Jack and Jill rode up the hill...

I don't think Gator and I have done that much hill work ever. In fact I bet he'd never done much of any since before he moved to Virginia when he was purchased as a youngster, if even then. His new barn has some hills, not mountainous hills, but hills.

So, I rode him on Saturday. We had not been in the 'lower' field which does have a few things in it. There's a big old water tower thing that is on it's side, a brush pile and the huge power line towers too. So I knew some looking and snorting was in store. You'd think I'd lounge him but no. I like him froggy. Counter intuitive from my last wimpy worried post? Yeah. Totally. I'm not truly scared of my horse though and he tried me and I had fun. He looked sound so I hopped on.

Pre-ride my wimpy side said I wouldn't canter. Ha! Gator and the cowgirl in me had other plans I guess.

Gator was good with the 'new woods' and the brush pile, the power line towers were no problem. The fallen water tower was a skeery beast. No he wasn't bad but I made him go between it and the fence and I knew he wouldn't like it. He tensed up and started trotting I sat deep, said whoa and touched his mouth. Bad idea. I got a quick spook, we cantered away from the thing and he bucked a few times to let me know he was not interested. I couldn't help but laugh at him, tell him he was fine and he stopped. I made him spook by that light touch on the bit, had I just let him calmly trot by and told him it was okay we'd have had no such drama. Oh well, alls well that ends well though right? We went back I made him face and look at it. I let him turn he trotted a few steps away and was then fine. Something to work on, on my end. Trusting him not to blow and keeping his reins tossed out. Tough but I can reteach myself, my muscles, to do it.

I also must say despite not riding really in... a month at least? More actually. I felt very secure the whole ride. Might be the saddle...

We visited the BO's and their kids who were working on building new fence in a connecting field. Gator stood like a statue when her little girl came over, put his head down, ears forward for some scritches. Good boy.

Then we went back to the lower field and did a bit of work on those hills. He was choosing it at first actually - even the super steep spots. I let him use his momentum off the big hill to roll from a trot into a canter through the flat lower part of the field and back around to the other side of the hill. He never wanted to canter up the hill though... I love cantering up hills. Then again, maybe he never has with a rider? Then we'd trot up the hill and collect when walking down the other side. After a few laps this became a bit difficult and he wanted to trot down. When he really didn't want to hold himself, I decided he's had a lot of time off and well, hills are hard! We explored around the new obstacles and paths a little more and called it a day. We had fun. That was my goal anyways.

Then he got a full bath which is his last until sometime next spring. I also cleaned his sheath, hooves oiled, scratches leg scrubbed and slathered up with goo. Then I realized he was cold. I turned him out, where he promptly had a hissy and ran, showing off like a fool around the field much to the confusion of his herd mates. He'd already rolled in his stall (which required me to re-rinse him as his stall hadn't been picked yet... thanks buddy.) so he didn't roll. I'm not sure if he was feeling good, just cold or throwing a tantrum because he was cold and/or I didn't give him his cookie when I turned him loose. Probably all of the above.

Then I pulled out his sheet and popped it on him in the field. Bad idea. Not because of Gator; I slipped it right over his head (he even helped) but um... BO's younger geldings must not have seen many blankets/sheets before. Gator became the navy blue moving monster. And he didn't know it. I almost got trampled. My bad. I was a little worried b/c the belly straps were longer than I wanted, though I did get them clasped before the peanut gallery descended upon us. Gator was clueless why he was spooking. He had no idea HE was the booger, which was a bit funny. The pony was the first to figure out it was Gator and not care. Then I caught him, pulled him out of the field and tightened the straps to my liking then turned him back out. He looked content. I was too.

I'd spent 5 hours at the barn. Oops.

Anyways.... here's a pic of the cold wet Gator in the barn.


We're upping his hay and feed. I can see the faint hint of a rib and his winter coat his loooong. Wooly booger, he is. However, he looks good me thinks despite his funk. Whichs follows...


Erm... fuzzzy...




Upside down but the best shot I got. I clipped it yesterday, I wish I'd have done that sooner. Different vets recommend different things about clipping the area though. Not sure though if you can see the large pinkish area of unhappiness but it's pretty large. However, most of the pink area is where it's healed. We're rolling into week 3 of antibiotics and super sekret special cream which has made this look 1000x better. The swelling is pretty much gone though comes back now and again. He's sound though so I guess it's just going to require more persistence and time.

And, additionally, for your viewing, here's Autumn the first full day after she got home from surgery after a 4 hour drive that night:

Not a happy leg to say the least. Not a happy Boo. She was very put out I was taking her picture in this condition too.

These aren't very good but are her in her kennel last night. They show the fuzz coming back in. She's doing really great and has accepted kennel life as the norm. Wants to bounce like Tigger every now and again thought when out- tried to hop on the couch last night actually. So she's feelin' pretty fine! Just 5 more weeks of prison and healing. We've settled into it much better than I anticipated.

And, so goes the infirmary that is my bunch o' critters. :)

Long Time, No Post

Well, since my last post (which it almost pained me to look over) much has happened. It's been hectic to say the least but so it goes, I guess. Lily (in play) crushed Autumns right rear leg requiring a full plate and nine screws to put the Humpty-Boo back together again. Gator's small spot of scratches (dew poisoning, mud fever, whatever you call it) about the size of a nickel, on the back of his left pastern blew up into a full blown nastiness including a secondary bacterial infection during the week I was paying all my attention to Miss Autumn. The Funk-spot, in it's full glory, is about the size of... well almost his entire pastern and included a decent amount of swelling and lameness at the height of it's funkiness. It was a lovely SURPRISE when I got to the barn after taking care of Autumn all week.

Monday Autumn had her stitches out - aside from trying to bounce all over the vet clinic she was a good girl. She doesn't seem to want to be told she broke her leg merely 19 days ago; instead she's feelin' quite froggy. I stopped her pain meds early, didn't matter. She's TRYING to hold it together for us though and surprisingly has taken to inhabiting a crate 95% of her time better than I thought. I'll post some pictures when I get home of the day we got her home and I'll take some tonight for comparison. Her 'haircut' is blasphemous but, hey, ya' gotta do whatcha gotta do. She's less ashamed when she first got home, but she does have some fuzzies coming in thank Heaven. I am very content with her progress.

Now Gator not so much and I have no idea if it's unfounded or not. At full Funk, the swelling which had run half way up his cannon bone - as in the whole tendon on the back was one with his leg, no indention to define it but no heat. He was also lame and didn't want to bend his fetlock but felt he must bend it to keep it from you as it was mucho ouchy. It's much improved.

Now, when he comes in from turnout the medial side is normal looking from the front and the tendon is better defined. The outer part/distal side above his ankle is still swollen and I think his pastern is puffier than the other. However, he's quite the woolly booger and that leg has some... er... dappling? (That's not the term but he has a sock that transitions to bay with black and white speckles. I forget what that's called.) So it could be just a visual color trick of sorts and ruffled fuzzy from my messing with it. I don't think so but there's no heat, he seems sound when on the rare occasion he needs to prance in the field. After being in at night the inner side above his fetlock/ankle medial and distal sides are puffy but as I said with turnout, it goes down. The actual funk spots are looking better but not 100% yet.

