Writing Rut? Um, yes. That "30 Day Challenge" thing I tried was a huge bust, lolz. Even with my pathetic bending of the rules I think I got to the fourth question or something. Blah. It's hard to write about my pony when so much else is going on job and family wise-both of which, by the way, are up in the air. Grandma is still in hospice, and (not to equate these things) I still don't know if I'll be working past October 1st.
Still, I want to write about Miles, because even with our challenges he is the "happy place" my brain goes to when I need to think of something good, something to look forward to.
First, a HUGE shout out to Aimee and Izzy - they were kind enough to ship us an Amigo Bug Rug that rubbed Izzy's shoulders but fits Miles like a very big, very covering, pretty light blue glove, sans rubbing. Combining this with going into a stall at night was exactly what he needed. He's getting much needed rest, along with extra calories, and is putting on weight again. I have to get a picture of him in his gear though-I never thought I'd own a horse I had to cover from head to hoof in the summer, but I totally get it now.
The mosquitoes seem to ebb and flow. Are you sick of hearing about them? Me too. I'm even sicker of being a prisoner to them. Sunday they finally ebbed, thanks to a super brisk breeze. It's a good thing because I was PISSED OFF-the day before was the very first time I had tacked Miles up, walked up to the arena, and turned right back around to the barn. Those little bastards were flying in my mouth, in my ears, to say nothing of what they were doing to my horse. It's been awhile since I've seen or felt Miles ready to explode, but he sure was. Poor boy.
ANYWAY, Sunday. I took the golden dogs out, and we had a short ride around the grounds and briefly down the trails. Ohhhh, it was lovely. There were a couple other riders milling about around the barn, and the dogs had a blast with everyone, though they aren't getting any younger. They were already pooped by the time I mounted so I didn't want to exhaust them by making them keep up with us on a mile long trail ride. When I did point Miles down his favorite trail though, the one that goes up a hill diagonally through a field, he started double timing it and wanted to break into a trot (and I'm sure a canter) so badly. I held him back and talked to him, and after he tossed his head and squealed he relented, begrudgingly. Y'all, he didn't want to turn back home - you know, where all the other horses were hanging out. I love this horse so much. I can't wait to canter him up that hill someday soon.
He can be a challenge to keep healthy and happy, for sure. I wish he wasn't soooo sensitive, for his own sake. I thought we were over the whole "hard keeper" issue until the mosquito invasion. At the same time, his issues are a nice distraction from everything else going on. It's horrible to admit; I like being able to focus on fixing something I have some control over, you know? However, between the fly sheet and stalling at night (not to mention, once again, the Durasole which has totally fixed his ouch-y feet. I can't recommend that stuff enough!!) I'm figuring things out slowly but surely.
Our ride before Sunday I actually popped Miles over a crossrail a couple times before we were chased out of the arena by insects (see a pattern?). It's no big deal to him at all anymore, which tells me maybe we can start working on lines and eventually cantering a course of three jumps or so. I have no desire to increase the heights of the jumps over 2 feet. My boy raced long and hard until he was 7 years old, and his joints have paid their dues. Besides, there's a lot of fun to be had with small jumps in the right configuration.
Finally, because SmartPak is awesome, their supplements in "SmartPaks" (individual containers) over $40 a month ship for free, and ANY order over $75 has free shipping as well-NO exclusions. I'm not a huge fan of any one company, with the exception of SmartPak. Everything, from their customer service to the quality of their products is far superior to anyone else in my (totally un-solicited, un-sponsored, unfortunately) opinion, horse-related or not. So, this free shipping business has given me the excuse to spend just a little more on Miles' supplements and put him on SmartFlex Senior Pellets. It's got the same (or more) levels of MSM and Glucosamine I've been giving him, with the addition of Vitamin C, Devil's Claw and Boswellia, not to mention pro and pre-biotics and another free-radical "scavenger" they call it. The very best part is it's pelleted, and he won't be losing half of it through his feed bag or having it left at the bottom of his feed pail. The reason I went with this particular supplement, even though Miles isn't technically "senior", is that I think his joints probably are:) It's also the highest rated supplement they have within a price range I can afford. My boy isn't "unsound" now, but it will be interesting to see if, for instance, it takes him a little less time to warm up, especially with winter coming. I'll keep you posted! More riveting reading about insects and supplements to come, no worries:)
Showing posts with label family. Show all posts
Showing posts with label family. Show all posts
Monday, August 29, 2011
Sunday, August 21, 2011
The Good, The Bad, The Itchy
First, the good...I got in 3 rides since Tuesday! I know, nothing earth shattering for most people, but with everything going on (and yes, the mosquitoes are still trying to eat my horse alive-that's The Itchy) it's kind of a big deal. We also are fortunate enough to be able to stall-board Miles through the end of August, and I may continue through September just to make sure he's able to bulk up before the cold weather. I swear, Miles loses weight the way gas prices go up. He must have lost 50 pounds in just over a week, but he'll never put it back on that fast. Ah, well. He's still outside and able to graze and hang out with his buds for 12 hours a day, and he's never been the type of horse to mind going in a stall at night-especially right now, he down right welcomes it. I'll totally admit that I love "tucking" him in at night too, leaving him in a clean, bedded stall with a heap of hay in front of him. The other day I put him in his stall and loved on his big ol' thoroughbred head before I left, and I swear his eyes said "thank you".
