...and I hate that I didn't bring a camera.
Miles was game, but not altogether trusting of the snow that kept falling off the buildings and trees as we rode. Still, the fact is he was waaaay more relaxed about the snow falling off the roof of the indoor arena than I was, hence our outside excursion. He was my rock as always...until after we turned back for home after a brief trail ride and he threw his head up and danced for a moment...dang if he doesn't want to explore way more than I'm ready to (at least by ourselves). Lo, that was it for shenanigans. If I was feeling braver, I would have said the hell with it and given him his head to canter back home. I'm learning slowly...he's a patient teacher. The footing seemed ok, but I still don't trust it.
(For the record, I know horses should never be encouraged to run back to the barn. With any other horse I would agree, but Miles is always most forward moving away from the barn.)
Anyway, it was a lovely day in the snow with my boy. The cold months don't seem so bad at all right now.
Happy Winter everyone. Sigh, it's here. I can't be all that upset after rides like today though.
(PS-Chamie is doing great, adjusting to 24/7 turnout with no problems at all. Stay tuned for a special write up on my ponies from one of my favorite bloggers:)
Showing posts with label trails. Show all posts
Showing posts with label trails. Show all posts
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Sweet Beast
I haven't been posting much, and it's really because I've settled into a nice rhythm with my horses. Traveling between 2 barns 25 minutes apart will take up a huge chunk of time, especially when you spend 2 hours at one barn and an hour at the other. Throw 2 dog-walking sessions in there and you have my typical day. I'm not going to lie, it's pretty marvelous.
I will admit though, I have totally slacked on riding Miles until the last 2 days. For some reason, he has decided it's SUPER FUN to roll in wet mud right before I get to the barn. Literally, he has been head to hoof stinktastic. I resorted to hosing him off yesterday (in November!) because he was just that bad, and the weather was a balmy 60 something with sun so I knew he wouldn't be too uncomfortable as long as I threw his cooler on after a good squeegee.
Anyway, today was the most fabulous ride we've had in quite some time. My attentions have been so divided with Chamie that I had forgotten how amazing my boy is at just about anything I ask him to do. I took him on a loooong trail ride today with 2 awesome ladies from my barn-we have such a great group of boarders right now! Afterward, there was just enough juice left in our tank to hop over a few cross-rails....here's a link:
https://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=2253436536456
Honestly, though, the trail ride was my favorite part. He really, really loves getting out. It's nerve-wracking for me, because I wouldn't say he's relaxed during these rides...his head is constantly turning this way and that, and today he had a few spook-and-scoot episodes, which were really no big deal. He's not a dead-head, which is of course good, but he has an electricity running through his body that is so visceral, I'd have to be dead not to feel it. It's exciting and thrilling, and it's obvious he is having So. Much. Fun. I feel that too:) He's a bold boy and marches right along-woe to those who hold him back. He's in tune to everything around him, from the horses to the wind and reacts in kind, which can be scary. I think I'm learning, though, that his "reactions", such as they are, are nothing I can't sit, and he's not going to bolt or buck or even pull one of those horrid sideways-spooks that leaves you behind.
What I'm trying to say is, he's the best. I just have to be a good enough rider not to hold his natural self back.
In Chamie news, my old girl is coming home on Friday! It feels like Christmas is right around the corner.
I will admit though, I have totally slacked on riding Miles until the last 2 days. For some reason, he has decided it's SUPER FUN to roll in wet mud right before I get to the barn. Literally, he has been head to hoof stinktastic. I resorted to hosing him off yesterday (in November!) because he was just that bad, and the weather was a balmy 60 something with sun so I knew he wouldn't be too uncomfortable as long as I threw his cooler on after a good squeegee.