The funk was strong with this one and had gotten a good deep hold, especially in that crease on the back of his pastern. I'm JUST seeing how deep that cracked skin was - AFTER 10 days of SMZ's (some people call it TMS whatevs) and a lovely topical concoction which is officially THE Poo. Every few days or so I give it a good scrub with Betadine Scrub to knock off scabbies/dead skin and assess. He no longer wants to kill me for this. This is NOT a horse that kicks at people, even just to say go away. I may need to extend those SMZ's to 14 days (*sigh*).

I guess I thought the swelling would have dissipated completely by now but no. Now, maybe he needs more work/movement - I know he's not cantering laps for fitness in his field. He's slowly meandering around looking for grass and maybe trotting/cantering a stride or two if say a deer happens to spook the group. Not much exercise. Thoughts? I'm going to pester my vet today because, well, I'm like that.

I know things take time to heal. No doubt time is quite the necessity in getting back to normal after a funk like he had. I may just be tired. Nay, I am tired. The infirmary that includes the majority of my critters for the past 2+ weeks is getting to me.

I'm feeling good about Autumn. I need to feel better about Gator, soon. I just do. I will scrub off his funk tonight and snap a pic for your viewing pleasure of the glory that is his Funk spot. Poor monkey. Had I realized I'd have made more of an effort to go see him the week Autumn was home... but alas there are so many hours in a day, ya' know?

P.S. He misses work. I had left my saddle at the barn and finally remembered Sunday to take it home. I walk past his pasture to get to my car. He followed me, nickering, all the way to my car. He never does that. He saw the saddle/bridle. It made me grin to myself, I must admit.

NOW... after this hiatus of riding... there's a 'nervous' creeping up on me. 1) The feeling 'What if me riding hurts him?' is there, again. 2) We didn't do much last time I rode. At all. Time before that he fell with me. That keeps seeeeeping in (damnit.). Not fear of riding, but um, to ride him. Because he fell. I know that's stupid but as I've done here before, admitting those things helps. I've seen him tear around the field just fine. So I keep telling myself #1 is my old silliness and he's not a fragile glass ornament, he's a horse. Same for #2 actually... but this is uneven terrain and new and... darn my over active brainium...

I hope to have a better outlook and some more fun tails to tell soon.

Two Year Anniversary in Asheville, NC

This one was at Chimney Rock Park. It was raining but we went hiking anyways because it rained the day before and the girls were not impressed with this 'vacation' we'd talked up so much. So we said who cares. We could see NOTHING of the views which are spectacular thanks to the heavy fog. Probably okay though, there were over 450 stairs to go up and down with the girls to get to the top of the Chimney Rock. No dogs in the elevator (except of the service variety). We did all the other trails the waterfall was the prettiest.

We took the Blue Ridge Parkway on our way out. The clouds had cleared... some. So we got a few good fall foliage shots these are just a couple. Two wabba heads are blocking the first one though.

These were taken on Grandfather Mountain. This was some serious hiking compared to the day before. Climbing up down and over large slick boulders is interesting with dogs on leashes. Their 'wait' command was so, so, so necessary. Lily led because Autumn was very spun up and does pull when excited. Lily was listening exceptionally well so she and I led. The top pic with Mike and the girls... the girls may look nervous. Well, they were. We're pretty sure there was a bear nearby but yes we snapped a picture because why not? Lily was really worried sniffing every leaf along the trail edge and Autumn just wanted to go 'get' something in that area. Mike thought he smelled something rather awful too. I didn't but I'd had a headache all week and decided we should listen to Lily. She's a good trail guide it turns out.

After we got to the very rocky end of the trail... we found out that trail was closed. Possibly because of the fog... or bears. At the beginning there was a sign that bear had been spotted that we hadn't taken too seriously. So, I'm just glad we didn't see any. We took another trail back to the lower parking lot it was a bit easier going. Also decided to forego the main attraction here too (the Mile High Bridge) as many, many people were up there and I figure the girls would have behaved but been nervous so high up on a bridge. The fog was blocking the view at that elevation still so... back down the very rocky trail we went.

This is just Autumn showing us all how a pillow should be fluffed. She the best pillow fluffer. Ever.

Her daddy was loading the car to go. She was content with staying. She parked herself there and wasn't all that interested in leaving. I think vaction was okay with the girls. Mike and I had fun too. It was really fun to take them along. I think they made us do more outdoorsey things which we both really enjoyed too, despite the less than cooperative weather.

Horse Song

(photo by Jamie Williams)

Ha... it seems singing is so common with equestrians or humming to calm yourself and your horse. I thought I'd discovered something unique to me when I started doing it... how he visibly relaxed and so did I. :) Then the more blogs I read the more I found out it's so common - especially those that ride alone. I think the wonderful Sally Swift even suggests it, says you have to breath if you're talking or singing to your horse... but don't quote me on that. I don't have the book with me. However, I did most definitely used to hold my breath.

I remember the first time, on a day I was especially nervous I sang ... he'd apparently not had someone sing from his back. His head came up, his ears went CRAZY... 'What, mom?' Not sure if it was cue he didn't know or what. And then he just settled after a bit. Now he cocks one ear back and relaxes.

I usually sing 'Rodeo Road'. Holly Williams sings it and it was on the Flicka soundtrack. Yes, I liked a song out of Flicka (the movie makes me mad though...) embarrassing, but I like the song. Sort of depressing song but very calming... at least to me.


'When I reach the end of Rodeo Road
Don't shed no tears for me
When I reach the end of Rodeo Road
Set my pony free.

From a stick horse
To a quarter horse
The saddle has been my home
I've always walked in leather boots
I've always rode alone.

When i reach the end of Rodeo Road
Don't shed no tears for me
When I reach the end of Rodeo Road
Set my pony free...'


To be honest, reading the lyrics they are depressing. I can be that way though so it sort of fits. I'm a pretty solitary person too. Also before I even rode, I always saw myself doing it. When I started riding I really did feel at home there. Some people retreat to others, I retreat within - you can do that with horses. They don't pester you. So... yeah, that's where I go now.

I sing a few other things too but mostly that song when I'm really nervous and nothing else comes to mind. I think he likes the 'free pony' part and maybe hearing I feel at home there, with him. He also, I assume prefers if I sing 'Arab horse' instead of 'Quarter horse'. Understandable really.

Anyways... in addition here's a cool website to check out. I love it. The pics and stories are amazing. I bet if you haven't seen it, most of you guys will love it too. Enjoy!

Where'd my Mojo go?

My drive to the barn was panicky. I keep fearing I'm going to show up to a three legged lame horse. I know it's stupid. I really do. I have mentioned though I have great fear over hurting him though right?

Anyways... I get to the barn, the vet is there doing shots on the last gaggle of new horses that had arrived to board there a week ago. I decide I better grab him quick in case he's off since the vet is already on site. I also grab another very horse experienced girl to get her opinion on his soundness. I don't *think* I see anything... but what I see I think I'm imagining or am I missing something... The swelling actually did look slightly better today.