As a result, he's soooo much more alert when I'm working with him. He really wasn't resting at all at night when he was outside, that's for sure. Our ride was super short this morning because I had to be somewhere, not to mention the mosquitoes were feasting on both of us, but I didn't care about any of that. Why? Because, he was finally FORWARD, and never took a wrong step despite horrid arena conditions, and I rode him without his hoof boots for the first time in a couple of weeks. I would like to thank our new BFF Durasole.
Hell yes it does!
I've only treated Miles' hooves 3 times, but already he's walking over gravel like it ain't no thang. I trotted him all over the arena (water logged in some places, hard and rocky in others), and then trotted him outside on the grass today and he was totally comfortable. I'm sooooo happy-rarely does a product actually live up to its promise, especially when it comes to sore pony hooves. If this hadn't worked (or, if this is some kind of fluke and he gets sore again), we were going to put shoes on his front feet. It's not what I want, but he was quite sore from our wildly inconsistent arena conditions, exacerbated because he was stomping so much due to the bugs, it wouldn't be fair to keep him barefoot just because I want him to be barefoot. So, fingers crossed the good times and free movement continue! At 12 bucks a bottle (where a little goes a loooong way) it's kind of a no-brainer. Two thumbs and four hooves way up!
Now, the bad. We didn't show on Thursday. I admit, I wasn't super excited to parade my ribby OTTB around in front of everyone (cute as he still is), and again, do I have to mention the bugs? The other major reason we didn't show-My grandma has had a stroke. It's...bad.
She is currently in hospice (my god, this is all happening so fast) and seems comfortable. The doctor has said she has days left. She is very tired and has trouble talking, but she knows what's happening-thankfully, she is not scared, upset or confused. Still, of course it's a very sad, strange time for my family.
She's such a wonderful woman, and I have so many lovely memories of her when I was a kid. This was a woman who, in her 70's, flew her 11 year old granddaughter out to a dude-ranch in Pueblo, Colorado, and we rode horses together in the mountains. At my wedding 7 years ago, she got on the dance floor and got down with the best of them. She's a grand dame. I wish her a peaceful passage and transition into whatever lies ahead. Love you, grandma.
Taken the last day I saw her before her stroke, on her 91st birthday in June. We had a great day. She's a beautiful woman, and always has been.
As a result, he's soooo much more alert when I'm working with him. He really wasn't resting at all at night when he was outside, that's for sure. Our ride was super short this morning because I had to be somewhere, not to mention the mosquitoes were feasting on both of us, but I didn't care about any of that. Why? Because, he was finally FORWARD, and never took a wrong step despite horrid arena conditions, and I rode him without his hoof boots for the first time in a couple of weeks. I would like to thank our new BFF Durasole.
Hell yes it does!
I've only treated Miles' hooves 3 times, but already he's walking over gravel like it ain't no thang. I trotted him all over the arena (water logged in some places, hard and rocky in others), and then trotted him outside on the grass today and he was totally comfortable. I'm sooooo happy-rarely does a product actually live up to its promise, especially when it comes to sore pony hooves. If this hadn't worked (or, if this is some kind of fluke and he gets sore again), we were going to put shoes on his front feet. It's not what I want, but he was quite sore from our wildly inconsistent arena conditions, exacerbated because he was stomping so much due to the bugs, it wouldn't be fair to keep him barefoot just because I want him to be barefoot. So, fingers crossed the good times and free movement continue! At 12 bucks a bottle (where a little goes a loooong way) it's kind of a no-brainer. Two thumbs and four hooves way up!
...................................................
Now, the bad. We didn't show on Thursday. I admit, I wasn't super excited to parade my ribby OTTB around in front of everyone (cute as he still is), and again, do I have to mention the bugs? The other major reason we didn't show-My grandma has had a stroke. It's...bad.
She is currently in hospice (my god, this is all happening so fast) and seems comfortable. The doctor has said she has days left. She is very tired and has trouble talking, but she knows what's happening-thankfully, she is not scared, upset or confused. Still, of course it's a very sad, strange time for my family.
She's such a wonderful woman, and I have so many lovely memories of her when I was a kid. This was a woman who, in her 70's, flew her 11 year old granddaughter out to a dude-ranch in Pueblo, Colorado, and we rode horses together in the mountains. At my wedding 7 years ago, she got on the dance floor and got down with the best of them. She's a grand dame. I wish her a peaceful passage and transition into whatever lies ahead. Love you, grandma.
Taken the last day I saw her before her stroke, on her 91st birthday in June. We had a great day. She's a beautiful woman, and always has been.
Friday, May 27, 2011
Untitled
Not a great week around these parts.
Before the awfulness though, some pictures from our few days in the UP late last week.
Anyway, yesterday after I heard the news and talked to Kyle, I took the day off of work and found myself driving to the barn through tears. If I could never ride Miles again, he would still be invaluable to me as my own personal sanity saver. Feeling horribly depressed, sad, panicked, anxious, bored, happy, elated? Going out to the barn to care for my favorite Thoroughbred is always, always the right thing to do.
He's such a sweet boy-as soon as he saw me he came racing down the hill, whinnying and kicking up mud. It's been cold and wet here, so I just brought him inside and fed him a warm beet pulp/alfalfa cube/chopped apple mash, his very favorite. I scraped, brushed, sprayed and wiped down every inch of him and made him shine. I talked to him and he allowed me to hold his giant, beautiful head and kiss his perfect little imp-y ears. I also took a few pictures because it's been far too long.
