, I wish pipers fit a little better, because I LOVE the fun colors.

Boots: Regals

Old standbys. Not much to see here.

So that's what I rode in last night! Next up: Running outfit

How cute are floral running tights?! Answer: ridiculously cute. For the sake of brevity I'll just say here that both top and bottom are from Fabletics. (Big fan!)

I especially like that the pants don't get see through when you stretch them (ahem... cough, cough... Lululemon)

Sneakers: Asics

Yes, you're seeing this correctly. I do not have matching running shoes for all my outfits. Sneakers are expensive and I don't love running shoes like I do riding boots. #truth

Headphones: Aftershokz Trekz

Try to look past my crazy bed head hair.... These headphones are awesome, not only because they are wireless, but because they are bone conducting. They sit outside the ear, so you can hear everything around you while still enjoying your music or whatever you're listening to.

And now on to today's outfit!

Fall colors! And barn colors kinda...

Top: I can't decipher the brand on this tag...

This is a light weight, short sleeved sweater. A bit warm maybe for today, but my office is arctic, so it's just fine!

Belt: Swanky Saddle

I haven't worn this one in awhile! Love the monogram and metallic belt strap.
Jeans: Calvin Klein

These are one of my favorite pairs of pants. I love the green color which is tough to really photograph. They lean more olive, but neither of these pictures is exact.

Shoes: Fabletics

I was going to wear my boat shoes today, but decided I really wanted to try out these sneakers I got from Fabletics. They're not running shoes, no real support, but they're super comfy. And I LOVE the color! Plus, they have memory foam in the foot bed. My feetsies are so happy today!

Arm Party!
Lefty:

Lefty is donning my most favorite bracelet. I spent more than I should have on this vintage Gucci bit bracelet, and honestly, I have no regrets. I just love it. Next to that is an H bracelet that I'm quite sure is just an "H" and not short for Hermes. And you all recognize my trusty Apple watch.

Righty:

Righty is donning a larger "H" bracelet that came from Ebay. Based on price, I do believe it is also just an "H". The leather one though is the real deal courtesy of my dad and stepmom.

That's it for today! Any favorites? Get any new riding apparel you're excited about?

What's Up Wednesday

There is SO MUCH new and exciting over here! And it was a really fun long weekend too. Before I recap all my fun and games, I'll start with the most exciting news (other than the horse shopping I talked about yesterday). I said last week that I would get to ride my neighbor's horse Eddie once a week. Well, the other amateur that was helping to ride him is pregnant and doesn't want to ride any more until after she has the baby. So I get to ride him twice a week now! And not only that, I'm going to get to show him too!
Eddie's mom sent me a short clip of us cantering the other day, but it was sideways. I grabbed a couple screen shots though.

They're super blurry, but you can tell he's a cutie. And weird to see me on a chestnut, huh? I rode him again on Monday, and jumped a few small jumps. I really like him. He's super chill, and not easily offended. We're planning to take him to a show in a few weeks. Probably mostly do flat classes and maybe a hunter warm up. If that goes well, we might jump too. We'll see. He's not all that young, but was a dressage horse up until a few months ago. So he's pretty green over fences. Honest though! I get to ride him again tonight.

Ok, now we can go back and talk about all the fun and games that is a holiday weekend. Friday was surprisingly busy at work, and then I spent the evening with the tall kids.

View from our handwalk

Saturday I FINALLY got to go to my first Yankee game of the season.

 I know. Took me the whole season to get there. I always go with my co worker and his wife, and one of their friends. Unfortunately the friend couldn't go, but we brought along a flat version of him.

So I'm always excited to go to a game, partially for the game,

but also for the FOOD. And this time was no exception. I was most looking forward to the new milkshakes they had.

Clearly, I've found my  happy place.

I chose the smore's one (the one on the left with the marshmallows). While the accoutrements were lovely, the milkshake wasn't a milkshake at all. It was just soft serve ice cream. You really had to wait for it to melt before you could drink it. So it was kind of disappointing. Not to say I wouldn't get one again. I mean it is a glass full of sugar and fat. Yum!
Oh we found Waldo while we were there too!

Getting to the stadium, watching the game (and binging on artery clogging food), and getting home pretty much takes your whole day. So the boys didn't have walks that day. But they had their small paddock turnouts in the morning, so don't worry. They weren't neglected! Their horse sitter gave them groomies too before dinner.
Since Saturday was eaten up, Sunday was a day for getting things done. I got up at a reasonable hour and went to run a few errands. Then it was time to spoil the ponies (and do their laundry). We did mega groomies and had nice walks. Both boys are starting to put weight back on, so that's making me happy.