I go to free lounge him in the round pen. I'd forgot to grab a whip. Guess who decided to only trot small evasive circles only as he pleased... but still very up. Grrr... She laughed and said no need to put him down just yet, of course kidding. She said ride. I know him well enough I'll feel a difference and I should go ride. I know she's right. I tack him up.

Take him to the ring. Everyone seems to have apparated at this point. Stretch and such as we walk two full laps both ways on the rail then I ask for a trot.

Off we went... several laps of the trot and stretching his back, his head is down (almost too far... durn peanut roller...) and I don't *think* I feel any irregularity in the gait. I try and count the beats and they seem rhythmic. Good. I ask for him to extend a little because he's being pokey and looky - two, three, four strides with more and more extension, and canter! Well then. It was also QUITE forward. Half halt, he really listened. I guess you don't feel too bad do ya' buddy? I let him canter a few laps - first time cantering in this saddle. I barely shifted weight into my seat to ask for the extended gait and got a canter... hmmm... Reversed. Cue for canter - no ears flattened no fuss, just departed. Saddle must feel pretty good to him. No slippage. No problems. Our downward transitions are smoother... way smoother. He rebalanced much faster and easier. Actually listened to light half halts and fell easily back into a trot. Interesting.

Now what about me? I'm not sure if I'm just not used to the deeper seat but it was the first time I thought should I have a tinge more room - though I felt VERY secure though. I *think* I'm just not used to the deeper seat yet.

I decide we should go for a short hack. We open the gate - he was a bit impatient but it's not allowed anymore and it only took three tries. He's starting to 'get' opening the gate. We do it my way or no way. We also shut the gate. That was new and he did very well.

He was more interested in going back to the barn than down the trail. He's always goofier in the evenings and it was quite cool and he hasn't been worked hard at all in... oh, over a week easily. I expected this.

Every third step he tries to turn back. Block. Tries to turn the other way. Block. If I blocked too hard he'd trot -but did come back down easily which was nice. But oh was he so worried! He's a faker. He wants his dinner. I start singing or talking to him, he relaxes and goes on. Something in the woods he *thinks* of starting at and doesn't. I realized I'm sort of tense - 'butt clenchy'. Talk, try and relax. Bam - something sets him off. I think he imagined it. I totally grab his face. Damnit. I haven't done that in forever ... he runs after I get in his mouth. Of course he does. Damnit.

And we're galloping. He's not too interested in stopping but we're in a big hay field on the path cut for riding so I know it wasn't unsafe so I don't slam him into a one rein stop either. I think I felt bad for grabbing his mouth when he jumped. He did slow and he did come to a complete stop though when I asked and actually stood. The BO had been cutting hay in the field and we'd come up on a parked rake that I could tell he didn't like but he'd stopped not too far from it and stood anyways. I pat his neck and try to make myself relax - I wasn't scared just my whole damn body was tense - especially my lower back. I think I was avoiding sitting deep... was I STILL worried about him being lame and me hurting him? Yup. Am I already this weak from not riding for a week?

We go past the BO's house, he's snorty at a trailer we've passed 100 times but not THAT side but he walks on happy to be going back to the barn.

I'm counting his foot falls down the soft road- is he off? I didn't want him to gallop that was probably too much. Yes, he's off... wait, no. Rhythmic. He's just tense. I was tense. I shouldn't have expected anything less.

I groomed him until the BO came to turn in. He was very lovey. I think he's trying to figure out why I keep babying him and why we aren't doing more.

Oh... I'm not sure his saddle had caused 'pressure points' as I had thought first ride. In the not great light of the barn, I think last time I was just seeing the pattern of wave in his lengthening coat. In fact, he didn't sweat much at all even galloping a bit last night so I doubt he was sweating much Saturday either. We only trotted a very little bit and did a easy 30 minute trail ride Saturday. I think the saddle is a definite keeper.

I need to settle the flip down. I am telling myself over and over why he's fine and how I know he's fine. I'm mad I rode like an idiot. I hate that I grabbed his mouth - I'd worked so hard to STOP doing that when he spooks. He goes no where if I stay out of his mouth. He doesn't spook much if I'm not tense. Two steps forward three back I guess... gotta get back out there to find my mojo, that's all. And reeeelax.

Sorta back in the saddle

EEEeeek. These aren't very flattering... I should have hoisted myself in two point prior to her snapping them to bring my leg back and then sat but didn't think of it. Was just trying to get my way too big t-shirt out of the way... which looks weird. Plus they were in a hurry to get home so I felt bad holding them up. Whatever. I'm sitting a LOT on my bum here ... but do you think this saddle looks like a reasonable fit for me? I feel good in it and get about 3 solid fingers from the cantel to muh bum though in this pic you may not believe it...

His hock is still swollen - I can't see lameness though. I might but I think I'm imagining what I do see. Went on a trail ride with 3 other horses yesterday (after the free lounging sound and the vet telling me to work him and nix the bute) - he was perfect. Well, except for eating everything he could reach. We were the tail, so I couldn't boot him forward without running him up the butt of the gelding in front of us so I kept tipping his nose to me and stealing his 'finds'. It was a 30 minute or so walk. After this pic today I pulled off the saddle, lounged him and rode him at walk bareback to see if I could feel anything 'off'. Not really. I would just feel SO much better if the swelling would just leave. Go. Be gone swelling on one of the most important joints of my horse... BE GONE. I don't have the heart to work him hard if there's inflammation in there and he is on turnout. So, sent him fluid dissipating wishes...

Golden Years

My trainer texted me this morning. She's visiting her parents. It was as a vacation but I think it's turned in to more than that. Her dad is in pretty rough shape. He has been and she knew that but she didn't realize it was so bad. He doesn't recognize her and I think he's becoming violent with her mom.

She said she may have to stay for awhile to get things settled and help her mom.

My heart aches for her.

I remember how gut wrenching it was to decide to put Grandma in a home. I remember though how hard it was at the end to properly care for her in her house and how very hard it was on my mother.

As the seasons change and with this news I can't help but think of the seasons of life. My Paw-paw always said his retirement was is second childhood. He'd always laugh when he'd say it and give me a wink, as Grandma would roll her eyes.

It was hard to get through his illnesses - kidney dialysis is not fun. I'm pretty sure he'd have just told them to stop and let him die if it weren't for us.

My grandmother slowly just lost her mobility to arthritis and her mind to dementia. I didn't always understand she wasn't herself when I was a teen. I remember once when she screamed at my mother at dinner. She started with how horrible my moms cooking was, nothing was right, and she growled that all her problems started when my mom was born. I had never been so angry at my grandmother than at that moment. How could she be so ungrateful? How could she not see how much my mom was sacrificing to care for her? The look on my mom's face ... I exploded. My mom stared at her food, fighting back tears in my grandmothers kitchen. I don't remember what my father did. I told my grandmother she'd never see me again if she spoke to my mother like that again. I didn't understand it wasn't her talking at that moment it was pretty early still in her dementia and I wasn't wholly accustomed to the bitter anger she had begun to display. I guess I did know she wasn't herself but it was too much to just take in that moment.