His perfect profile, as he surveys the pastures that hold his favorite horses at the barn-LaShore, Cody and Lady. He LOVES having his best girls right next door again, and I'm happy to say he's been nothing but a perfect gentleman about it.
The softest, velvety-est, most kissable schnoz ever there was, nose-goo, long hairy whiskers and all.
He was extra sweet and cute yesterday...he just knows when I'm down. "See mom, THIS is how you smilez!" Yes, bubs...something like that;) I'll get there soon.
Before the awfulness though, some pictures from our few days in the UP late last week.
Beautiful pair of swans on Lake Michigan at Ludington Park in Escanaba. That was a ridiculously gorgeous day.
View of Fortune Lake at Crystal Falls, where we spent a couple of days at my Mother in Law's cottage.
Kyle's aunt who lives just outside Escanaba is a vet, and is all kinds of awesome because she cleaned Lebowski's teeth and pulled a tooth of his that had broken off and had the nerve exposed. She rocks. After he had the procedure, we took him and Sam to Fortune Lake where he stayed in various states of wetness/dampness until we left. Dog needs a pair of gills since he loves the water so much more than land. HE had a magnificent time.
Sam had an amazing time as well, but he's a land-lubber, and never got more than his paws wet. His favorite part of the trip were the car rides-LOVE-slept like a baby for almost 7 hours straight each way.
Sam had an amazing time as well, but he's a land-lubber, and never got more than his paws wet. His favorite part of the trip were the car rides-LOVE-slept like a baby for almost 7 hours straight each way.
I came back on Saturday and Kyle's stayed up there to continue remodeling his mom's cottage.
Then, yesterday, Kyle's brother Pauly passed away very unexpectedly. He collapsed at home early in the morning-no one knows exactly what happened yet. He struggled with a number of health issues but was so, so young. I hope he is at peace now, wherever he is.
So, I'm off to the UP again tomorrow for the service. My poor, sweet husband-I had to break the news to him, as he's in remote Crystal Falls with hit or miss cell phone service-it was one of the worst things I've ever had to do. I feel so helpless because I can't be there for him physically right now, but that's why I'm going tomorrow, and the service is Sunday. Please keep him and his family in your thoughts and prayers, if that's your thing-everyone is still reeling I think.
Then, yesterday, Kyle's brother Pauly passed away very unexpectedly. He collapsed at home early in the morning-no one knows exactly what happened yet. He struggled with a number of health issues but was so, so young. I hope he is at peace now, wherever he is.
So, I'm off to the UP again tomorrow for the service. My poor, sweet husband-I had to break the news to him, as he's in remote Crystal Falls with hit or miss cell phone service-it was one of the worst things I've ever had to do. I feel so helpless because I can't be there for him physically right now, but that's why I'm going tomorrow, and the service is Sunday. Please keep him and his family in your thoughts and prayers, if that's your thing-everyone is still reeling I think.
Anyway, yesterday after I heard the news and talked to Kyle, I took the day off of work and found myself driving to the barn through tears. If I could never ride Miles again, he would still be invaluable to me as my own personal sanity saver. Feeling horribly depressed, sad, panicked, anxious, bored, happy, elated? Going out to the barn to care for my favorite Thoroughbred is always, always the right thing to do.
He's such a sweet boy-as soon as he saw me he came racing down the hill, whinnying and kicking up mud. It's been cold and wet here, so I just brought him inside and fed him a warm beet pulp/alfalfa cube/chopped apple mash, his very favorite. I scraped, brushed, sprayed and wiped down every inch of him and made him shine. I talked to him and he allowed me to hold his giant, beautiful head and kiss his perfect little imp-y ears. I also took a few pictures because it's been far too long.
I'll never get tired of looking into his liquid brown eyes.
His perfect profile, as he surveys the pastures that hold his favorite horses at the barn-LaShore, Cody and Lady. He LOVES having his best girls right next door again, and I'm happy to say he's been nothing but a perfect gentleman about it.
The softest, velvety-est, most kissable schnoz ever there was, nose-goo, long hairy whiskers and all.
He was extra sweet and cute yesterday...he just knows when I'm down. "See mom, THIS is how you smilez!" Yes, bubs...something like that;) I'll get there soon.
I'll be back after this next trip. I haven't even told you all about our new, very own bitless bridle and how awesome it is!! Have a lovely Memorial day weekend everyone....love and enjoy the heck out of your loved ones and your horses.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Whirlwind
That's what the last 2 weeks have been. There has been limited available brain space for blogging pursuits, unfortunately, and I'm behind on reading my favorites. Hey? How is everyone?
I hope everyone had a wonderful Holiday. We took a trip up to Michigan's Upper Peninsula for a few days to visit Kyle's family, and as soon as we came back down-state it was back to work. Fortunately, I have one more day and then I'm off again for 3 glorious days, in which we have no plans and I'm keeping it that way, so help me God. Just me and my husband and our little furry family, with lots and lots of pony time. Bliss.
Was Santa good to you and your ponies? He was very good to Miles and me. One of my favorite gifts was a balance ball chair, with the theory being that I can strengthen my core (abs and back) during some of those 8 hours I spend on my tush at work. I can't wait to try it!
Miles also got himself this Myler bit, which I hope he will like. Plenty of room for that fleshy tongue of his, and it's gotten good reviews from folks with OTTBs and other horses who have bitting issues. I'm not going to try it right away, but I'm super interested to see how he likes it, especially after we've gone for months in a hackamore. Worst case scenario is that he hates it and we sell it-everyone wants Myler bits on Ebay, thank goodness.
