My Life with Rescued Horses

TB or worse?

2011-02-11T12:21:00.000-08:00

I’m worried about Angie. Euphoric state, Paranoia, Decreases appetite, Increases physical activity, Anxiety, Strong body over, itchy skin, Irritable and moody…

All signs of Meth use… time for a pony intervention. Or maybe she’s just a thoroughbred.

Anyway I haven’t done much this week. Last night we did our Valentines dinner and photo shoot. We thought we would do Valentines early and avoid the crowds. It was a nice night even though we were both exhausted.

It’s nice having at least one rational woman in my life. I really get pissed at the whole V’day is Me day being promoted all over. And I’m glad to be seeing more men out there saying hey; if I have to spend hours and hundreds of dollars on making a special day… The woman involved is expected to do the same.

Pony shoes planned for the weekend and our first lesson back after Angie’s mishaps.

Things are looking better. ;)

2011-02-08T15:44:00.000-08:00

Tails washed; nothing exciting going on in pony-ville right now. Angie is still taking it easy; Ill ride her next night or so and see where we are at on injuries. I maybe still ride the yellow moose for our lesson on Sunday. At lease I got 1 out of 4 horses sound. BTW Buckley is looking much better with his new arthritis meds and non shoes.

On an off topic I’ve got to bitch about Facebook/Twitter and the whole social media movement as it stands now. Facebook is just sad. Two years ago it was a fun place where we all chatted and shared. Now it’s become the place where everyone bitches, whines about how miserable there life is or is hawking there crap. Twitter is even worse… my follow list is nothing now but self pimping and selling. It’s become so sad, MySpace all over again.

Rested but still tired.

2011-02-05T12:33:00.000-08:00

I had a really grumpy day yesterday; nothing really bad happened just disappointed about work stuff and it set me off on a bad tone all day. Maybe Ill be redeemed on Monday but not holding my breath.

K's been under the weather so we stayed home from the horses two nights in a row. I did get the house clean but didn't get the rest I needed.

Last night we had just a fun night at the barn. I walked and lunged the tweek mare. She still a little sore but moving out a lot nicer. Barn staff said she piaffe'd all the way into the barn tonight; so she can't be too bad. I'm feeling it's a stone bruise now and we will be out of work for a bit longer. BUT I' content with that. Better a bruise than a bowed tendon or something worse.

I pulled out my jockey tack and put on the quarter horse. I'm sure I looked totally like a dork but it was fun. He's a good guy and it sucks his arthritis has caused him to end his carrier early. We will keep him moving and hopefully the new meds will keep him comfortable.

Today it's fairly warm; a tail washing day and grooming for the old mare. I'm planning on not doing a whole lot that's for sure.

I hate this photo

2011-02-02T22:32:00.000-08:00

http://drewxor.tumblr.com/post/3060632227/swifferwetjet-mancrushoftheday-visit-the-man

I really hate the photo above. While it's hard to hold back my own feelings and opinions. I have always been the fat guy looking in.

And I know its' much easier being a man than a woman.

But...

There is no excuse I am in charge of what's on the fork and my chose of fired chicken today was not the best of my actions, no matter what other influences were outside pushing in.

I should chose to be more active than sit on the couch and relax

I should chose to drink less and consume less calories in alcohol no matter what my daily stresses maybe.

OK I'm done sounding like a sad sack; tomorrow is going to rock. New opportunities and ways to make a positive difference in people lives + plus its a day I go play with ponies and thats' what really makes the world go round.

On the Mend Version 2

2011-02-02T10:23:00.000-08:00

Good news! The mare is back to being somewhat normal. She seemed to be walking very comfortably last night. She did some foot posturing while being turned out in the arena. But as long as the limping is over and the swelling is gone as far as I’m concerned she’s on the mend.

Hopefully it was just all those rocks in her shoe. Once I pulled them out, that’s when she really started limping around. With a little luck hopefully it is just a rock burse and the tendon swelling was just from her holding her foot funny all day.

I didn’t do much with the horses last night. Went out, checked on the mare, turned her out, put medium weights blankets on; it’s got pretty cold last night, and that was it. I gave everyone a little beet pulp as a snack and that was it. I feel kinda lazy about it but meh… the season is already been a bust with all our sicknesses and injuries. Well make it up soon enough.

Tonight I don’t think we will make it out to the barn; I need to get a lot done around the house and could use a night of rest. I’m still not sleeping very well and I don’t really see that changing for a while till I get transferred to another client or project. Hopefully things will change soon. I can only get better from here on out. J

Falls in to the category of; you’ve got to be f*(king kidding me!

2011-02-01T10:26:00.000-08:00

Angie… your killing me mare!

1 month of stall rest; I was so looking forward to a nice ride last night. I knew she would be a little cracked out but I was up for it.

I didn’t even get the saddle on when; damn it all to hell, she’s posturing her foot funny. Pulled out some rocks, maybe that’s the issue…

O’ no, of course not. Head bobbing, 3 legged lame. Not the foot that is just freshly healed, no; it’s the opposite foot.

All the tendons from the hoof to the fetlock are totally swollen. Cold hosed her off, loaded her up with bute, back in her stall.

I have her on stall rest today. Ill bute, hose and walk her tonight and go from there. UGH so frustrated!

Back in the saddle!

2011-01-31T10:59:00.001-08:00

It’s been quite some time since I’ve updated things. I need to go through this blog and clean it up. I have old post from way back that have never been updated. Plus I’m not sure I like the layout anymore.

Anyway we’ve lost most of our winter training this year. First Angie was mysteriously lame; then healed. Then I got the immune system disease and was sick for 2 months. Once I recovered, Angie pealed all the skin off her heal and was out of commission for another month. It’s been a bit frustrating.

I have taken a few lessons on the Yellow mare. She was naughty. And it’s been nice to have another horse with different issues and different things to work on. Plus it’s good to see how close my riding style is compared to the girl friends.

For my birthday my mom and girl friend had gotten me a racing jockey saddle which hasn’t been used till a few weeks ago. I needed a girth setup for it and hadn’t had the funding to get it yet. The girth I have is way too small; the TB is no longer the same size as a 3 year old that’s for sure. BUT I shoehorned her in it and got up there. I am that bendy; I can sit in a jockey position just fine which had seemed to be the barn debate for a bit.

Anyway, hopefully everyone can stay healthy for a while. I still hate my job… UGH… still have the sleeping issues. I’m hoping 2011 will be nice to me and help me solve both those issues.

Awful Fall Season

2010-11-22T13:03:00.000-08:00

Well I haven’t posted in a very long time. After Zeus passed it has been very hard for me. Then we have just been pummeled with problems; this Fall Season will be one to remember. What doesn’t kill us will make us stronger that’s all I can say.

After Zeus; Cashmere has had some heart issues. Her heart beat is all erratic (arrhythmia ) is the proper medial term. But at her age and size there isn’t really much they can do about it. So it’s life as normal; we ride when she feels good, we quit when she’s showing signs of trouble. She has good days and bad. Hopefully there will be more good days now. She’s eating more and looks very happy so I guess that’s all I can hope for at this point. Docs give her 6 months to 18 months left.