It was the only time I ever wasn't patient with her though. Non-stop repetitive questions - is soandso still alive? I was used to that. I'd answer. She'd cry. Then she'd start asking again and we'd do it all over. I didn't mind helping her with anything - even the more unpleasant stuff like going to the bathroom or baths. I almost remember fondly arguing with her over the fact she HAD had a bowel movement that week - she'd forgotten and would worry herself over it. Even with moments that would could smile about it or those that she'd remember again, it still took it's toll on us all.

Once she was in the home she was never mean. She just wanted to go home - but she wanted to go to her parents home we realized. It was good for mom not to have to do everything, though she still spent much of her time there. It was all very hard. No matter what we did and even still I miss her so much. Even the crazy version of her.

I wouldn't wish it on my enemies to have to care for a family member in that mental and physical state, yet it taught me so much.

I hate to hear my instructor may be MIA here for awhile but I know others I can do lessons with. However, to be honest that is the last thing I even thought of when she sent the text. I hate for her that her dad in such a shape. I think it's very much taken a toll on her mother, she just didn't know how much. She's a wonderful person who I know will do her best by her parents but my heart truly goes out to her. Those years may be golden but often there isn't much glitter to it... but that's life, I guess.

Sleepy eyes

I rolled into the barn driveway slowly. Everyone was turned in, it was well past sunset and very dark. No one around.

I hopped out of my car and walked to the barn entrance.

'Sorry, guys...' I said as I flicked the aisle light on. Squinty eyed heads popped out over their stall doors and looked at me. Some expectant, others obviously were disturbed from their rest. I approached Gators door. He was the squintiest and groggiest looking of them all! It was rather cute. He sleepily nuzzled me. I put on his halter and led him out to inspect his hock where he was kicked. The swelling was down from earlier in the day, still not too much heat and the one inch long cut was looking okay.

He was sleepy enough he didn't even try fighting or graze all that much for hosing. To be honest if someone woke me up and turned a hose on me I'd be pretty pissed. He's a good boy.

Needless to say, I didn't get to try out the saddle yet. He did get shod but now I'm nursing a swollen hock. Hoping it's just some bruising and the swelling will continue to subside. He's only slightly off on it if that so that's good and there's not too terrible much heat in it so the Bute is controlling the inflammation pretty well.

I'm pretty over nursing kick wounds to be quite frank. My stoic horse takes it all pretty well but I don't find it to be fair to him to continue to sort things out in a herd. Especially that keeps swelling with more horses. We shall see... and hopefully post another day sooner than later about our first ride in the new saddle. Though I'm very picky about him being 100% before I hop back on so it might be a bit. Send him healing thoughts and wish us luck...

The new saddle

That arrived to my house yesterday. 17.5" seat, Extra Wide Tree, Arabian Saddle Company Rubicon Demo and also prototype. It's in great shape. I was hesitant about the color but he looked stunning with it on. It also seemed, from the ground and without having sweat marks to be sure, to fit well. It's about half as light as my current saddle, which is AWESOME because I lug it back and forth to my house and the barn. Yeah, there's a tack 'room' at the barn - an old locked barn/shed. However, I'm rather, um, OCD about leather care and the humidity and temperature fluctuations in Southeastern Virginia is not to be trusted with leather. I'll look silly for a bit until I replace all my fittings with black but I don't care if it fits him and I in all other ways. I'm excited. He has a slightly loose shoe and his feet are due so I didn't ride him last night. My boys conformation isn't great in his front feet and when he's long I worry about injury and for trying this saddle out, I want him to be 100% comfortable. I don't want to blame his way of going on anything but the saddle - good or bad.

I'll take more pics this weekend - maybe with me ON him. That would be new. I don't think I have a single picture of me riding him. That needs to change. Have a great weekend everyone!

Oh... and I have a 17.5" Wide Arabian Saddle Company Elan in Havana Brown Buffalo Leather for sale if you're interested ;)

Realization

I had a great lesson yesterday. A good ride Saturday too. I need to take some durn pictures/video.

Anyways, that realization... so I got to thinking about Gator and our trail rides. I talked to his previous owner about it. I thought back to everything I'd ever been told about him. I remembered our first rides. I flipped through my memory. I realized no one ever told me he'd been trail ridden very MUCH, only that he really liked it. I remembered no one saying they had done more than a walk on the trail.


I realized I may have been expecting a lot from a horse who to be honest, was relatively green on the trails. Especially doing anything more than plodding along. I took his 'experience' for granted as being a 'been there done that' horse - but really that was only in the show ring. That's a WHOLE different world.

That's scary and encouraging all at the same time. He's been quite good when I think of things that way - especially since I was a very timid rider when I started out on him alone on the trails. He's done his best to take care of me when we were both unsure. I need to break things down for him so they're clear out there. I need to help him make the connection between what he knows in the ring and how to apply it on the trail. Apparently, alone we've done pretty well - without me even knowing we were doing something that was newish to him. Though I see some things that need work. In a group I'm shocked he was so good now. I bet that was THE first time he'd ever cantered on the trail with a rider and other horses. I feel pretty confident I can actually break it down and show him what I want with the right buddies. He just has to learn that the cues are the same and yeah, it's exciting but he needs to be just as responsive on the trail as in the ring, buddies or not. I know he can be, else things would have gone South long ago. And that's pretty cool.

Anyhow, after my lesson Sunday my instructor had a few things to say about us since our last lesson:

1) My lower leg was VERY solid.
2) My upper body position had improved drastically, she was very impressed with my progress there. I do still occasionally collapse my shoulders at the canter but it's getting better.
3) Similarly, when cantering I need to think LIGHT SEAT and keep my shoulders , but much improved.
4) The new saddle may fix several position issues - she can tell I'm always fighting to keep my legs back underneath me.

Now she also hopped on Gator after I did. Her main points/exclamations...

1) He does have my number with a few things. (Yeah, I knew that.)
2) 'Good Lord he's squirrely!' - he may have my number but if you don't catch him FAST he's already done what he shouldn't. (No news to me ... I'd never been on a horse SO 'quick' before him.)
3) She understood my position issues - he really throws you forward. (No kiddin'?) If he hollows out it's really pretty tough to keep your seat.
4) He really is incredibly sensitive.

She very much admitted he isn't as push button as he looks... but he's definitely a fun ride. It was really fun to see him ridden... boy he's cute.


Oh, the new wider saddle should be here Thursday. The Thinline pad must at least be making him FEEL better with the saddle on though it doesn't fix the pressure points. He was rounding up very nicely but then also over flexing like mad, even in the warm up on a loose rein. On occasion it was bit avoidance but mostly you could tell that is how he thinks he's expected/supposed to go and felt as though he could. My poor boy... he was surely Anky-fied in his previous days.