Finally, Miles got these:
WhooHooo! I'm quite geeked. OK, it's just one set (2 blocks) but it's a start. Yesterday, for the first time, I lunged him over a cross rail. He was a superstar, and once going forward he had no problem making the effort to actually jump and canter away. I think he surprised himself the first time-he shook his head and practically sashayed away from the jump. Most importantly, he was happy and forward and brave, never wanting to look, stop or swerve. He's just so game. Finally, he even left all the poles up, suddenly turning into Mr. Careful.
I really wanted to ride, but I had so much to do yesterday (including mucking out a very neglected-by me-outdoor shed, blech) and Miles had many days off while we were gone. Still, it beat the hell out of a normal lunge or groundwork session, that's for sure. I can't wait to pop over a few obstacles in the saddle this weekend, hopefully *crosses fingers*.
I'm very horrible in my No-Horsey-Holiday-Picture-Taking-Let-Alone-Posting; another thing I hope to remedy this weekend as we look forward to 2011. 2010 kinda sucked the big one, in a myriad of ways I don't mind saying. Still, it was a real breakthrough year for my Super Steed and me. I think we built a great foundation for our partnership, and I can't wait to see where we go from here.
I hope everyone had a wonderful Holiday. We took a trip up to Michigan's Upper Peninsula for a few days to visit Kyle's family, and as soon as we came back down-state it was back to work. Fortunately, I have one more day and then I'm off again for 3 glorious days, in which we have no plans and I'm keeping it that way, so help me God. Just me and my husband and our little furry family, with lots and lots of pony time. Bliss.
Was Santa good to you and your ponies? He was very good to Miles and me. One of my favorite gifts was a balance ball chair, with the theory being that I can strengthen my core (abs and back) during some of those 8 hours I spend on my tush at work. I can't wait to try it!
Miles also got himself this Myler bit, which I hope he will like. Plenty of room for that fleshy tongue of his, and it's gotten good reviews from folks with OTTBs and other horses who have bitting issues. I'm not going to try it right away, but I'm super interested to see how he likes it, especially after we've gone for months in a hackamore. Worst case scenario is that he hates it and we sell it-everyone wants Myler bits on Ebay, thank goodness.
Finally, Miles got these:
WhooHooo! I'm quite geeked. OK, it's just one set (2 blocks) but it's a start. Yesterday, for the first time, I lunged him over a cross rail. He was a superstar, and once going forward he had no problem making the effort to actually jump and canter away. I think he surprised himself the first time-he shook his head and practically sashayed away from the jump. Most importantly, he was happy and forward and brave, never wanting to look, stop or swerve. He's just so game. Finally, he even left all the poles up, suddenly turning into Mr. Careful.
I really wanted to ride, but I had so much to do yesterday (including mucking out a very neglected-by me-outdoor shed, blech) and Miles had many days off while we were gone. Still, it beat the hell out of a normal lunge or groundwork session, that's for sure. I can't wait to pop over a few obstacles in the saddle this weekend, hopefully *crosses fingers*.
I'm very horrible in my No-Horsey-Holiday-Picture-Taking-Let-Alone-Posting; another thing I hope to remedy this weekend as we look forward to 2011. 2010 kinda sucked the big one, in a myriad of ways I don't mind saying. Still, it was a real breakthrough year for my Super Steed and me. I think we built a great foundation for our partnership, and I can't wait to see where we go from here.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Ewe Gee Aitch
...spells UGH. These three little letters sum up the summer of 2010. In fact, if it weren't for Miles, ugh would not properly convey how shitty the last few months have been.
Sweet Miles. My next post will contain a photo of my big ol' beefcake-he's gained over 50 lbs since late July. Whoohoo!! He is happy, sound and healthy, and I am grateful everyday for this (really).
I wish I could say I have taken full advantage of this fact, but I haven't. The weather has suuuuuucked. Mojo is...not doing well. We went to the vet today after she had a not so great night and she will be going on prednisone very soon. My sweet old girl. My one and only priority is her comfort. I am not going to let her suffer because I will miss her if she's gone-it's truly a day by day thing right now. Speaking of right now, she's feeling much better in the cooler weather and is sleeping at my feet.
Grandma is doing OK. She's still having the occasional seizure, unfortunately. We're trying to figure it out, with her doctors.
There are other...things on my mind as well. Hey, let's not turn this into Sarah's deep dark journal of darkness, shall we? :) Smiley faces all around! :) :)
Sometimes I just want to rage. I want to scream. Get in the car and drive for hours. Drink a fifth of something dark and strong. I want to throw a saddle on my thoroughbred and gallop him down the trail as far as it will take us. Fortunately by the time I get out to the barn and do all the things that having a horse requires me to do the feeling has passed and I'm in a much better place. Bargain therapy, thy name is Miles.
The next post will be better, I promise. I want you all to see how good my thoroughbred looks! I also want to get back to riding regularly and with purpose-it seems this summer, every time we get into a groove, we are interrupted by back sores, or weather or other things.
Still, other things do need attention. In particular this Other Thing. She is such a good, good girl.
Sweet Miles. My next post will contain a photo of my big ol' beefcake-he's gained over 50 lbs since late July. Whoohoo!! He is happy, sound and healthy, and I am grateful everyday for this (really).