The dog then proceeded to over dose on pills. When I travel for work I’ve been putting a packet of pills, Tylenol, Antacids, Sudafed etc. in a bowl so I don’t have to take a bunch of packages with me; or bye meds if I get sick. Well I got home unpacked and left the bowl on the counter. He ate the whole thing. He spent the whole night at the vet getting pumped full of fluids and charcoal. But he’s fine now thank goodness. I’m still a bit pissed at him tho.

Then Angie proceeded to go lame. 3 weeks out of her shoes and no work. Darn mare, x-rays tuned up fine; just bad flex test. We have no idea what she has done or did. Hopefully she’s 100% healed up now.

I have managed to get some kind of immune sickness. They don’t know if my immune system is over reacting to cold/virus/bacteria or if it’s a virus that’s attacked my immune system. Either way I’m f’ed… have been more times to urgent care than I can ever remembering going. Mostly now it’s just my joints are so sore and swollen it suxs to move or do anything. So I haven’t actually ridden Angie to see if she’s healed or not. Guess we will find out soon.

So many horse deaths this year. My paint buddy at the barn died of colic. The barn steward and I tried so hard to save him. He collapsed 9 to 10 times and we kept heaving him up; but in the end it was too much for him and the vet had to put him down. I feel really bad for the owner who has been a great friend for many years. I wish her the best. Our good friend D will be put down too. EPM and injuries have just become too much. I’m so sorry for her loss she was such a good looking mare and it’s a shame.

Well hope we all make it to the end of the year. Only 6 weeks left; it’s got to get better here soon.

D, Moo, and Winston… you will all be missed more than you ever realized.

It’s amazing how horses can touch one’s life. I’m so thankful the opportunities I’ve had to spend time with mine and to share in the lives of all my horsy friends and to be part of their good times and bad.

Hope everyone has a happy and healthy holiday.

Rough night last night.

2010-09-16T09:35:00.000-07:00

It has been a while. After our last dressage test of the season I took some time off. I still worked the horses every other night; just not as precise. Well basically we have been goofing off and having fun for the last few weeks.

Last night Cashmere decided to choke on something. Swollen tongue, viscous drool, high temperature and lethargic; a quick Google search and the first thing that came up was toxic plant poisoning. So we had the vet out immediately in a panic. So by the time the vet came out she got most of the blockage out herself. Apparently this is one of the dangers of being a senior horse with no teeth. So from the plus side of things she didn’t die of poisoning; but during the exam they discovered a heart arrhythmia. And not just any normal arrhythmia, an erratic one at that. It was so bad; I had trouble even getting a decent heart rate count for the vet.

Soo… where does that leave us? Being she’s 24~26, I don’t really want to have to take her to the hospital for ekg’s, sonograms and prescriptions to get her heart back to normal; which at her age is a long shot anyway. But if we don’t, she won’t be able to take sedatives for the consistent dental work she needs. And noting is a guarantee; she could drop dead at any moment on a heart failure. But what is one to do? ...

Well take her in drop the grand and see where it goes. She’s a stubborn cow and I’ve always said she’ll live forever just to be a pain ;). But that’s alright; she’s worked hard and deserves it.

And for Zeus, after several months of grazing; visits from our favorite vet he’s still all skin and bones. Too old and skinny for any evasive cancer removal. So we’ve made the decision to put him down at the end of the month here. Poor old dude (33~34) he’s had quite the adventures these last 8 years with me. Spoiled rotten, and the center of attention at any boarding barn we’ve lived at. My wingman when I was single and a great friend. He will be missed and our last few weeks together will be cherished. He lucked out when I found him and turn my life in directions I never thought possible. Lots I’ve learned from my experiences with him and Moonie and tons of great times; even though he almost bankrupted me. LOL

And then to top it all off; on the way home ran over a possum and a huge bull frog. Wet, rainy, dark, back farm roads. Swerved wildly and locked up all four tires trying to avoid the possum; but the bugger doubled back in the direction I had taken too avid him. At least it was quick. The bull frog was huge; leaped right in the path of the car and I just couldn’t react fast enough. Poor suicidal critters; I’m sure it was some omen. Signs of bad things to come… I hope not, it’s been a pretty rough ride so far.

End of Season Wrap-up.

2010-08-15T18:36:00.000-07:00

Well we wrapped up the end of our Dressage season last weekend with the SAFE show. And well we didn't end up the year like we would have but I'm still proud of Angie and Cayenne non the less.

The last two weekends and shows Angie was supper stressed. Well behaved and we made tones of progress; but she's still stresses out at shows. She just won't relax and move forward like she should. Practice the night before the test and she was great; day of, she totally froze up on me.

But we were able to canter around others and not run off or race the other horses; so were making progress. It would be one thing if I had my own trailer and were able to do many more shows but we will take what we can get, and I'm sure after many more shows she will loosen up and get use to the chaos.

To help things out I now vow to do the same warm-ups at home as away. Hopefully she will realize that the warm up signifies were about to get to work.

In personal life: work sucks, the new gig is awful. My cars are always giving me issues. The red car needs new axles at $550 per side and the Honda needs a complete rebuild which I can do; but takes lots of time which I don't have.

Really I need a week off to collect and start over.

Fugly you rub me the wrong way again…

2010-07-21T14:44:00.000-07:00

First off; I’m not a big fan of horse drawn carriage rides. Automobile drivers are dumb, and there are just too many dangers for horses in city centers. But, I love draft horses and this is one of the last stands of the working horse in modern times. It’s also one of the last reasons to be building and selling harness for anything other than a hobby for rich people. I this case in particular, the business owner is a dumb ass for having skinny horse out in public anyway; not exactly bright in any sense.

Where I do disagree with Fugly is, about old horses shouldn’t work. Zeus is 34 this year and honestly he looks just awful. Don’t get me wrong; he’s not neglected, he’s not being starved either. In fact it’s just the opposite. He’s out on pasture 10hrs a day, he’s getting 3 flakes of alfalfa and 3 flakes of timothy, grain, beat pulp, cool cals… the list goes on and on the extra things he’s getting to keep him plump and happy.

Most day’s he’s leaving food behind. Which most would consider wasteful but; he’s picky and his tastes of what he’s willing to eat changes from day to day. And, if grass/alfalfa is left out over 6 hr’s he refuses to eat it and needs fresh servings. Side note… the scrawny TB gets his leftover’s so I’m not totally throwing bales of good food. The fact he looks awful is just the fact he’s 34 years old and his body just doesn’t produce enough muscle mass anymore.

So on with my random rant… At 34 we are still riding the moose. If he doesn’t get exercise of some sort he stiffens up and gets sore. Now were not riding him 8hr shifts as a cabby would; and he’s not pulling huge amounts of weight around him like he did in his younger days either. After a few days of not being ridden, he gets really moody too. These guys were bread to work. They like to work. And to toss them out to pasture and do nothing is almost as cruel as neglect. Mental neglect is also as bad as physical neglect; and some would argue it’s actually worse.

Cashmere is a great example. At 26~28 and years of being a high level dressage horse; the center of attention in our herd and dotted on every day. When the ex-wife and I separated, Cashmere went with the ex. and was basically just tossed into a pasture and left.

She was cared for and fed. Sometimes boarded at really nice facilities; but she wasn’t being ridden; wasn’t groomed very often and just left to waste away. Six months ago she came home. She was a shell of her old self. Looked just awful, nothing but skin and bones; not from not having enough food but from the fact she had quit eating. I really think she was basically depressed or the animal equivalent to being depressed.