Also, my instructor suggested that perhaps draw reins would help with the stopping issue on the trail. I'm mulling it over. It would keep him from avoiding the bit. I don't like them though, but for a couple rides it wouldn't hurt. Except I'm not entirely comfortable using them - only have a time or two. On the trail it makes me a little nervous to use them... She also pointed out as extensively as they have been used on him he may simply try nothing as he KNOWS the limits with draw reins on. I dunno... maybe he just needs me to break things down a bit more step by step as I was saying before. I'm not really in a hurry, not that I think it will take long if I'm consistent. Thoughts?

One hot little Arab

Funny creatures are horses. Routines are very important. The norm is their preference. Herd animals prefering other horses to being alone.

However, what if riding with other horses, even in a familiar place, is not the norm? That was our ride yesterday. Additionally, it was in the evening when he's notoriously silly - I attribute it to deer and dinner time when we're alone. It was also cooler, slightly windy.

I finally caught up with a girl at the barn ~9 years my junior and senior in high school (I feel old after talking/riding with these girls... subject matter changes so much with age...) who I like and her Appy mare is a doll - we'll call the girl 'P'. Well, when I get there another girl who is ~10 years my junior, and junior in high school is there who owns a palomino Anglo-Arab gelding ,we'll call her 'A', who decides to join us.

Now, Gator and I always ride solo. We have not had a trail buddy for more than a lap around the hay field near the barn... ever. To be honest, despite enjoying it he hadn't been trailed that much before me and only a couple times with another horse.

'P' and her Appy, I noticed when we got to our barn, are quite sane and laid back. 'P' is pretty mature for her age. She sat with me the day waiting for the vet the day of the trailer incident. Her mare is pretty easy going, witha smidge of Appytude. They usually trail alone. She's an ex trail string horse and lower in the mare herd pecking order. I knew she and Gator would be a good pairing.

Now, 'A' is a sweetie but mature is not a word I would use to describe her. I just get a feeling from her gelding that he tolerates her - and well - but ... she really seems like a kid. He is an ex-schoolie and a pretty good boy. He's a bit higher in the gelding herd than Gator, but they got along decently well from the get-go.

Anyways, we warm up in the ring together - to let Gator and Appy mare 'meet'. They were pretty complacent besides some slightly pinned ears.

'P' was having trouble keeping her mare listening - as in she wasn't interested in trotting and wanted to canter instead. 'P' impressed me with her patience and how she handled it. Always brought her back to a walk, calmly and asked for the upward transition, back down if she didn't listen.

'A' blew around at a canter between conversations with us at a walk. Gator prefered to give everyone plenty of room, occasionally ducking in behind Appy mare.

This was all a great foreshadowing of the ride to come.

We hit the trail at a walk. Gator twice, cut off the gelding to get in the back of our little herd. Interesting. He's not a lead trail horse by choice. Good to know.

We all (though 'P' and I reluctantly agreed) to canter at one point. Gator overtook the gelding, when he, I suppose, decided that was a bad idea and veered off into the hay field. Got him slowed, back on track asked to canter. Dead ass hand gallop to catch up (which I sat deep to avoid... half halts ignored). Starting a fight which continued for, oh, most of the rest of the ride.

Twice 'A' cantered off after that without telling 'P' and I. Super. Thanks sweetie.

Appy mare was being rather strong too, though was much more quick to stop, though tossing her head and fighting a bit. This is while I'm fighting Gator to whoa, cursing at him a lot by then and sparking much frustration. Appy mare and 'P' parked until Appy mare was 100% settled. Standing was not Gator's game either once we managed to pull it together to get back to them, so we fought a bit over that too.

Who owns the dancey prancey Arab? That'd be me. All the while 'A' is chattering cluelessly.

A went back to the ring to jump after proclaming we'd been riding a whole hour. She'd never been on a horse for that long in one ride before! No kidding?

'P' and I went back down the dirt road at a walk again as both were still being a bit silly. Appy mare and Gator went along pretty well - a little jiggy on the way back to the barn when we first turned around but better. It was dinner time afterall. Of all things, they know that. It wasn't forgiven and Gator did listen much better with just Appy mare. He was also less reluctant to be in front of her.

The BO asked if we had a good ride. Immediately, 'P' and my eyes met down the barn aisle. I smiled and half heartedly said it was alright. 'A' chimed in and said she'd had SO much fun!

Of course she did. She also can't wait to go back out with us again sometime... *sigh*


My first reaction to the ride? God do I hate being in his mouth and I was yesterday. Hate, hate, hate it. But he has to stop when I tell him so, right? Ask, Tell, MAKE them listen. Though, whoa means whoa no matter the gait, no matter the monster. It can be life or death on the trail if he doesn't listen to me. Of course it wasn't last night but things happen. He HAS to listen to a whoa no matter the company. Though one in our group was obviously problematic - but that happens. Even if she shouldn't have cantered off without warning. Twice.

I think of him first. Always. I don't think anyone could deny that. This isn't a matter of me 'listening' to figure out what is bothering my poor sweet baby boy. This is him running through me, because he decides to. This is a respect issue. This is an attention issue.

We are going to work on those. A lot. In the ring. On the trail. Alone and with P. Tehre are many up and down transitions in our future.

Rating and breaks have been an issue that I think I've allowed him to exploit on the trail as I was pretty timid and scared when I started riding him. This is the reason his old owner would say he's not a kids horse. He can get strong, even in the ring, though not quite like this. Some days when I just want him worked I am a bit complacent when he wants to go, instead of making him listen and rate, I let him go even if I'd be happier at a less excuberant trot. I'm not anymore. I need to always be clear and mean it. Boundaries.

Now... what to do when 'A' asks to go for a ride again...


(I also figured out last night he's getting about twice the amount of grain what I want him to... Might have something to do with his a-go-go attitude of late. Told the BO this a.m. to half that grain. NOW. No wonder his weight loss had tapered off... dude, he can live on air!)

I never knew...

I was driving to the barn the other night. A radio show was on and interviewing a man. He was discussing child trafficking - in the United States.

What? That doesn't happen here, I thought to myself. I've never been more wrong and more angry. He rattled off some statistics (which I only vaguely remember correctly so) regarding the fact that usually within something like 24hours of a little girl going missing by abduction she's is shunted into the underground sex trade. Runaways are likely propositioned and lured into the grasp of someone within 48hours. People actually position themselves outside of high schools to recruit young girls - with offers of lucrative careers.

I was appalled. He mentioned a website http://www.sctnow.org/. They fight against this heinous underworld everyday.

Here is some info and stats I got from their website:

Child Trafficking: the recruitment, smuggling, transporting, harboring, buying or selling of a child through force, threats, fraud, deception, or coercion for the purposes of exploitation, prostitution, pornography, migrant work, sweat shops, domestic servitude, forced labor, bondage, peonage or involuntary servitude.

'600,000 – 800,000 people are bought and sold across international borders each year; 50% are children, most are female. The majority of these victims are forced into the commercial sex trade. '– U.S. Department of State, 2004, Trafficking in Persons Report, Washington, D.C.