Anyway, today was the most fabulous ride we've had in quite some time. My attentions have been so divided with Chamie that I had forgotten how amazing my boy is at just about anything I ask him to do. I took him on a loooong trail ride today with 2 awesome ladies from my barn-we have such a great group of boarders right now! Afterward, there was just enough juice left in our tank to hop over a few cross-rails....here's a link:
https://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=2253436536456
Honestly, though, the trail ride was my favorite part. He really, really loves getting out. It's nerve-wracking for me, because I wouldn't say he's relaxed during these rides...his head is constantly turning this way and that, and today he had a few spook-and-scoot episodes, which were really no big deal. He's not a dead-head, which is of course good, but he has an electricity running through his body that is so visceral, I'd have to be dead not to feel it. It's exciting and thrilling, and it's obvious he is having So. Much. Fun. I feel that too:) He's a bold boy and marches right along-woe to those who hold him back. He's in tune to everything around him, from the horses to the wind and reacts in kind, which can be scary. I think I'm learning, though, that his "reactions", such as they are, are nothing I can't sit, and he's not going to bolt or buck or even pull one of those horrid sideways-spooks that leaves you behind.
What I'm trying to say is, he's the best. I just have to be a good enough rider not to hold his natural self back.
In Chamie news, my old girl is coming home on Friday! It feels like Christmas is right around the corner.
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Lady Of Leisure
Yeah....it hasn't even been a week yet that I've been unemployed, but the days and hours stretch out before me, promising infinite possibility. I'm not gonna lie, I needed this break, even if it comes from, you know, getting laid off. It helps that the weather is unbelievably perfect-sunny, mid to high 70's; just lovely.
Lo, I did have an interview this morning. I don't want to divulge all the details here, but it was for a position I know I could do, and do well. I felt good during the meeting, tried to be honest and humble while still speaking about my strengths. The entire thing took 25 minutes! This is with me asking a few questions of my own at the end...I can't decide if that's a good or a bad thing. They are scheduling 2nd interviews next week, so I'm going to go with the "We're weeding out the crazies" theory and hope I get that call to come back.
MEANTIME, sweet Miles is not a pony of leisure. As promised, he's getting lots of face time, though I'm pretty sure he loves it. Today we took the most gorgeous trail ride with a fellow boarder and then hopped over a couple jumps. He was so perfect-relaxed but super forward, listening to my aids and responding. How did I get so lucky with this one? I know we're not out there galloping fields or doing passage or jumping courses, but he's exactly what I need right now. As always, the best part of my day. Some things never change.
Lo, I did have an interview this morning. I don't want to divulge all the details here, but it was for a position I know I could do, and do well. I felt good during the meeting, tried to be honest and humble while still speaking about my strengths. The entire thing took 25 minutes! This is with me asking a few questions of my own at the end...I can't decide if that's a good or a bad thing. They are scheduling 2nd interviews next week, so I'm going to go with the "We're weeding out the crazies" theory and hope I get that call to come back.
MEANTIME, sweet Miles is not a pony of leisure. As promised, he's getting lots of face time, though I'm pretty sure he loves it. Today we took the most gorgeous trail ride with a fellow boarder and then hopped over a couple jumps. He was so perfect-relaxed but super forward, listening to my aids and responding. How did I get so lucky with this one? I know we're not out there galloping fields or doing passage or jumping courses, but he's exactly what I need right now. As always, the best part of my day. Some things never change.
Monday, August 29, 2011
You Want To Hit The Trails? How About We Talk Supplements?
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:)
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:)
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
All Alone In The Big Bad Woods
Ok, so our trails around the barn are mostly fields. Still, we went! Alone! For many, many minutes!
Like the rest of the world, it seems, we've been in a weeks long heatwave, but today was lovely, low 80's, low humidity, light breeze, all those nice things. (As an aside, even with all the kvetching about the weather, it's August?!? Really? It's not right. Where is my summer? It was just May, I swear).
Conditions are never perfect though, are they? The ginormous B-52 bomber flies are now out and about-Miles was running and bucking up a storm to get away from one in his pasture when I got to the barn, and we were harassed by at least one out on the trail today. Don't think it didn't cross my mind multiple times to give into temptation and start galloping away from the damn things, either. However, for whatever reason, I was feeling less than confident. I don't know why-believe me, I wish I did. Miles was wonderful, alert but relaxed and curious. Even with the Death Flies buzzing about, he never lost his shit, because he is such a good boy. I was the scardy-cat, worrying about turkeys or deer jumping out from bushes and trees around the bend-I started having a conversation with Miles about how he was going to go back to the pasture and have a good laugh with LaShore and the mares next door about what a wuss-puss his owner is.