After weeks of attention and grooming, she started eating much more. After a few weeks of riding, she started to gain muscle again. Now the horse who looked like death when she showed up; now looks barely 20. And at this point she’s got so much energy and talent I don’t have enough time to work her to the level she really needs. Currently were looking for a young student or petite person to work with her. Someone who really needs either the confidence of a well trained dressage horse, or an up can coming talented rider who could use the skill of an old schoolmaster.

My point being in all of this mess here is really this: after years of service and devotion, some horses still need a job. Just like us some of them need to have a purpose other than lawn ornament. Exercise and work keeps some of them going long into their 30’s. I wish more people got to see the real change my mare did going from pasture back to part time work and the pride moo has when being driven. It’s not subtle and I know people will say I’m being anthropomorphism. But the same thing happens to people when they retire and quit exercising. They wither up and fade away, not only physically but menially too.

Anyway, I still think the guy in her story is still an ass hat! I’m not defending him in anyway. Just hate to see old horses tossed away because they are old. Any given day you can find dozens of old horses being tossed aside on Craig’s List and it’s sad and people just suck…

Fourth of July weekend

2010-07-06T18:25:00.000-07:00

Hope everyone had a good 4^th of July holiday. Our was nice and relaxing.

Friday we went out to one of the horse parks in the area. Our horses this was there second trip out to the same park, the other gals there horses it was there first.

Both our horses did great. The locals were blasting off fireworks just behind us and not a single spook from either of them. The arena has some barrels set up; which was perfect for us to practice flying lead changes. Actually not to mention this was Angie's and mine first time cantering in another arena away from home.

They also had a very neat 4H obstacle course, at least I think thats whats it's called. Anyway I had never seen one before and other than the water hazard and bridge Angie did it all without any question. The bridge we tried over and over for about 10 min. eventually I had to get down walk her across. Then after that it was not a problem anymore. We go over bridges all the time so other than it being so small I have no idea why she was pitching a fit. The water hazard was a complete no go... but hey we will try it next time we go out.

The funny thing we switched horses mid way through our trek. But Angie just wouldn't behave for Kelsey, she kept pitching a fit till we switch back. No idea what was going on in that TB brain.

Saturday, I stayed home all day an watched TV. It was nice to have just a day for slacking off around the house. I did get the house clean so it wasn't a total waste.

Sunday back to lessons and general riding. Monday I rode the old senior mare Cashmere; we had fun she didn't want to go back. Kelsey road Buckley for the first time in months we was fine without any issues. Guess the adiquan is working and we will continue his treatments as directed.

Hope everyone else had a happy holiday.

Show Results

2010-06-22T20:27:00.000-07:00

Another weekend gone. I'm more tired now than what I was on Friday. The show was ok. Angie took home a 4th and a 6th. Cayenne took home a 5th and 7th. Our friend Allie took home 3rd and 5th. Like in our practices Tweek was scoring in the high 50's and that's where she landed in the test. We had no spooks; she ran over Brooks poor Morgan. People came out of the woods and kinda freaked her out. We also had a cat sprawl twitch at a mounting block. All in all nothing too badly. Kelsey's first ride Cayenne gave her a bit of a flight issue in the middle of test A. But considering this was a completely new venue both girls got very little warm-up; I'm still proud we didn't have any serious issue, dumps or spooks.

I on the other hand was a mess. We spent the evening cleaning tack. My back was so busted the next day. All the pictures of us you can see I'm just hunched over like a troll.

I'm still a bit saddened we didn't score higher. I know she's got it in her; we just have to get to the point where she's relaxed when we go out to these shows. Once we can get to a point were she's comfortable and not strung we will really be able to progress. It's really the only thing holding her back. But we have goals and now the other girls at the barn are more interested into going to more shows. They have already added another one to the schedule.

Boo too much time working and not enough time working....

2010-06-16T20:15:00.000-07:00

Ugh is all I can say.

I have been working so much these last few days I can't even think about anything else.

Dressage test on Saturday; Intro A & B. Not a bid deal until last night. I did a run through of the test with Angie (Tweek). I'd say my sore would be in the high 50's low 60's. Which at this time in our Dressage carrier is just awful.

Then the worst, happened. Kelsey and Ally at the barn did there practice test. Kelsey and Ally had a good solid 75+ score on both runs. Now I don't want to be overly competitive; but damn, I wasn't expecting them both to do so good. UGH now the pressure is ON, and we need to step up our game. Plus I know Brook is going to be there and from her blog (wildponybeast.blogspot.com) and she's been doing really well on her test.

So stress, stress, stress.... ugh 9:00 pm meetings to call India and deal with the engineers over there. Can we say I don't wanna... *whine*

Alright. Time to put on the big boy shorts! Lots of work to be done! We can get there, just need to focus and ask a little bit more of that mare. I know it's in there. Just need to spur on her motivation to bring it to the surface.

Weekend Round Up.

2010-06-06T18:22:00.001-07:00

It's been a busy week at work. So I haven't had much time to write or think.

Last weekend we had a lesson in the new saddle. My bum was a bit sore but it wasn't too bad. Still, it will take a long time for it to break in. Road Angie mid week. Cantering in the saddle is different, but I wasn't wearing tall boots and I was in jeans; so I didn't try too hard.

The vet came out to look at Buckley... Don't know if I wrote about it, but two weeks ago we went for a trail ride. He was fine till we hit the big rocks in the road. Then he was 3 legged lame. After a bit of bute and a few days rest, he was a bit better, but not buy much. Vet flex tested him and he seemed fine. Her guess is arthritis and we started Adaquin shots. We shall see in a few weeks if it improves his condition. Else, we will have to go get a MRI which is $2000. The cat goes in next week for her dental work which will be $600+. I'm back to being supper poor again. UGH... No worries we will make it through.

Other than that, things have been rather quiet. Barn people have been a bit grumpy, but then again everyone is grumpy. I don't know if it's the weather, or stress from show season, or just general anxious because of the economy stuff. Either way I always hate the drama so I hope it all smooths out soon.

More pictures coming soon. Computers hate me right now and I'm not in the mood to fight them today.

Such a challenging week.

2010-06-02T23:12:00.001-07:00

Well the weekend lesson was great. Our trainer road Tweek for the first time. Her words; “She's quite the challenging horse. Too much pressure and she fights not enough pressure and she pitches a fit.” See I told you she was fun to ride. No really I love Tweek and she will make me the best rider I can be.

But that's not the challenge of the week. I've killed 2 computers this week at work. 2 weeks to get these beasts set up and now they are broken. I hate Microsoft and Windows.

I'm completely bound in wrist braces, from all the work. 3 glasses of wine and I'm still in pain. At this rate I'll be a cripple at the end of the week. Well the Para Olympics games is coming up... I might have a new spot on the dressage team after this month. All snide comments aside I used to coach Special Olympics swim team so don't hate me that much.

UGH... ok I'm trying not to whine here... So tired, so over worked; so much time lost from riding. Some day I'll be super rich and not have to work and be able to spend all my time out with ponies.

Hope all is well with the rest of the world. Good luck and happy trials to the rest of you.

New Saddle!

2010-05-31T15:13:00.000-07:00

Well the new job is going ok, a lot needs to be done.