I wish I could say I have taken full advantage of this fact, but I haven't. The weather has suuuuuucked. Mojo is...not doing well. We went to the vet today after she had a not so great night and she will be going on prednisone very soon. My sweet old girl. My one and only priority is her comfort. I am not going to let her suffer because I will miss her if she's gone-it's truly a day by day thing right now. Speaking of right now, she's feeling much better in the cooler weather and is sleeping at my feet.
Grandma is doing OK. She's still having the occasional seizure, unfortunately. We're trying to figure it out, with her doctors.
There are other...things on my mind as well. Hey, let's not turn this into Sarah's deep dark journal of darkness, shall we? :) Smiley faces all around! :) :)
Sometimes I just want to rage. I want to scream. Get in the car and drive for hours. Drink a fifth of something dark and strong. I want to throw a saddle on my thoroughbred and gallop him down the trail as far as it will take us. Fortunately by the time I get out to the barn and do all the things that having a horse requires me to do the feeling has passed and I'm in a much better place. Bargain therapy, thy name is Miles.
The next post will be better, I promise. I want you all to see how good my thoroughbred looks! I also want to get back to riding regularly and with purpose-it seems this summer, every time we get into a groove, we are interrupted by back sores, or weather or other things.
Still, other things do need attention. In particular this Other Thing. She is such a good, good girl.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Pony vs. Dawgs
I love my horse, obviously. Ideally I would be at the barn almost every day, barring illness and those blah days we all get sometimes when after work we are spent and just want to curl up on the couch with a book. Boarding is wonderful in that respect, because, well, we have that option. Still, there are 3 important reasons I generally only get there 4 to 5 days a week:
Mojo,
Lebowski,
and Samual-
Our 3 dogs.
Now, I'm very, very lucky. Kyle works from home almost every day, so the dogs are rarely alone for more than a couple hours at a time. My office is also super duper dog friendly, and I'm usually able to bring all 3 monsters in for at least a couple of hours once a week or so...it varies based on meetings, schedules, etc. We do have some limits. The dogs have it pretty good, is what I'm saying. I also may have a titch of irrational guilt about being away from them so long most days.
Still, they are so, SO happy when I'm home with them. They stay near me no matter where I am in the house, whether it's on the deck, in the kitchen, living room, or when I go to bed-all 3 follow me with the rare exception. Of course I don't think I'm some kind of Dr. Doolittle, but the fact is I feed them both of their meals and walk them twice a day (though Kyle takes pity on me once or twice a week and will do the afternoon walk honors). Dog loyalty, I has it.
Could I go straight from work to the barn everyday and get home between 7 and 8 pm instead of 4ish? Sure, sure. Kyle could walk them, or of course at least make sure they go out to do their business (which he does anyway) until I get home for walking duties (we live in the city, but I still like to make sure they get their off leash time, which makes a "dog walk" more complicated then it sounds). They would probably be fine.
Still, I wouldn't be able to do it. I put off starting to ride again in my 20's precisely because I didn't know how I would fit the dogs into a consistent riding schedule (Kyle was working at the office then). I also love hanging out with them-tonight we had a lovely walk and I spent 2 hours giving each one a thorough grooming (that's no joke for the 2 golden retrievers!). It was, well, fun, and I know that makes me lame but there it is. A super Wednesday spent dog grooming!
I'm also sad to say it looks like Mojo's neck "thing" is slightly bigger-she's still acting fine, but I have a feeling whatever it is it's not good and our time with her is limited. I want to hang out with my old girl as much as I can and appreciate what may be our last summer together.
I'm very lucky in another respect, in that my parents live relatively close to the barn and I can take my crew over to their place to run around with their 2 manic huskies on 6 acres once or twice a week while I ride. This is awesome.
Miles' barn is super dog friendly and they've tagged along with me occasionally, but I have to face the facts that I have city dogs and I'm never going to be able to go out and ride my horse while my dogs calmly sleep in the shade trees. No, my dogs would much rather run amok and chase the barn cat while getting shocked by the electric fence and harassing passersby. Don't get me started on the eating and rolling in the inappropriateness, you all know what I mean.
Look, I've saddled myself with the responsibility of having multiple animals ever since I was 19 years old, and I wouldn't have it any other way. Still, it's a balancing act. Those that add children to the equation truly have my respect and admiration, because...yikes. I don't have the words.
So, I will continue to live life with Miles getting a night here, the dogs getting a night there, and relying on the people around me to help fill in the gaps. We're all very grateful, and couldn't do it without you!
Finally, if someone else did all the evening dog chores for me, I wouldn't get to see Lebowski on a log overlooking a river, happy as a clam.
Mojo,
Lebowski,
and Samual-
Our 3 dogs.
Now, I'm very, very lucky. Kyle works from home almost every day, so the dogs are rarely alone for more than a couple hours at a time. My office is also super duper dog friendly, and I'm usually able to bring all 3 monsters in for at least a couple of hours once a week or so...it varies based on meetings, schedules, etc. We do have some limits. The dogs have it pretty good, is what I'm saying. I also may have a titch of irrational guilt about being away from them so long most days.
Still, they are so, SO happy when I'm home with them. They stay near me no matter where I am in the house, whether it's on the deck, in the kitchen, living room, or when I go to bed-all 3 follow me with the rare exception. Of course I don't think I'm some kind of Dr. Doolittle, but the fact is I feed them both of their meals and walk them twice a day (though Kyle takes pity on me once or twice a week and will do the afternoon walk honors). Dog loyalty, I has it.