Rio <3

Jampy <3

It's still been way too hot to take the pups for a road walk. But we played out on the grass for a bit in the afternoon.

And of course I had to have dinner at the lake.

I spent the rest of the evening straightening up the house and doing laundry. I'm wild like that.
I was honestly really excited to have Monday off. I got up early to do the barn first thing. I'm the world's slowest stall cleaner so the boys had nice long turnouts. I figured I probably wouldn't walk them later because it was supposed to be sweltering hot out, so better to let them have outside time early while it was still bearable.

Originally, I had planned to go ride Eddie once I was done with the barn, but we decided to wait until the sun was lower. Worked out nicely because a friend stopped by and we went over to the lake for lunch. Nice to catch up!
After lunch, the pugs and I hung by the pool for a bit.

Then it was Eddie time! I rode him the first time in my Hermes saddle and this time in the Voltaire. And honestly, it slipped way back on him, and I wasn't all that comfortable. I'm not sure I love it as much as I did originally. I'm probably going to hold on to it until after I get my next horse, but if I don't love it on him, then I'll sell it. Anyway, Eddie was great, despite the heat! After Eddie, I ran home to feed the horses and shower, and then was off to family dinner. Which is where I got the go ahead to start horse shopping for my step mom.

And I guess you probably all want to know what I broke down and bought during the Labor Day sales. For the most part I was fairly well behaved. I did order a new pair of Regals from Riding Warehouse ($134! How could I not?). I was humming and hawing about possibly getting the rose gold One K, but they weren't actually allowed to discount it, and didn't have the size I needed in stock. So I passed.... But then (you knew that was coming didn't you?) I was on the Big Dee's site and they had the wide brim one marked down to $232. I've always been really against the wide brim helmets. I just think they look weird. But I'm also a sheep and everyone loves them. So I thought I'd give it a try. Plus they had it in stock! It arrived yesterday (so fast!).

I definitely think it looks like a UFO. But I like it! The rose gold is subtle, but very pretty. And as always the One K is very comfortable on my head.
So that's what's up this Wednesday! This little blog is finally getting horsey again! So glad you all stuck around while I floundered through not riding regularly.
How was your long weekend? Do anything fun? Go to a show? Tell me all about it in the comments!

Truthful Tuesday

This is a weird one you guys... So today's confession is that I'm officially horse shopping! But not for me. Not directly. My step mom has decided to get a horse of her own! And they don't want to "burden me with taking care of it" so they want to board the horse. BUT they want one that I could ride and show too. So basically, I get to pick out a nice amateur friendly horse for my step mom, which will be exactly what I need to get my groove back before looking for an actual horse of my own. Kind of the best case scenario huh? And I don't even have to pay for it! Not only that, they plan to take the horse to Florida for the winter. Not down to WEF that would be ridiculous. We need to find a place closer to their house down there. But still, I'll have something to ride in Florida when I visit (and still not pay for).
But I'm kind of nervous about this. The last... three horses I've bought/acquired really didn't work out very well. In the case of Ducky and Romey, I bought them knowing basically nothing about them, so that was just taking a chance. I've never been particularly lucky, so it shouldn't be surprising that those didn't go well. But Badger was a pretty big blow to the horse shopping ego. So I'm apprehensive. And in this case, it needs to be right for someone else, not for me. No pressure there right?! Eek.
So what are we looking for? I think we should find something around 9 or 10, but a little older is ok. I don't want anything that's too old, because I want one that will be around awhile. It needs to be quiet, but Step mom likes when they have a little motor. She's not a nervous rider, but I don't want anything spooky. She is a thinking rider and I want her to be able to concentrate on her own position and aids and what not, and not so much on if the horse is paying attention to her. She's just about to start learning to jump (she rode western as a kid and had her own horses, but English is relatively new to her) so it needs to know that job. Ideally something that could jump around 3' would be nice for ME, but since it's really her horse, a 2'6" horse would probably be fine too.
The horse doesn't need to be a show stopper. I'd like one that jumps well because those are the safest, but it doesn't need to win a hack. It would be nice if it had a lead change. Probably not a deal breaker if it doesn't.
And the trivial stuff? I giggled a little when she told me she doesn't really like horses with four socks or bald faces. I giggled because I've never been one to drool over the four socks and big blaze. I've had a few horses with big blazes and they were all a little tapped to be honest. I'm sure there's no actual correlation, but that's been my experience. Of course if we found the perfect horse and it had those attributes, we would probably still buy it. But we're not on the hunt for that.
So anyway, today's confession is that I'm horse shopping and a little angsty about it. But also pretty excited!

Have you ever horse shopped for someone else? How did it go?