The ponies are all well. Finally after 2 weeks of looking and hours in the saddle stores; I finally found a saddle I like and fits tweek. It's a wonderful Niedersuss. Technically it's used but it looks brand new. The story the shop told me is that someone ordered it online and it didn't fit there horse. Win for me. I paid $300 less than list price on other websites. That and I don't have to pay shipping.

On the other pets front Sophie the cat had a huge abscess on her face do to a tooth issue. Next week or the week following (depending on the cost) she will be going in for a complete tooth extraction. Sucks the last quote I got was $2000. I have 4 wisdom teeth I need to get pulled but I haven't had the $2000 extra to do it. O'well. After the new job settles in I'll go in and get my teeth done.

Hope everyone is having a great holiday off. I spent most of mine sleeping in!!!

Looking for a new barn? Here is ours and has great care.

2010-05-21T09:26:00.001-07:00

Horse Boarding

21326 Woods Creek Rd

Monroe, WA 98272

(425)736-7102

Stalls Starting at $375

Oversized Stalls Available

Indoor Arena

Indoor Roundpen

½ Mile Track

Turnout

Hot/Cold Washrack

Stallions Welcome

Rehabs

Foaling & Mare Care

Lounge with Arena View

Heated Restroom

Fridge/Microwave

On-Site Laundry

Hauling

Firecreek Farm is now accepting full-care boarders. We welcome both individual owners and trainers with clients to inquire at our facility. We feed three times daily and offer turnout. Blanketing is included if desired.

Managers and caretakers live on the premises, so there is always an experienced person on site supervising the horses.

Several times a year we also haul out to local shows and trails, and have extra space in the trailer, so if you don't have a trailer you can usually catch a ride!

Crazy Days

2010-05-19T19:44:00.000-07:00

Been a supper busy week. K is sick, new job; I've had hardly no time at all. But it will all work out in the end and things will be better and happier.

Trying to get ready for our first (Kelsey's second) schooling show of the year. If Angie does 70~80% on the test we will move up to a points show. Cayenne still has a bit of work, her transition to canter is a bit rough.

The new job is going really well. The transition is going to be smoother than I thought. Still miss the old job tho.

http://ridingaside.blogspot.com/ is a neat blog. Side saddle it getting much popular these days. Check out this gal jumping, totally kick ass. The blog post is several days down.

Out for a bit.

2010-05-12T20:17:00.000-07:00

Just as an FYI I'll be gone for quite a few weeks. Starting the new job I'm sure I'll be stressed out and run pretty ragged for a while. But when I settle back in, I'm sure I'll have a ton of pony stories to share.

Cheers to being positive!!!

2010-05-11T13:19:00.000-07:00

So I have been feeling pretty moody lately. Change never does me well; and with all the changes in my life these last few years it’s been hard to keep happy.

I have always felt a bit trapped about the horses. $2500+ per month; it’s a huge part of our budget and doesn’t exactly allow us to have the freedoms that most couples have. The ex dumped 2 of the horses on me. 2 of the horses are so old you couldn’t re-home them if you wanted to. 2 of the horses have had troubled pasts and I really don’t feel it would be safe for them (or other people) to be re-homed. And 3 of the horses have health issues and re-homing them would defiantly put them in danger of being permanently hurt.

So; thankfully a radio-pod cast I listen too had the answer for me today.

5 things positive about my life with the horses.

Every moment spent with them; I’m truly happy and time spent with them separates me from the other stresses of my life. Out with the horses; I leave everything else at the barn door and I’m totally free and focused for several hours on being happy.
I am very proud of what we have accomplished and how much my horses have advanced in their carrier and social behavior. All our horses were tossed aside at one point of their life and now all are active and lead healthy normal lives now.
The horses have made me a better person; I’m more physically fit. It has broken the loop of: I am defined by what items I own, the title I have at work, the car I drive and house I live in. I now really see the value in life and priorities have changed for me.
The horses keep me motivated and striving to become a better athlete. We always have goals, things to accomplish and daily challenges.
Horse always keeps me learning. Whither it is, learning how to become a better rider, or learning how to shoe horses. There is always some new our there, heck if I ever wanted to we could switch from dressage to eventing or even western.

Anyway I do feel better about the ponies; I get stuck sometimes mentally and need push in the right direction. Stuck on what needs to be done; work, home, horses and I forget to think about the positive things about my life and how lucky we really are. They say for every negative thought you have you need 3 positive ones to balance it out and to be a happy person. So that’s my change for the future is to keep those unhappy thoughts at bay with positive things.

Cheers to being positive!

Nostalgic

2010-05-06T01:25:00.000-07:00

Sorry, but I'm being nostalgic tonight; talks online with friends have brought up many sad memories. Moonie; you are missed and I hope you have found peace in heaven. I hope your last years with us were your best. You taught me so much about horses. I can never repay the lessons you taught me; I can only hope you were happy till the end and you realized that we only wanted the best for you.

Bad Horse Dad

2010-05-05T23:16:00.000-07:00

Sorry it's been a while since I posted anything. Actually I haven't ridden in two days now; haven't seen the ponies in two days now. I'm a bad horse owner I know... Thank god the barn staff is so great and I can be gone for a day or two now without worrying. We did ride over the weekend and Monday night; I took pictures but I've still got to get them off the camera and up to picasa.

I've taken a new job. And I start next Monday. It's bitter sweet for me; I love my current job and didn't want to leave. But when I took my current gig, I took a 10k a year pay cut; which has taken it's tole over the last 3 years. Then I got divorced; with hellish alimony, and the x-wife dumped off two horses on me I never planned on (financially that is) having. So when this offer came in with a big raise and an opportunity to become a regular manager of a development team; I just can't realistically turn it down. Bummer, it has been, I've got quite the ulcer brewing. Some day some how I'll figure out how to be a stay at home horse dad; ride the grand prix pro circuit and what not. Till then I just plug along doing the best I can for me and the family. *sigh* It sux always having to do whats right...

I'll post the weekend pictures later on in the week.

Had one of those nights.

2010-04-28T14:28:00.000-07:00

Well my predictions of a good ride on Angie last night was totally off by huge margins. It wasn’t an awful ride, just bad. We didn’t have any rhythm, she was un-motivated and nothing seemed to fix any of it. We ended up giving up and going for a trek about the racetrack. The good news was; our track experience was supper. Cayenne gave Kelsey a few good spooky moments. Angie was solid as a rock. On the backside where she normally goes nuts and dances all the way back to the barn; a few half halts and a deep seat, she settled back down and had a nice walk gate back to the barn. I was proud of her. Everyone got apples (picture) and I tried to shed out Zeus some more. He’s still a hairy beast; my arms get so tired, he’s not even close to being finished.

(pic of Angie – look foaming at the mouth! She must be rabid; all the squirrelyness makes sense now.)

Blind Pleasure Rides

2010-04-27T14:50:00.000-07:00

Rode the Cashmere last night. She’s always a pleasure to ride; maybe because she knows so much more than I can ride at this point in my carrier, but she never disappoints and always puts a smile on my face. I think she maybe loosing much of her eyesight; she’s 28 this year. The other horses you walk down the barn isle ways and they’re hanging their heads out looking at you. She’s starring off into space until you say something. The other night: I was just hanging on her door watching her eat. Another horse was lead by the door; she snarled and almost bit at me. The look on her face was totally; OMG your not who I thought you were... She often trips into potholes (if the arena hasn’t been tended too in a few days) if I’m not really careful.