Could I go straight from work to the barn everyday and get home between 7 and 8 pm instead of 4ish? Sure, sure. Kyle could walk them, or of course at least make sure they go out to do their business (which he does anyway) until I get home for walking duties (we live in the city, but I still like to make sure they get their off leash time, which makes a "dog walk" more complicated then it sounds). They would probably be fine.
Still, I wouldn't be able to do it. I put off starting to ride again in my 20's precisely because I didn't know how I would fit the dogs into a consistent riding schedule (Kyle was working at the office then). I also love hanging out with them-tonight we had a lovely walk and I spent 2 hours giving each one a thorough grooming (that's no joke for the 2 golden retrievers!). It was, well, fun, and I know that makes me lame but there it is. A super Wednesday spent dog grooming!
I'm also sad to say it looks like Mojo's neck "thing" is slightly bigger-she's still acting fine, but I have a feeling whatever it is it's not good and our time with her is limited. I want to hang out with my old girl as much as I can and appreciate what may be our last summer together.
I'm very lucky in another respect, in that my parents live relatively close to the barn and I can take my crew over to their place to run around with their 2 manic huskies on 6 acres once or twice a week while I ride. This is awesome.
Miles' barn is super dog friendly and they've tagged along with me occasionally, but I have to face the facts that I have city dogs and I'm never going to be able to go out and ride my horse while my dogs calmly sleep in the shade trees. No, my dogs would much rather run amok and chase the barn cat while getting shocked by the electric fence and harassing passersby. Don't get me started on the eating and rolling in the inappropriateness, you all know what I mean.
Look, I've saddled myself with the responsibility of having multiple animals ever since I was 19 years old, and I wouldn't have it any other way. Still, it's a balancing act. Those that add children to the equation truly have my respect and admiration, because...yikes. I don't have the words.
So, I will continue to live life with Miles getting a night here, the dogs getting a night there, and relying on the people around me to help fill in the gaps. We're all very grateful, and couldn't do it without you!
Finally, if someone else did all the evening dog chores for me, I wouldn't get to see Lebowski on a log overlooking a river, happy as a clam.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Just a Thank You...
...to everyone, for your kind words, thoughts and prayers for my Grandma.
Things were very bad late last week, but in the last 2 days she has made improvements! I saw her this afternoon and she looked great-not back to her normal, healthy self but I think she's on her way. I hope. She's still having seizures but no headaches and they're shorter and less frequent. She's so damn resilient. She had her sense of humor back, and I just got off the phone with her...she called me to ask if dogs can get hemorrhoids:)
Anyway, thank you again, everyone. Your kind comments and emails helped so much. I wrote the last post in a strange place and I'm feeling much more hopeful today, having seen her. It was the right thing to do. Kyle came with me and he was great with her, too.
On the Miles front, he managed to get himself a couple sores on his back-either bug bites or he rolled and cut himself on a rock?? It's possibly a bite from LaShore but I really doubt that. Nothing serious, and really quite superficial (also they're not saddle sores; I wish I was riding enough to consider that!), but I gave him the weekend off so they can heal and hopefully I'll be back in the saddle on Tuesday.
Our last ride on Wednesday was quite nice. We worked hard on transitions, and I replaced the hackamore we've been using with his bit. There was still some teeth grinding and neck twisting, more towards the end of our ride for some reason. Still, it was less than before, and I rewarded him with either a long rein or a walk when his mouth was quiet and he was moving straight and forward. He's a smart boy so I'm hopeful we will figure out the reason for this behavior together. It may very well be anxiety or boredom. I also may have to experiment with other bits. Right now he's in an oval mouth loose ring 5". He's got such a small mouth though, I want to try a 4 3/4" size next; maybe something like this. I'm very intrigued with the Waterford Bit-does anyone have any experience with this? I'm also curious about Myler bits, though the price is a huge turnoff.
It's also more than likely he just needs more mileage with a bit regardless of what it is (although single joint, fat snaffles are definitely out. He's much happier with a mullen or double jointed bit that is slightly thinner). I'm trying to be super conscience about keeping my hands still and in the "work zone" above his withers, and maintaining bend in my arms while moving with his motion, hence the transition work. We acheived some fairly happy, uphill trot-walk transitions by the end of our ride.
Looking forward, and totally unrelated, we're having a professional photographer come out to the barn in September, and I'm so excited! I hope she can capture Miles' spirit and goofiness on camera. I've never, ever had professional pictures taken of anything (well, OK, my wedding), so this will be fun!
I hope you all are enjoying your horses wherever you are. I was overcome with a feeling of gratitude and peace while grooming my boy this afternoon, and I hope the same for every horseman and woman out there. We are so, so lucky;)
Things were very bad late last week, but in the last 2 days she has made improvements! I saw her this afternoon and she looked great-not back to her normal, healthy self but I think she's on her way. I hope. She's still having seizures but no headaches and they're shorter and less frequent. She's so damn resilient. She had her sense of humor back, and I just got off the phone with her...she called me to ask if dogs can get hemorrhoids:)
Anyway, thank you again, everyone. Your kind comments and emails helped so much. I wrote the last post in a strange place and I'm feeling much more hopeful today, having seen her. It was the right thing to do. Kyle came with me and he was great with her, too.