Ah, well...I guess I'd rather be annoyed at me than him:) It has been a little bit since our last ride. I didn't lunge him today and haven't in god knows how long. I miss that little activity exactly not at all. Don't get me wrong, lunging is a wonderful tool, but I love not having to do it before a ride. I love it a lot. Today I got on, did two laps at a walk around the arena, and headed out.
Anyway, the fact that I'm whining about not feeling brave enough to canter my OTTB on a trail ride alone is kind of cool, right? I'm so glad I have this blog to look back-it wasn't so long ago I was wringing my hands over the fact that we hadn't gone out on the trails at all.
Next ride, however, we need to work on our walk-trot-walk transitions in preparation for our show debut. It turns out we are both lazy creatures by nature-time to inject some energy into our work! Three weeks and counting....
(Also, we still have the chicken, Marigold. She is very pretty, charming, and she poops. A lot. It wouldn't be so bad if she was an actual back YARD chicken, but it turns out she likes to hang out on the deck by our door-but not come in!-most of the time, until it gets to be dusk and she trots up into her roost. So, I'm pretty much constantly cleaning up chicken crap. We're looking at getting a friend for her, so she feels more confident about hanging out in the yard, and a roost farther away from the house. How cute are Silkie Chickens? VERY CUTE! Image from http://dreamflowermeadows.com)
Hullo, we r poofy and adoorable, yes? Also, we don't see so gud.
Like the rest of the world, it seems, we've been in a weeks long heatwave, but today was lovely, low 80's, low humidity, light breeze, all those nice things. (As an aside, even with all the kvetching about the weather, it's August?!? Really? It's not right. Where is my summer? It was just May, I swear).
Conditions are never perfect though, are they? The ginormous B-52 bomber flies are now out and about-Miles was running and bucking up a storm to get away from one in his pasture when I got to the barn, and we were harassed by at least one out on the trail today. Don't think it didn't cross my mind multiple times to give into temptation and start galloping away from the damn things, either. However, for whatever reason, I was feeling less than confident. I don't know why-believe me, I wish I did. Miles was wonderful, alert but relaxed and curious. Even with the Death Flies buzzing about, he never lost his shit, because he is such a good boy. I was the scardy-cat, worrying about turkeys or deer jumping out from bushes and trees around the bend-I started having a conversation with Miles about how he was going to go back to the pasture and have a good laugh with LaShore and the mares next door about what a wuss-puss his owner is.
Ah, well...I guess I'd rather be annoyed at me than him:) It has been a little bit since our last ride. I didn't lunge him today and haven't in god knows how long. I miss that little activity exactly not at all. Don't get me wrong, lunging is a wonderful tool, but I love not having to do it before a ride. I love it a lot. Today I got on, did two laps at a walk around the arena, and headed out.
Anyway, the fact that I'm whining about not feeling brave enough to canter my OTTB on a trail ride alone is kind of cool, right? I'm so glad I have this blog to look back-it wasn't so long ago I was wringing my hands over the fact that we hadn't gone out on the trails at all.
Next ride, however, we need to work on our walk-trot-walk transitions in preparation for our show debut. It turns out we are both lazy creatures by nature-time to inject some energy into our work! Three weeks and counting....
(Also, we still have the chicken, Marigold. She is very pretty, charming, and she poops. A lot. It wouldn't be so bad if she was an actual back YARD chicken, but it turns out she likes to hang out on the deck by our door-but not come in!-most of the time, until it gets to be dusk and she trots up into her roost. So, I'm pretty much constantly cleaning up chicken crap. We're looking at getting a friend for her, so she feels more confident about hanging out in the yard, and a roost farther away from the house. How cute are Silkie Chickens? VERY CUTE! Image from http://dreamflowermeadows.com)
Hullo, we r poofy and adoorable, yes? Also, we don't see so gud.
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Yay For Trail Rides
Bravo for a splendid outdoor ride in the fields on a beautiful, perfect Michigan summer afternoon.