Had lunch with colleagues from a past job. One started work here at the same company I’m at now the other is laid off and back to school. It’s really depressing talking about those old times. I don’t know if, it was just the time of our lives; that was depressing or if just my life is so much more positive now. Anyways, I’m trying not to dwell on those dark days, just trying to get it all behind me now. Hopefully our next outings will be more cheerful. Gosh I’m so grateful for the GF Kelsey!

Going to ride the young mares tonight. They should be exciting, haven’t been worked in days. Hopefully we will return in one piece tonight. I’ve got meetings tomorrow too, darn... there is a bottle of Indian Wells red wine beckoning my name. Meh, it will be there for the weekend.

Weekend Roundup.

2010-04-26T15:44:00.000-07:00

Hummm.. I don’ think I posted anything last week, busy week at work, and at home.

Friday: Got to shoe horses! I’ve got burses all over my arm from smashing the hammer on myself. Something about the angles and hanging upside down to hammer. I just haven’t got it figured out yet.

(Older picture of Angie - She's filthy in this pic :P )

Seith has been teaching me now for the last 3 or 4 shoeings. I’m getting faster, it’s a lot of hard work and by the next day I’m stiff from the hips down. Jus tone of those life experiences that I just find neat. Plus too I’m hoping the more I know about shoeing the horses; it will translate into ill be a better rider, or at least know if my horses are getting the proper care and to tell if a farrier is full of crap or not.

It’s fun; I enjoy it. I’d do it for a living if I were younger and didn’t have a passel of bills and horses to care for already. But then too, if your dealing with everyone else’s horses all day long would you want to come home and ride your own? Probably not since 3 out of my last 4 shoers didn’t ride anymore.

Also on a side note; learned Seith used to be a rodeo clown or bullfighter. Pretty cool. Also got to talk to the exercise jockey/trainer out at the barn finally. He’s going to give me a lesson next month on how to ride in a jockey saddle and how to pick one out for when I go to get one for Angie.

I rode the moose mare Cayenne on Saturday; it’s been several weeks since we did anything. Typically Kelsey rides her; Kelsey and Angie don’t mix well, so Cayenne and Kelsey have been working really hard to get ready for this season. Angie and Kelsey they just have there moments; for some reason they rub each other wrong and get into arguments. Most of the short fall is Angie; she has a hard time figuring things out and then it turn into a tantrum. She means well (Angie) she’s just has a hard time with new things. Angie also has a tendency to freak out about little things; reacting without thinking and can be a bit on the dangerous side, falling off cliffs, getting tangled in fences, that kind of thing. When she’s like that I can understand how it can get a bit sketchy and if you don’t keep your calm Angie knows it and it gets out of control fast.

Anyway back to Cayenne: I had a wonderful ride with her. Everything was smooth and she did everything I asked without and issues what so ever. Afterwards we went for a nice jaunt around the track. A nice pleasant ride; perfect for a fair weather Saturday.

Saturday our lessons were canceled; it was Kelsey’s turn anyway. She had an eye Dr. appointment and we wouldn’t be able to make it anyway.

Sunday stayed home; got all the domestic tasks done. Laundry (Saddle pads); house cleaned, grocery and target shopping all done. All that’s left is going to pick up grain and bagging up grain for the week.

Photos from schooling show.

2010-04-20T13:44:00.000-07:00

Cashmere Munching Some Dandelions.

Cayenne snacking at the horse trailer.

Our friend Katie and Her Horse Sketch

Kelsey and Cayenne

Allies horse Tally and the hole she dug... LOL nice work Tally!

Compalin!!!

2010-04-19T20:22:00.000-07:00

Ugh, why is photo management on computers so darn hard and slow!!! UGH!

Also, Kelsey did laundry all night Friday. How is it two people can create so much dirty laundry in such a short time? That is the bain of all horsey husbands; you will always do more cleaning than your spouse... You will never have a clean car; and the barn will always be cleaner than your house.

Ok sorry to be whiny and complain. Almost done uploading the last six months of pictures from my camera and cell phone. Show pictures will be up soon.

What a weekend. So much going on, I’m not even sure where to start.

2010-04-19T14:09:00.001-07:00

Zeus has been acting funny lately. Thursday he didn’t poo all night long in his stall. So we gave him a lot of Bran Mash with quite a few cups of Vegetable oil. Since he was eating drinking, a normal temp and there was gut moment sounds, gut sounds were not as loud or prolific as normal but there is moment sounds; I wasn’t going to call out the vet quite yet. Friday he was back to normal. Saturday he has been eating less but the rest was fine. Sunday I came back from the horse show and he had been up and down a lot apparently sleeping. Also he had been very sweaty under his sheet; but same thing; he’s drinking quite a bit (or his normal volume), temp normal, gut sounds not as loud as I would like but there is movement again. We went out to the pastures and I let him graze. So he’s eating when it appeals to him. But dinnertime he just didn’t eat as much as usual or as fast. It’s the sleeping so much that bothers me; reports from the barn staff are he’s up and down quite a bit and napping more than normal. It’s not his joints bothering him; because he’s fine walking around and I did ride him on Tuesday. Sooo I don’t know; and at 34 I don’t even know if there would be anything more that what could be doing. The vet was just out last week and gave him a one over and said he looks great for a 34-year-old draft horse. Also the girls are all in season, there are 4 stallions at the barn; he may just be stressed over his ladies and it may pass here in a few days anyway. We know he’s got cancer somewhere in him due to his such high calcium levels in his blood; so it also just maybe his time anyway. It’s the waiting that sucks, I would rather him be ill and we could pin it on one thing rather than this wish washy stuff.

The horse show was a lot of fun, even though I didn’t compete. I must admit I’m really spoiled with Kelsey. We were packed and ready to roll the night before. Packing was done in under 10 min. Cayenne didn’t need much grooming at all; wash up her white socks, clip her whiskers, hairy ear fuzz, off with the draft feathers, and done. Her tail is always trimmed due to her being lazy and not lifting her tail all the time. So even prep time on the horses aren’t bad anymore. The time at the shows are always team participation between the two of us so were always there for each other and helping the other along. Quite the contrast from the ex wife. DB was always in a tift over something; and either pissed and screaming or crying about something. It’s nice to do a show and have a nice experience. I’m sure the horses really enjoy a more relaxed me. It’s so much easier to spend all your time focused on the horse and relaxing their nerves rather than spending your time trying to calm and appease your partner. Also I was pleasantly surprised to finally meet Brook the author of Green and Green = Black and Blue blog. She wasn’t showing; just there to watch and help. But hopefully we will run across again later at another show when her TB Denali is there. Poor Ally’s TB Tally didn’t enjoy being there. She was just stressed the entire time; sweating like mad. She probably lost 10lbs in sweat alone. She also dug and trench around the corner of the trailer the pictures are amazing the mud hole she created in 5 hrs. In the end Ally felt so uncomfortable about riding her she end up scratching from all her classes. Katie had just as much bad luck. Sketch broke free from the trailer under my watch. I feel so bad. She started flipping out and spooking about something. The horse is stone deaf, and I just couldn’t get her to calm down, even treats didn’t work. She started yanking and yanking on the halter till it broke. I just couldn’t get the rope undone fast enough. Even when the horse was running off, I still couldn’t get the rope off the damn trailer. Another reason we use silky ropes for shows; easier to emergency release than the course cotton ones. Thankfully she didn’t get hurt, she just ran to her mom and hung out till I was able to toss a rope over her. Hindsight I should have untied her from the get go and lead her around. I’m sure she would have been fine grazing. But that’s the good thing about schooling shows it’s the time for the young horses to do silly things and no one is awfully offended. Cayenne on the other hand was absolutely fabulous. Well behaved no issues; she was leery of crowds and had a few wow moments in front of the judges box. But all in all she was really really good. Especially since she hadn’t been to any shows in 3 years and since there weren’t any members of her heard there. Even moments like when a horse tried to flip over in its trailer she handled it all with stride.