On the Miles front, he managed to get himself a couple sores on his back-either bug bites or he rolled and cut himself on a rock?? It's possibly a bite from LaShore but I really doubt that. Nothing serious, and really quite superficial (also they're not saddle sores; I wish I was riding enough to consider that!), but I gave him the weekend off so they can heal and hopefully I'll be back in the saddle on Tuesday.
Our last ride on Wednesday was quite nice. We worked hard on transitions, and I replaced the hackamore we've been using with his bit. There was still some teeth grinding and neck twisting, more towards the end of our ride for some reason. Still, it was less than before, and I rewarded him with either a long rein or a walk when his mouth was quiet and he was moving straight and forward. He's a smart boy so I'm hopeful we will figure out the reason for this behavior together. It may very well be anxiety or boredom. I also may have to experiment with other bits. Right now he's in an oval mouth loose ring 5". He's got such a small mouth though, I want to try a 4 3/4" size next; maybe something like this. I'm very intrigued with the Waterford Bit-does anyone have any experience with this? I'm also curious about Myler bits, though the price is a huge turnoff.
It's also more than likely he just needs more mileage with a bit regardless of what it is (although single joint, fat snaffles are definitely out. He's much happier with a mullen or double jointed bit that is slightly thinner). I'm trying to be super conscience about keeping my hands still and in the "work zone" above his withers, and maintaining bend in my arms while moving with his motion, hence the transition work. We acheived some fairly happy, uphill trot-walk transitions by the end of our ride.
Looking forward, and totally unrelated, we're having a professional photographer come out to the barn in September, and I'm so excited! I hope she can capture Miles' spirit and goofiness on camera. I've never, ever had professional pictures taken of anything (well, OK, my wedding), so this will be fun!
I hope you all are enjoying your horses wherever you are. I was overcome with a feeling of gratitude and peace while grooming my boy this afternoon, and I hope the same for every horseman and woman out there. We are so, so lucky;)
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Gramma
It's late Friday/very early Saturday morning.
My grandma is very, very sick. I'm worried and having trouble thinking about much else. I have other things to do and thoughts to occupy my mind, but she finds her way into my life nearly every hour, either with a sudden jolt of realization about how serious things are or a slow overtaking of my brain's activities. I haven't seen her in weeks.
I want that to change this weekend if she's up to it. No matter how uncomfortable it may be for me...that doesn't matter. It's what family does.
She's the one that introduced me to the first barn I started serious lessons at, Fox Brush Farm. I diddled about at other western barns before that, but they taught me to ride.
She took me to a dude ranch in Colorado when I was in Fourth grade-the Don K Ranch (snort). I learned how to barrel race and line dance-well, as much as a Fourth grader can learn such things;)
She has supported me through so much of my life, especially when I was younger. Whatever our differences now, she was a safe place for me to land for so long. That is a wonderful thing to give to a child. I will never forget it.
I don't really know how to end this post. I want people to know how awesome a grandma she was for so much of my life. I still want her to be my grandma, and stick around for milestones that are sure to come. She hasn't even met Miles yet. I wanted her to this summer. I want her to.
Get well soon, Grandma.
My grandma is very, very sick. I'm worried and having trouble thinking about much else. I have other things to do and thoughts to occupy my mind, but she finds her way into my life nearly every hour, either with a sudden jolt of realization about how serious things are or a slow overtaking of my brain's activities. I haven't seen her in weeks.
I want that to change this weekend if she's up to it. No matter how uncomfortable it may be for me...that doesn't matter. It's what family does.
She's the one that introduced me to the first barn I started serious lessons at, Fox Brush Farm. I diddled about at other western barns before that, but they taught me to ride.
She took me to a dude ranch in Colorado when I was in Fourth grade-the Don K Ranch (snort). I learned how to barrel race and line dance-well, as much as a Fourth grader can learn such things;)
She has supported me through so much of my life, especially when I was younger. Whatever our differences now, she was a safe place for me to land for so long. That is a wonderful thing to give to a child. I will never forget it.
I don't really know how to end this post. I want people to know how awesome a grandma she was for so much of my life. I still want her to be my grandma, and stick around for milestones that are sure to come. She hasn't even met Miles yet. I wanted her to this summer. I want her to.
Get well soon, Grandma.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Pearly Whites
So, not much to write about lately, at least on the horse front. This is mostly irritating to me...though let me say off the bat I am so, so, SO happy Miles continues to gain weight and has worked really well for me the 2 days I rode him this week. Here's what's going on.
OK, I know, I KNOW I've written so much on here about the weather. If I look at my tags, I'm pretty sure "weather" has to be the most common one. Seriously though? It. Is. Horrible this year. Every fricking day, with very very limited exceptions, is hot and humid as all hell. I've never seen a summer like it and I've lived here all my life. Even living through droughts we've had, or extended heat waves, didn't come close to being as miserable as this swamp like weather we've had. You guys, I let the lawn go for 2 weeks, and when I mowed it, there were SLUGS looking at me and the sun like "What? Where is our rain forest cover? I could have sworn we were in Brazil or wherever the frick there's lots of rain forests." Never, EVER, have I seen slugs here, and never, EVER EVER do I want to see them again. Nope Nope Nope.
Hey, guess what happened on Sunday? Central Air go Boom! EFF ME. So, that's been super fun! Hey, it's only the old furnace, which can be fixed for a paltry 2 grand. FML.
Also in the last 2 weeks, we've had our giant maple tree in the back yard split in two and fall down go boom. My Father in Law is wonderful and made the trip down from Escanaba to help us deal with this super fun development, thank goodness.