'An estimated 14,500 to 17,500 foreign nationals are trafficked into the United States each year. The number of U.S. citizens trafficked within the country is even higher, with an estimated 200,000 American children at risk for trafficking into the sex industry. – U.S Department of Justice Report to Congress from Attorney General John Ashcroft on U.S. Government Efforts to Combat Trafficking in Persons

'There are open sex slavery cases in all 50 States. An estimated 10,000 sex slaves exist in New York City.' – Red Light Children Campaign

'An estimated 2.5 million children, the majority of them girls, are sexually exploited in the multibillion dollar commercial sex industry.' – UNICEF

Think about those stats for a minute. Then go hug your daughters. Then go check out the website and spread the word.

I had NEVER heard of this - except maybe as something that happened overseas in other countries which made it seem so far away. I was dead wrong. I'm guessing most of you hadn't known about this either. Visit the website and tell someone else about it. Heck make a viral e-mail.

To protect our own children and other innocents who don't have anyone to protect them, we all need to know about and combat this issue. What's more is we have to encourage our legislators to crack down on people who are paying to 'use' these 'services'. It's someones baby they're 'using' and that breaks my heart.

A lot of 'horse people' these days are worrying a great deal about where our forgotten 'unwanted' horses or other pets end up. I know I do anyways. This very human issue smacked me across the face though. As long as we can do this to ourselves, especially our innocent children, what chance do our animals have at being treated with dignity?

The Greatest Guy

Smiling through the pain...

That's me and my wonderful husband on our honeymoon in Aruba. He hasn't been on a horse since and that's my fault. He puts up with my constant blather about Gator and horses and still agreed when the opportunity arose that I could make Gator my own. Even after this ride. Not being a 'horse person' he's been amazingly tolerant of my expensive and time consuming habit. He's the best... now here's the story of our ride in Aruba.

I chose The Beach Ride from the book and told the clerk at our hotel. I didn't think much about it or even look at how long it was. I wanted to ride on the beach. Period. The end.

The day we'd chosen to ride came and we waited out front of our hotel. I had been certain we both packed jeans and 'real' shoes of some sort, which we were sporting. A little 'bus' showed up and we crawled in. We were the second hotel they stopped at to pick up the riders. As the bus filled and we drove around the island we talked about the scenery and such. I was stoked - I was going to ride on the beach. I had dreamed of cantering through the surf... okay a bit too 'romantical' but whatever.

We arrived at the 'ranch' and I looked around. I craned my neck to see where the horses lived and figure out what the hell they fed them - there wasn't a blade of grass hardly on the whole island. We all sat in the bar area and listened to a lecture on the 'basics of riding'. Oh my. They told you how to mount and to keep your heels down. That was pretty much it. Oh boy. Then they told us the groups - The Beach ride group (us) and The Waterfall or something group...

Everyone else. Uh oh. I quickly glanced at the brochure... I had chosen a THREE HOUR trail ride. The other was three hours, but not of riding ONLY - the ride was only 45 minutes to an hour for the other. My poor new husband was going to anull the marriage after a 3+ hour ride. I offered to switch rides but being a tough guy he said he could do it.

Then they asked who had ridden before. I had been warned to not admit I had... but they knew. The fact I kept looking at the horses I think, was giving my husband pointers etc. probably gave it away.

They led us to our horses. Most were pretty skinny, their feet a bit long the tack less than appealing but overall they were in decent health it appeared.

They put Mike on 'Champagne' first- I tried to help him but was being shuttled to my horse - 'Tazmania' who was prancing in place, head high, biting his neighbor. I noticed he had the fleshiest butt of the whole lot of horses. Awesome. I hop on and glance at the scary bit. A homemade kimberwick of sorts. Super.

They take the horse next to me away. Taz nearly pulled the post over. Literally, the whole fence shook. A guide ran over to try and settle him. Apparently Taz's very best friend was going to be in the other group. I gulped and tried to settle this horse rather unsuccessfully.

We met our guide, as another led a jigging Taz over to Champagne who didn't move when she was untied. As soon as the guide let go of Taz we headed down the paved road at some version of a fast gaited trot - I know nothing of gaited horses mind you. All I know is comfortable, it wasn't. The asphalt couldn't have been helpful either. Her buddy was in the other group, leaving ahead of us. I sit deep. Nothing. I pull back, not even very hard and the guide yells at me, almost panicked not to do that as Taz went into a head shaking fit. Um... so... I just go along with this then? No. He's a head shaking, pulling monster and I'm not allowed to touch his face? I hadn't even pulled back hard!

We were with the other group for the first 15 minutes of the ride. My horse trying to maneuver her way to her friend in the crowd - the guide trotting up and grabbing her bridle/halter to stop her and keep us in the back of the group. Mike's horse straggling along behind. I'm trying to explain to him how to ride probably annoying him to death... all the while my horse jigs while though guy now is practically just ponying us.

The time came to branch off which I was dreading - this horse was going to lose it. The guide had let go again. Of course Taz tried to head off with the other group. I blocked with my leg and opposite rein. He threw and shook his head and pulled like a fool BUT sort of listened with much head shaking, jigging in protest.

Champagne was lagging and to help Mike I decide to ride behind him. I could tell him what to do that way and it was helpful to have a horse behind his for motivation. Except Taz was not okay with being last. In fact second wasn't really Taz's choice either though he'd tolerate it. I was fighting him the entire time to stay behind when I finally just let him pass Mike as we passed housing with dogs running out barking at us. I think my horse would have gladly stomped a dog but he picked up the pace instead with little intention of listening to me. Great.

So now the guide is far far ahead down the road - I mean far. I'm still not sure what he was doing; he had to realize we were very far behind him. He might have been on his cell phone. I was struggling to slow Taz down to stay with Mike and his horse just had no motivation to move forward at our pace. As we were heading down a hill, still on the road mind you, I hear Mike yelling 'Whoa!'. My heart sinks as I look back.

Champagne has seen something in the bushes next two a house that she was not a fan of. She was bunny hopping in the front and refusing to move forward, only up. My horse REFUSES to turn around. I watch helplessly, fighting with Taz to turn and head back as Champagne rears. Yes. My non-riding husbands horse just reared on as asphalt road and of course he's bareheaded. I SCREAM for the guide.

He turns, looks and comes at a dead run back to us. Taz decides then it's okay to turn around and head back. The guide and I arrive at the same time and he grabs Champagnes bridle/halter and she calmed down. I explain to the guide, who did not speak English well, that someone had to stay behind Champagne. My horse would not without a fight so if he told me where to turn when we needed to turn, I was fine (and Taz was happier) leading. This actually worked very well while it lasted.

We were on a dirt road by then and Taz had finally stopped jigging. We started actually enjoying ourselves a little and Mike had a light bulb moment about what I meant by 'heels down'. Then we see the rocky mountain ahead. I had a gut twinge when I realized we'd be climbing it, helmet-less. I am a safety geek. About that time the guide also went back to the front of our little herd. I tried to keep Taz behind Champagne but it was futile - especially once the terrain got rough. Taz nearly pushed Champagne off a boulder to get in front of her. Beyond that they picked their way along up and down the path of the rocky mountainside - it was pretty cool when my horse wasn't shoving Mikes around.