Also with the schooling show under control; I had to run off midday to my normal Sunday lesson. Angie and I haven’t had a very good week. She’s just been not happy. Not happy on the bit, kicking out at any leg pressure. Some of it may be that she’s in season; some of it may just be that we had a crap week. But after 10 minutes with Cindy and we were just on fire. She was soooo danm good. She would get on the bit and allow me to release pressure and she’s carrying her self so much more on her own. Much of our issues are our drastic riding styles from DB and myself. Angie has always been ridden in more a heavy-handed German style dressage and I’ve always been so soft and more towards the French styles. Last weekend our lesson with Denise I was so sore from all the leg pressure and squeezing that mare along. This week 100% the opposite any little leg pressure and she was off, kicking, bucking pitching a fit; basically become just uncorked. And I can officially say no leg pressure is just as difficult and tiring on your caves as too much pressure. OMG I’m so tired today. Anyway Angie was supper great; I’m really proud of her and how her retraining is coming along. Any luck we may be first level here soon.

Anyway, lots of pictures coming tonight. I just didn’t have the energy last night to upload them all. Also 3 or 4 glasses of wine didn’t help either.

1 step forward, 3 steps back.

2010-04-16T16:08:00.001-07:00

Ugh the problem with draft horses is grooming during shedding season. My arm is just killing me. I’m gonna have one buff arm and one skinny one till Zeus is all shedded out. I had a 5-gallon bucket of hair after an hour of grooming last night; and the sad part is he’s not even 30% done. But with 17.1hands 1900lbs he’s got a lot of surface area to brush.

I rode Angie last night; didn’t go so well. I mean it wasn’t awful and I didn’t come off or anything; we just had an off night. She wasn’t interested; I’m uncomfortable in that wintech saddle. Sucks that she’s out grown our old passier. Our last lesson wasn’t that great, I probably asked for a bit much and she was a bit grumpy about the whole thing. This week we are gonna take it back a notch and try to make things more interesting for her. Also, baths on Saturday (tomorrow) so maybe if there is time we can spend some time on the track. Some days the TB in her really likes a good run out there. We’ve been working pretty hard these last few months. I wish we had some jumps at the barn, she could use a good work out non-related to what we have normally been doing. Mix it up a bit.

K’s going to a schooling show this weekend. Sunday, I don’t think I’ll show. I have a lesson and I don’t want to cancel this short of notice. Plus it’s a equitation show. I’ve never done that before, only dressage. So I’ll go and watch as much as I can then head to the barn for my lesson. K’s gonna take Cayenne, Cay’s first show in 3 years. I hope she won’t go nuts and stampede someone. Seriously… I’m sure she’s gonna do well. The other gals are taking really young horses so, and hold your breath; Cay is going to be the sane one of the group... Wow I’ve waited 6 years to hear that and it still is a shocking thing to admit. My pony is almost all grown up LOL... I’ll take pictures and be sure to post them asap

Because of Love

2010-04-09T14:02:00.000-07:00

Because of Love (Please read all the way to the end)

A brother and sister had made their usual hurried, obligatory pre-
Christmas visit to the little farm where dwelt their elderly
parents with their small herd of horses. The farm was where they
had grown up and had been named Lone Pine Farm because of the huge
pine, which topped the hill behind the farm. Through the years the
tree had become a talisman to the old man and his wife, and a
landmark in the countryside. The young siblings had fond memories
of their childhood here, but the city hustle and bustle added more
excitement to their lives, and called them away to a different life.

The old folks no longer showed their horses, for the years had
taken their toll, and getting out to the barn on those frosty
mornings was getting harder, but it gave them a reason to get up in
the mornings and a reason to live. They sold a few foals each
year, and the horses were their reason for joy in the morning and
contentment at day's end.
Angry, as they prepared to leave, the young couple confronted the
old folks "Why do you not at least dispose of The Old One." She
is no longer of use to you. It's been years since you've had foals
from her. You should cut corners and save so you can have more for
yourselves. How can this old worn out horse bring you anything but
expense and work? Why do you keep her anyway?"
The old man looked down at his worn boots, holes in the toes,
scuffed at the barn floor and replied, " Yes, I could use a pair of
new boots. His arm slid defensively about the Old One's neck as he
drew her near with gentle caressing he rubbed her softly behind her
ears. He replied softly, "We keep her because of love. Nothing
else, just love."

Baffled and irritated, the young folks wished the old man and his
wife a Merry Christmas and headed back toward the city as darkness
stole through the valley. The old couple shook their heads in
sorrow that it had not been a happy visit. A tear fell upon their
cheeks. How is it that these young folks do not understand the
peace of the love that filled their hearts?

So it was, that because of the unhappy leave-taking, no one noticed
the insulation smoldering on the frayed wires in the old barn.
None saw the first spark fall. None but the "Old One".

In a matter of minutes, the whole barn was ablaze and the hungry
flames were licking at the loft full of hay. With a cry of horror
and despair, the old man shouted to his wife to call for help as he
raced to the barn to save their beloved horses. But the flames were
roaring now, and the blazing heat drove him back. He sank sobbing
to the ground, helpless before the fire's fury. His wife back from
calling for help cradled him in her arms, clinging to each other,
they wept at their loss.

By the time the fire department arrived, only smoking, glowing
ruins were left, and the old man and his wife, exhausted from their
grief, huddled together before the barn. They were speechless as
they rose from the cold snow covered ground. They nodded thanks to
the firemen as there was nothing anyone could do now. The old man
turned to his wife, resting her white head upon his shoulders as
his shaking old hands clumsily dried her tears with a frayed red
bandana. Brokenly he whispered, "We have lost much, but God has
spared our home on this eve of Christmas. Let us gather strength
and climb the hill to the old pine where we have sought comfort in
times of despair. We will look down upon our home and give thanks
to God that it has been spared and pray for our beloved most
precious gifts that have been taken from us.

And so, he took her by the hand and slowly helped her up the snowy
hill as he brushed aside his own tears with the back of his old and
withered hand.

The journey up the hill was hard for their old bodies in the steep
snow. As they stepped over the little knoll at the crest of the
hill, they paused to rest, looking up to the top of the hill the
old couple gasped and fell to their knees in amazement at the
incredible beauty before them.

Seemingly, every glorious, brilliant star in the heavens was caught
up in the glittering, snow-frosted branches of their beloved pine,
and it was aglow with heavenly candles. And poised on its top most
bough, a crystal crescent moon glistened like spun glass. Never had
a mere mortal created a Christmas tree such as this. They were
breathless as the old man held his wife tighter in his arms.