You all know about my old girl Mojo and her issues (weird neck thing continues to get smaller, though something is still there, and she's been SUPER itchy lately. She becomes much more comfortable with a little Benadryl, thank goodness, and it's not fleas...I'm chalking it up to all the mutant skeeters and other bugs around here). Overall, she still is doing well, thank goodness.
My 90 year old grandma, the only extended relative I've been really close with in the past and lives near us in Lansing, has been struggling with seizures in the last 2 weeks-not the falling down passing out kind, but she gets a headache and involuntary arm/leg shaking. She is amazing in that she has all her wits about her and then some, but after an initial hospital stay she refuses to go back. She is on medication but it's not working, at least not yet. My parents have been dealing with the docs and neurologists and checking on her at least once a day. We are a very small family, so it's been very hard on them and I've been thinking about her, and my parents, a lot. Please keep her in your thoughts if you don't mind.
So, there's all that. Miles also had his purty teeth floated again on Wednesday. Looks like he is super special and the kind of horse who will need to be floated twice a year (high maintenance thoroughbred is high maintenance). He was done November last year and was apparently looking super sharp and quite in need according to Doug LaRose, Equine Dentist Extraordinaire for those of you in Mid Michigan. Doug uses no sedation, just patience and an amazing technique to get the job done. I had to work during the time he was at the barn on Wednesday, but I held Miles for him in November and it was truly a pleasure to watch him work. I'm convinced you do NOT need sedation in most cases, with a true professional like Doug. If you want more information about him feel free to ask! He does not charge a farm call, even though he lives in Riverview which is not exactly close to Charlotte where we are. He's my equine dental hero. At 50 bucks a pop I'm more than willing to get Miles floated twice a year if that's what he needs-hopefully this only continues to help with his weight as well.
I'll ride Miles this weekend, even though, again with the hot and humid. He still really enjoys being worked-actually, he just really enjoys PEOPLE, and any kind of interaction, which makes me happy:) He's such a sweet, good boy-every time I leave the barn, even if I've only spent 20 minutes there, I'm in a good mood. Thanks for that, boy. It's sure been welcome these last few weeks.
OK, I know, I KNOW I've written so much on here about the weather. If I look at my tags, I'm pretty sure "weather" has to be the most common one. Seriously though? It. Is. Horrible this year. Every fricking day, with very very limited exceptions, is hot and humid as all hell. I've never seen a summer like it and I've lived here all my life. Even living through droughts we've had, or extended heat waves, didn't come close to being as miserable as this swamp like weather we've had. You guys, I let the lawn go for 2 weeks, and when I mowed it, there were SLUGS looking at me and the sun like "What? Where is our rain forest cover? I could have sworn we were in Brazil or wherever the frick there's lots of rain forests." Never, EVER, have I seen slugs here, and never, EVER EVER do I want to see them again. Nope Nope Nope.
Hey, guess what happened on Sunday? Central Air go Boom! EFF ME. So, that's been super fun! Hey, it's only the old furnace, which can be fixed for a paltry 2 grand. FML.
Also in the last 2 weeks, we've had our giant maple tree in the back yard split in two and fall down go boom. My Father in Law is wonderful and made the trip down from Escanaba to help us deal with this super fun development, thank goodness.
You all know about my old girl Mojo and her issues (weird neck thing continues to get smaller, though something is still there, and she's been SUPER itchy lately. She becomes much more comfortable with a little Benadryl, thank goodness, and it's not fleas...I'm chalking it up to all the mutant skeeters and other bugs around here). Overall, she still is doing well, thank goodness.
My 90 year old grandma, the only extended relative I've been really close with in the past and lives near us in Lansing, has been struggling with seizures in the last 2 weeks-not the falling down passing out kind, but she gets a headache and involuntary arm/leg shaking. She is amazing in that she has all her wits about her and then some, but after an initial hospital stay she refuses to go back. She is on medication but it's not working, at least not yet. My parents have been dealing with the docs and neurologists and checking on her at least once a day. We are a very small family, so it's been very hard on them and I've been thinking about her, and my parents, a lot. Please keep her in your thoughts if you don't mind.
So, there's all that. Miles also had his purty teeth floated again on Wednesday. Looks like he is super special and the kind of horse who will need to be floated twice a year (high maintenance thoroughbred is high maintenance). He was done November last year and was apparently looking super sharp and quite in need according to Doug LaRose, Equine Dentist Extraordinaire for those of you in Mid Michigan. Doug uses no sedation, just patience and an amazing technique to get the job done. I had to work during the time he was at the barn on Wednesday, but I held Miles for him in November and it was truly a pleasure to watch him work. I'm convinced you do NOT need sedation in most cases, with a true professional like Doug. If you want more information about him feel free to ask! He does not charge a farm call, even though he lives in Riverview which is not exactly close to Charlotte where we are. He's my equine dental hero. At 50 bucks a pop I'm more than willing to get Miles floated twice a year if that's what he needs-hopefully this only continues to help with his weight as well.
I'll ride Miles this weekend, even though, again with the hot and humid. He still really enjoys being worked-actually, he just really enjoys PEOPLE, and any kind of interaction, which makes me happy:) He's such a sweet, good boy-every time I leave the barn, even if I've only spent 20 minutes there, I'm in a good mood. Thanks for that, boy. It's sure been welcome these last few weeks.
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