Then we took a break after about an hour and a half. I think Mike was ready to kill me but he was a good sport. We took pictures of the rocky cliffs and the ocean. Mike of course was full of questions and asked why I was sort of out of the saddle going up the hills and I explained two point and how to sit a bit deeper heading down hills and why. I had tried to tell him when we were doing it but Taz didn't make it very easy.

It was time to remount and the guide held my horse first. I hopped on had both feet in the stirrups and he moved on to Mike and Champagne. Taz was ready to leave. I halted him MUCH to his dismay. Then, he decided since I wasn't allowing forward he'd try and flip me over his head and boy did he try. He yanked once and then set his feet, rocked back and YANKED HARD. Thing was, he didn't expect when I had realized what he was going to do and set myself against him and just didn't give an inch. I felt bad - I knew he had a pretty awful bit in but I let him do it to himself. Funny, but he didn't give me even a head shake again after that really. I did check his mouth after the ride and he wasn't hurt. I wanted to check at the time, but didn't feel like it was safe with all the boulders and the jigging horse to dismount. I was glad though I finally had his attention.

We all headed back down the mountain and to the beach. My heart sank. The whole reason I chose the ride was so I could canter on the beach. Mike was not going to be able to canter and I knew if I did there was a good chance his horse might take off the canter too and I wasn't sure he could handle it. Even falling off in the sand wasn't something I wanted - I felt bad enough. He kept urging me but instead we just waded them in the water a bit and headed on on the hills over looking the cliffs and ocean. It wasn't a very long beach anyways...

Mike started trying two point going up the hills. Champange liked that. She liked it a lot. In fact, she liked it so much that she refused to walk forward UNLESS Mike was in two point. Perfect. Seriously, he rode the rest of the ride in two point to keep some forward on his pitiful horse. The guide at least, so I think, took us on a shortcut back to the ranch thanks to Mike and Champagne. Surely though, my new husband was going to divorce me.

Once he was very far behind we were coming down a semi-steep incline on a dirt road and the guide whistled. This was a signal for the string horses to catch up. Catch up Champange did - she broke into a canter downhill with my horse novice husband in two point. I about fell off Taz as they blew by us - Taz was yielding to even just a half halt by then and being a very good boy as far as listening though I let him go as Champagne blasted past.

We rode past a donkey conservation of sorts - there were so many cute little donkeys running wild. Though, I think I was too worried about Mike and he was simply in too much pain to enjoy the last leg of the ride. Boy did he look miserable...

Despite covering much more terrain, but thanks to the shortcut we arrived back at the ranch 20 or so minutes before the other group. Mike was already sore. He declared he'd never ride again seriously, but at least with a laugh. I felt awful and got him a drink.

The other group had been swimming and lounging for an hour and half before they got back on their horses so... they came back in a more jovial mood than my poor husband and I. That made me feel worse. He was sore for pretty much the rest of the honeymoon. I also found out later that um, it's best for guys to not wear boxers when riding but tight-whities, he'd have appreciated that but I didn't know. Oops.

Luckily it all became a joke - in fact he brags about staying on which he did despite ol' Champagne cantering down a hill and rearing.

After some time he's retracted his claim he'll never ride again. Occasionally claiming, jokingly, he's going to go hop on Gator and ride off into the sunset. He didn't divorce me and he didn't make me swear horses off. A 'good sport' when it comes to horses is an understatement as it pertains to my husband. We'll never forget that ride, that's for sure. He also very much earned the title of The Greatest Guy. Ever.

Luckily for me, he really enjoyed snorkeling the next day of the honeymoon... that might actually be what saved the marriage...

Renegade Off-road

Successes this weekend -

~ Lateral movements and opening the gate without him RUSHING and pushing through it!
~ Flying lead change :) Only got one really clean one but that's a start.
~ The realization of how desperately I needed a shorter girth. Saddle slippage improved drastically (duh.).

Saturday's Adventure ~
Anyone reading this knows I've had some issues with my horse being nervous on the trails, mostly due to my nerves and especially in the woods. We've come a long way in more ways than one. Saturday confirmed that in leaps and bounds.

That morning I had picked 15/16 stalls (two of which are 12x24) and two massive run in sheds, water buckets (~32) and all that comes with cleaning up the barn for 15-20 horses. I was a wee bit tired, my lower back was tight and it was 90 degrees with high humidity. After doing Gator's stall and cleaning his waterer, I was soaked with sweat again. I decided we weren't going to work hard. However, I had (FINALLY) received his smaller girth and wanted to see how much difference it would make. I decided on a trail ride - walking only. We hadn't done that in a long while, I didn't have more than that in me and I was sure he'd enjoy it. I tacked him up and let him pick his path.

He chose a direction out of our normal - down the driveway and along the road. Despite the cars whizzing by the only thing he even ogled was a pine tree that was apparently untrustworthy. The BO's daughter is building a house on that side of the property and there is a driveway in to the site. Gator decided he wanted to go down there and then back to check out where they had dug utilities in through the upper hay field. We'd never been all the way up there. As we headed back toward the horse fields, the mares went crazy over something. I think, for good measure, he decided to spook - he did a 360, pretty much in place but didn't go anywhere. I told him the mares were just crazy and he should stop it. He did. Good thing for the new girth though! On we went past the BO's house and onto the logging path.

So, pretty uneventful so far right? Yup. I'm pretty pleased and singing out loud like an idiot - relaxed and happy as we ease along down the path on a loose rein. The deer flies weren't even too bad.

We come to a very large tree mostly blocking the path fallen in one of the last few big storms, I hadn't thought of downed trees. It was high enough we could only just duck under on one side. I hoped it wasn't loose but pushed him forward. He ducked, I duck off to one side; we don't even touch it. I was proud of our successful obstacle navigation. If I only knew.

Shortly thereafter, Gator stops to listen. I had assumed to the deer I heard running far up ahead. Gator wasn't phased, just listening, so I thought.

In retrospect I believe he was actually predominantly using another sense. His sniffer.

He started again, but with a purpose. You know when a horse OBVIOUSLY has something cooked up between those perky ears? Yeah. That sort of purposeful walk. A few strides in he swings his head in the direction I had heard the deer running, ears perked but relaxed. He was looking up into the woods over a 5 foot vertical embankment to our right. I didn't think much of it at all. He was just looking right?

Not so much. Suddenly, we were cresting it! As he heaves one last stride we top it we're in the thick of the woods and he's just walking on, ears still perked still relaxed as ever. I didn't even have time to react.

I was in shock. What the...? These are pretty thick, no actually, REALLY thick woods. We've had some good storms lately - trees are fallen all around us. So we have lots of thick trees, mixed with many fallen crisscrossed trees, plus saplings and holly bushes interspersed.

My brain kicks in and I curse him for his 'idea' in complete disbelief we're in the midst of these very dense woods with only more in sight. I knew I had better keep my wits about me and stay calm since I knew we were both complete novices when it came to navigating thick brush.