Suddenly, the old man gave a cry of wonder and incredible joy.
Amazed and mystified, he took his wife by the hand and pulled her
forward. There, beneath the tree, in resplendent glory, a mist
hovering over and glowing in the darkness was their Christmas
gift. Shadows glistening in the night light.

Bedded down about the "Old One" close to the trunk of the tree, was
the entire herd, safe.

At the first hint of smoke, she had pushed the door ajar with her
muzzle and had led the horses through it. Slowly and with great
dignity, never looking back, she had led them up the hill, stepping
cautiously through the snow. The foals were frightened and dashed
about. The skittish yearlings looked back at the crackling, hungry
flames, and tucked their tails under them as they licked their lips
and hopped like rabbits. The mares that were in foal with a new
years crop of babies, pressed uneasily against the "Old One" as she
moved calmly up the hill and to safety beneath the pine. And now,
she lay among them and gazed at the faces of the old man and his
wife. Those she loved she had not disappointed. Her body was
brittle with years, tired from the climb, but the golden eyes were
filled with devotion as she offered her gift---

Because of love. Only Because of love.
Tears flowed as the old couple shouted their praise and joy... And
again the peace of love filled their hearts.

This is a true story.

Willy Eagle
This is an Inspirational message sent to a small group of people.
My hope is that it will make your day just a little bit better.

--------------------------------------------
I usually don’t care for these sting emails that get passed around. But this one hit kind of close to home. The vets assistants yesterday we puzzled by the randomness of my heard of horses. 3 seniors, 2 pmu’s, a draft, a TB and a QH. I know there all rejects and rescues; but they all have lots of heart. Each one is ridden on a regular basis; and the GF and I value all equally no matter what they are, show horse or not.

Zeus, Moonie who ever sent them to slaughter cause of there age or injuries; I hope they die a slow painful death. It’s a damn shame that after a lifetime of loyal work they are just tossed aside like a used soda can. Even Cashmere, the ex-wife’s old dressage horse, who gave 10 years of loyalty and hard work; just tossed aside and almost starved to death. That’s how a horse is rewarded for years of service... shame on all of you.

For a while I had a wall of ribbons in your house. With great pride those ribbons are symbols of our hard work from a horse that was tossed aside. Angie the reject OTB who was found in a pasture getting beat up by her heard mates. Cayenne who was abused and half blind. Kelsey's past mare an Arab brood mare that was no longer fertile. Proof that these animals still have the spirit to accomplish great things.

Moonie’s Story

2010-04-07T16:00:00.000-07:00

I’ve been sick a lot lately; so I have nothing new to report on the pony fronts. Except my saddle doesn’t fit tweek anymore. Tweek’s 11th birthday was this weekend on Easter, so she had to have an early birthday of oatmeal cream cookies. Other than that I haven’t ridden since last week. I road for a few last night; but didn’t do much. All the kids get shots tomorrow. Cayenne gets the lump on her back taken off. Cashmere gets her utters looked at. More news on all that later.

Moonie’s Story:
Moonie was at the slaughter feed lot with Zeus. When I first meet them; I had no intention on rescuing any horses; let alone any draft horses. The ex-wife went to the feedlot to look at a yearling that had been dropped off there. This yearling ended up being a tiny mustang and nothing she was really interested, but we found it a home anyway. Anyway while looking at this yearling these two giant drafts wouldn’t leave me alone. They were all over me, in my pockets, in my hair; just wouldn’t leave me alone.

Anyway I told the gal there running the rescue that if no one came for the draft horses to give me a call. So a few days later I get this call asking me to take home Zeus. Moonie had been claimed and was supposed to be picked up by another family. So the day the meat truck came we were there to pick up Zeus and take him home; the other family just never came to get Moonie… And since Zeus was so big; he had to have a semi come pick him up for us; I was like sure take Moonie too.

Moonie was a great horse; supper sweet. She had been trained to drive but not be ridden. And when I would try to ride her, she would buck wildly like some rodeo bronco. So I felt in order to re-home her; the only safe thing to do was re-trainer her to be ridden so she wouldn’t end up hurting someone.

Now remember at this time in my life I have only ridden a few times myself. So basically that’s how I learned to ride. Throw the stupid guy on the bucking horse… Eventually I figured out how to stay on a bucking horse. Actually it was really fun. And after 6 months of bucking and carrying on she eventually got used to the whole idea of saddles; but in the same token I felt after 6 months of being bounced off the beast I wasn’t about to give her away. So I ended up keeping the moose.

She loved trail rides. Hated arena work; but out on the trials nothing could/would stop her. She would go anywhere and do anything. Love being groomed. Many nights in the cross ties she would lean and lean until eventually I was pinned against the wall cause she was enjoying it so much. In fact I got into a major argument with some woman one night. She was giving me shit for grooming her all the time; and I snapped back at her to mind her own business and just cause she wasn’t some fancy warmblood didn’t mean she didn’t deserve the attention or care that any other show horse would receive. I’m sure in her younger years she could have been prize winner in any draft show.

Moonie was with us from March 2003 till Aug of 2006. That last summer she began to loose weight something major. Some where in the neighborhood of 200lbs. After a few vet checks they finally discovered cancer in her mammary glands. Originally we were told she would make it threw surgery; but the night before her surgery she had breathing issues. After a sonogram they discovered she had hundreds of tiny cancer spots all throughout her lungs and abdomen. The only humane option we were left with was to put her down.

I was devastated for many months after her death. Even now it’s supper hard for me to think about her. But she was in her mid to late 20’s at her death; and I’m sure her last 3 years with me were the best in her life. She was spoiled rotten loved much had died with great dignity rather than at some cannery.

Great weekend, awful Monday.

2010-03-29T12:58:00.001-07:00

Friday night Crystal’s birthday at the Merk, always a good time. We were so tired from this nasty head cold we didn’t stay long, home by Midnight.

Saturday, grain; were to the point where we are going threw 300lbs every two weeks for 5 horses. In reality it’s not that bad. Works out to be 4ish lbs a day. And it’s not all grain it’s grain, alfalfa pellets and rice bran pellets. The majority of which is going to the seniors. By the time we made it out to the barn it was dinnertime for them. So we just bathed the Cashmere. She has been just foul. I don’t think the ex-wife ever bathed her the 2 years she was gone with her. But she’s all soft and silky and smells so much better. Sunday I noticed she rolled and there is still scurfy skin, it may take a few baths for everything to balance out.

Sunday Kelsey had her first lesson on Buckley in over a year. Poor guy is looking totally healed up now. Cindy did a wonderful job getting him straight. He tends to the left on all of his gates. Who knows if it’s from the injury by the Percheron or if it’s his natural mo.

Sunday night I’m back to not sleeping at all. So way tired today. My android equine apps are still gaining downloads every day up to 230 I expect to be at 250 today and 500 by the end of the week. But still getting ridicule from the rest of the market place. Meh, it’s amazing to me how lack of knowledge or understanding always leads to hate and malice. I’m like really; if you don’t understand why people need/want to track there horses weight, nutrition, and vet apts; on your phone then why would you care. Just don’t download it and why do you have to bitch about it. I don’t understand why if you don’t understand the need for it, then why you would have any malice towards my customers and me. Damn whiny Internet geeks. Quit complaining and just down load another of 500 twitter apps and leave us horse people alone.