Huzzah for brave little toaster OTTBs, who march forward and confidently on trails he's never seen before, even when we start the ride at the trail head he's always been at the least very wary of, and at the worst terrified of when horses and riders have emerged from said trail head.
Big ups for this same horse who never once spooked or acted silly today. HUGE "Good Boys!" for walking literally right next to a controlled brush fire on the way home and marching through all that smoke and ash. He was concerned, but he listened to me and never hesitated.
Many big "Ha ha!"s when same brave boy was turned around in a circle so the mares we were with could catch up (man can this horse march forward)...I think this is the picture when he stopped mid circle-we were just a little ways from the barn, and it was like he was saying, "I don't WANNA go back home, let's keep going!". How can you not love this horse? He's also got a SQUIRREL!! vibe going here, but I assure you he never once felt tense or looky. Because, you know, he's awesome like that.
Many hugs and sugar cubes for a horse that is this relaxed on his 3rd (and longest) trail ride. What a pleasure he is to own, and to ride. I know, I know, more rainbows and unicorn farts about my horse. He really was that special today, though.
Finally, thank you so much to Amanda for taking these pictures to prove I have an OTTB trail extraordinaire, and for accompanying us with her 2 lovely mares Lady and Cody. What a splendid afternoon, and a PERFECT first official summer ride. She's good (not to mention sneaky!) with a camera, that one:)
Thanks ladies...all three of you.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Trail OTTB Extraodinaire
I know, I shouldn't be surprised. What I AM is a proud, proud mama, because Miles went on his first big boy trail ride today, and he was amazing.
I know, I know, another post about me gushing about my horse. But you guys? He was so, so good. We went with Amanda and her sweet mare Lady. It wasn't long, maybe 20 minutes to half an hour, but so great.
Honest to God, I was waaaay more nervous than Miles was. From the first moment he realized, "Oh, we're going this way???" his ears went up and he double-timed it. I'm talking, this horse was Power Walking through the fields...it was hilarious. He was very alert....and I wouldn't call him relaxed, but certainly brave and SO excited to get out-he was having a blast, is what I'm saying.
Not a single spook or shy, but we didn't encounter any wildlife either (I am totally OK with this). We did see some interesting things, including an outhouse that is literally on the side of a field, looking like it has no business being there, but he looked and kept right on trucking.
He doesn't like mud, no sirree, and there was lots of spongy ground we had to navigate, but he was having too much fun to let that slow him down much. I've not felt that kind of coiled power under me in a long time-not in a bad way, like he was scared (he was SO not scared) or ready to bolt, but he was definitely...just kind of vibrating with excitement. Still, he listened to me, came back when I asked him to, and all in all was pretty much perfect.
I totally brought my camera, I did. I will be the first to admit though that I was less than relaxed and the thought of taking pictures never occurred to me. Next time. Oh yes, there will be a next time. My boy is turning into a Renaissance Man:)
I know, I know, another post about me gushing about my horse. But you guys? He was so, so good. We went with Amanda and her sweet mare Lady. It wasn't long, maybe 20 minutes to half an hour, but so great.
Honest to God, I was waaaay more nervous than Miles was. From the first moment he realized, "Oh, we're going this way???" his ears went up and he double-timed it. I'm talking, this horse was Power Walking through the fields...it was hilarious. He was very alert....and I wouldn't call him relaxed, but certainly brave and SO excited to get out-he was having a blast, is what I'm saying.
Not a single spook or shy, but we didn't encounter any wildlife either (I am totally OK with this). We did see some interesting things, including an outhouse that is literally on the side of a field, looking like it has no business being there, but he looked and kept right on trucking.
He doesn't like mud, no sirree, and there was lots of spongy ground we had to navigate, but he was having too much fun to let that slow him down much. I've not felt that kind of coiled power under me in a long time-not in a bad way, like he was scared (he was SO not scared) or ready to bolt, but he was definitely...just kind of vibrating with excitement. Still, he listened to me, came back when I asked him to, and all in all was pretty much perfect.
I totally brought my camera, I did. I will be the first to admit though that I was less than relaxed and the thought of taking pictures never occurred to me. Next time. Oh yes, there will be a next time. My boy is turning into a Renaissance Man:)
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