He scraped between a narrow opening between two trees and my left toe catches and I lose my stirrup as I'm still shaking off the shock. Uh oh. As I scrambled to pick it up he continued picking his way through and - he worked us farther in and off path. Shortly after I pick up the stirrup, he stops, then flat foot jumps a log. Awesome. I curse him again but can't help but sort of chuckle, and just concentrate on directing him as best I can. At some point he ducks down under a large fallen tree where I thought he'd just stop, and I have no choice but to hang off the side of him. Thank GOD for the new girth. He crushed through small fallen trees and pushes past saplings. He hung up a couple times on bent green saplings but carefully worked himself loose and on we'd go. Then we found ourselves in essentially a chute - trees on all sides, with two fallen crisscrossed in front. I back him out of that and turn another way to another dead end. We back up again and try door three. We're finally navigating back toward the path. He continued to crush small trees with his legs and chest, skirting around larger trees - but responding to me very intently. Slow down a smidgen, stop, back, turn, side step this way turn your head a little, to the left, now turn sharp right... We both remained oddly calm. Several times I directed us into tough spots but we had to work together to get out he tried everything I asked of him. He was impressively surefooted through all of this too, despite a couple understandable stumbles. He has been known to trip at a walk in a freshly groomed arena, after all.

We finally (it probably only took 5-10 minutes but seemed like an eternity) make it back to the path at a point where we were up on a roughly 2 foot embankment. He hesitated but scooted down it and tried turning back the opposite direction we'd come up the path. Um, no, butt-head. You aren't choosing where we go anymore today!

I couldn't help but burst into laughter once we were safely back on the path. I could NOT believe him! Seriously? Had that just happened? Finally after another minute or two of continuing on, ahead I saw the 'issue' of which I believe was his concern.

Mud. The normal 'mud stretch' at the lowest point on the trail was HUGE compared to normal due to tons of recent rain . He must have devised a plan to tromp through the woods to avoid the mud that wasn't even within sight yet; he had only smelled it. Is that even possible? Do horses have that much forethought? I think it has to be what he was doing, though I guess it's a possibility he also has a sick sense of humor.

He went through the mud with no hesitation, just a forlorn look down. This caused me to burst into laughter at the irony.

Shortly thereafter, we come to a fallen sapling ~2 inches in diameter stretching bank to bank across the path ~2-3 foot high . I figure, he'll step over it. Nah, he crushes through it. I about fall off of him laughing again and decide I'll never jump him. Ever after that display of through the obstacle instead of over.

We head up the hill and out of the woods, I'm STILL laughing my ASS off at him. In the open fields, I lean over one, then the other shoulder to see if he's scraped or cut. Nope. He didn't act or travel remotely injured either. I keep laughing all the way home. He wasn't even dinged. Actually, neither was I except for the tiniest scratch on my tummy from a limb.

I started compiling all the ways it could have gone poorly as we walked calmly along the big hay field. What if a green sapling didn't break or he got more tangled than he could handle getting lose from. What if he freaked when tangled. Or he stepped in a hole. Or he stepped in/on a bees nest. OR we spooked up a deer. OR he freaked at the very narrow enclosed areas. Or he scraped me off. Why hadn't I thought to dismount? I had to stop.

I was still smiling for some reason.

We had worked together to get out of that mess. Really well. We were perfectly calm. I had trusted where he put his feet, he trusted where I pointed him. We were walking back to the barn in one piece. I chalked it up to a good experience actually and reminded myself to pay a bit more attention in the future when I can tell he has an idea.

Living up to his name RS Renegade? I think so.

Pictures for the Saddle Fitter

Is my saddle tree too narrow? I'm hoping Kitt from Trumbull Mountain Saddlery can help me out via the intertubes!

Interesting Articles

Body Cues

Heart Rate (you may or may not be able to access this entire article)

It never ceases to amaze me that people don't realize these things. It somewhat perplexes me that we need to do research to confirm them. Then again I guess some people need concrete proof. I personally do appreciate the heart rate study though. I have worked hard on my nerves in the saddle. As in pretending they're not bothering me but typically if I was very worried, no matter if I concentrated on my body staying relaxed, though it helped, my boy was still on edge. Guess he was paying attention to my heart beat. They know that doesn't lie and horses, if nothing else, are honest. That is at least in my experience. I still don't know how I've slowed my heart rate, but that tigthening in my chest is long gone these days. I am able to laugh when he side jumps at a bird; he jumps, splays, I laugh and tell him he's silly, he walks on. It didn't used to go that way. Anyways, I found those two very interesting and thought someone else might too.

As GoLightly and FernValley suggested, I stretched my boy today as I mentioned in my previous post after tightening his girth. I think he appreciated it very much. He actually seemed to walk and trot more freely, sooner... maybe his long warm ups were partly working the girth so it wasn't pinching the skin behind his elbows. Pulled out the D level Pony Club Manual I bought when I started with my second instructor. I guess I didn't read that part carefully. Good stuff in that manual. I guess no one thought about telling me about it in my lessons before either. Same with tenting my saddle pad... Ah well, I'll just keep learning and trying to be better for my boy. Afterall, they say he is watching and listening...

Cuteness per Gator

Last night I was grooming my boy. No one around. My favorite time with him. He fell asleep while I braided his forelock with his head just at the perfect height for me to reach. He's a good boy that way. Well, I finished up, stepped back and looked at him. For some reason I thought of stretching out his front legs. I never have before but I thought, you know, he might enjoy it.

I reached down and picked up his left front leg behind the knee. He lifted it for me easily, seemed unsure though of what I was doing but as always was willing. I looped my hands around his knee and brought it up and forward to my tummy and just set my weight on my heels for 15 seconds or so to slowly stretch his shoulder. His eyebrow went up and then relaxed as if to say 'Oooh! That's niiice...'

I set it down. Tapped his right knee so he'd shift his weight and he easily lifted. This time he almost shut his eyes blissfully as I leaned back.

After I set down his right foot, he stuck out his left foot and I swear he batted his eye lashes at me. I guess he did enjoy it. Maybe it was a routine he'd gone through before and missed. I know we worked pretty hard this weekend so he very likely was muscle sore. We'll be sure to do it from now on.

We did this twice more per leg. By the end I had his knee almost to my chest just lightly setting my weight against his muscles and he seemed to really like it. He looked disappointed when I didn't go back for the opposite leg again. However, at some point we had to get that saddle on...

We had a great ride, worked on same things as our last lessons after a warm up of trotting the perimeter of our loop. He was more responsive on the trail and in the ring. I still wasn't perfect and I think I need to work on canter departs - don't rush him!

I'm still playing with stirrup length (though now they're at least even!) and working on simple changes.

I'm not sure if I'm not sitting his saddle forward enough which caused it OR he needs a wider tree... I had dry spots just behind and on both sides of his withers on his back Sunday; maybe yesterday? To think his previous saddle (same style and brand) was a size smaller than mine ... I did check for soreness after yesterdays ride. He bent away from sharp pressure as he should and didn't show signs of pain when the spots were massaged deep. I'll be mindful of it though. And he'll have today off.

Though I may go stretch him out, just for fun.