All right enough of my whining. All this week we will have lots of great rides. The horses have all been absolutely fabulous. And we have birthday oatmeal cream cookies! Angie is just about to turn 11, Buckley just turned 18 the other day (I forgot); and the other kids who knows what their birthday is, but it’s probably around this time anyway.

Race Videos Up!

2010-03-26T09:45:00.000-07:00

Race 10 on 7-6-2 Angie's First Race

Race 8 on 8-8-2 Angie's Second Race

Sorry about the half goofy post. I was up till 1:30 working last night working so I’m kind of spacey today. I’ve already twittered these videos with the names all backwards. Tweek (Angie’s) racing name is Tres Amigos.

She comes in last place or close to last place in both posts. Thankfully if you ask me. I would have hate to think of what a life time of racing and breading would do to the poor mare. Her conformation isn’t the best to begin with and she’s majorly accident-prone. In the first video she’s the horse in gate 3 and in the last video she’s in gate 6. Both videos she’s squashed in start; the second video she’s in 3^rd /4^th place for most of the race then the jockey just seems to give up on her. Maybe she was injured who knows. Her jockey is in a black shirt with the red spider looking thing on it. The first video she drops out of frame for quite a bit but later on in the replays there are different angles where you can see her more.

Horse racing is super exciting. I could get really get into it except the fact they race them way to young. And the fact I’ve seen tracks I wouldn’t do a dressage test on let alone one of my kids run on it.

Double Trouble.

2010-03-25T23:09:00.001-07:00

Wow it's been quite some time I've had to ride two horses in one night. I'm spoiled; with Kelsey around we've been able to tag team the ponies and I've been able to get home at a decent hour. Plus since I've had trouble sleeping, I was plain exhausted before I even started.

But the young mares were absolutely fabulous and we had a great time. All of them are in roaring heat. Cayenne parked her self right in front of her neighbors stall and pee'ed all over the concrete isle way. I swear she's got a 10 gallon bladder. And the barn uses pellets instead of shavings; so I didn't wan to waste half a bag of pellets on an isle accident. So I ended up hosing out half the barn and sweeping it down the drains... Luckily the barn was built with a lot of thought put into it and it all drains easily.

The good news is I got Angie's racing DVD today. I thought I had so much trouble with the small video. The large video isn't much better. All the stats and numbers I have no idea which one she is. 2002 must have been all Dark Bay mares race only cause there isn't any color in any of the horses. And … the damn thing won't run on my LINUX laptop so I have to run it on the TV or Mac. I have no idea how I'm gonna get it on YouTube now...

I guess Mom got a visit from crazy ex wife on Monday. Well Mom wasn't home so I guess my Dad had to deal with her. Apparently she hung out for over an hour. Didn't speak much to my little sis (who is 12 now) which upset her. I don't know; I haven't had enough alcohol tonight to even think about it. I just don't wanna deal with it right now.

Got a nice glass soda and Irish whiskey so I'm gonna just relax and hopefully get a good nights sleep tonight.

Pony Biff

2010-03-24T20:32:00.001-07:00

Well I think Buckley is completely healed. We took the boys out for a ride around the track last night. Kelsey on Buck, me on Zeus. Buck tripped and almost totally biffed it. He was almost on his knees. I'm really surprised he made it back up; but he did and Kelsey said on gracefully. And even after all that he did just fine. No limping, no short steps... all good.

Zeus was good too. Really on the move and had a good pace. These days it's give or take. He's either supper slow and lethargic or moving out like a mad man. Being it's spring and all the girls are in season, I'm sure he's stepped it up a notch to “compete” with the young boys around.

Kelsey has a lesson on Sunday; she's thinking about riding Buck for a short lesson. Our friend has had a hard time with illness and she's really lost her balance and confidence. So she might ride Cashmere for the other half of the lesson. All good, hopefully DB won't bitch too much about it. Meh...

Too much race stuff.

2010-03-22T10:12:00.001-07:00

So another favorite blog “Green and Green make Black and Blue” (sorry I don’t remember the URL but it comes up first in google when you search for it) posted about RaceReplays.com and how you can find archival footage of your TB. Well the replays site kept crashing my home network, and I would even have to reset my modem and everything anytime I tried to watch any of Tweeks videos. So I trucked to the library and watched them all there.

Amazing to see her run back in her day. Too bad she wasn’t a winner; but if she was I’m sure she’d end up being some broodmare somewhere or even worse have more injures than she has now.

The cool thing is I found out you can call down to Emerald Downs and they will ship you a DVD with your horse’s videos on them. Much better than trying to make out a 4-inch video stream. Plus it’s like only $35 plus any head shot photos they have on file. So next week I’ll upload the videos, till then I still have to figure out all these stats and numbers on Tweek.

I kind of got wrapped up in the whole thing. Spent Saturday with Angie on the track; she almost bounced me off the saddle at one point. Someday I would like to meet up with the TB trainer at the barn and see if I can get him to give me a lesson. Show me how to sit a race saddle, how to fit a new race saddle, etc...

Also spent way too much money. Damn the gift horse! Go in for a $15 salt lick; leave with 300’s worth of new “Stuff”. Well I needed a new helmet; mine’s like from the 80’s or 90’s. And my paddock boots were just a mess. So Ariat you’re given a second chance. If these boots don’t last longer than 8 months, I’m never going to buy one of your products again. My last pair only lasted 8 months; but they were the hiking/paddock style, these are just the plain lacers. The gals at the store claim these will last much longer; seems everything I have of Ariat except there clothing hasn’t lasted nearly as long as it’s previous successor. Tho, the gals their also said they don’t know many people anymore who actually ride 5+ days a week. And the new helmet I bought looks pretty snazzy it’s a Charles Owen I think.

2010-03-22T03:55:00.000-07:00

Oh, why am I not asleep. Seems like weeks now I wake up at 2:30 am and can't get back to sleep. Some nights it makes me down right angry; and you can't get back to sleep when your angry. None of it make sense. I wake up, then all I think about is work, or horses; and then I'm done, can't get back to sleep.

This weeks horse bitch; "martingales". Horse being sold at the barn which lead to an in prompt to lesson from the owner to the seller. Poor horse was cranked down in a standing martingale. First off, if your gonna buy a horse; make the owner take off all the gizmo's before getting on it. You want to know what the horse is really like; not what the tack is forcing it to be in. Next, really a hr lesson in the martingale. My TB who I love dearly, but tends to do a giraffe impression with her head up in the air all the time. She is a first level, soon to be second level horse; but if you let her... head up in the air. I'm sure a half hour with her head cranked down and she'd be a nut case. Does she carry her self properly when asked, yes; but its when asked and give her the freedom to protest when she wants to. If your a green rider and a young horse instead of just cranking down the head with gizmo's; why don't you teach your riders to ask the horse nicely, and train the horse to give instead of just take.

At times I just think people have just become to lazy; sure, toss the tubby girl up there and give the horse no way out. I propose this; lets tie the trainers head down for an hour. Have some tubby bounce around on her back for an hour and see what kind of mood she's in when your done.

It's all about being relaxed and accepting. Is the position better for the horses back, yes; but at what cost? Mentally lets get there first. I've spent half my riding carrier getting my horses on the bit; naturally, by asking not by forcing. Mainly cause my horses are nut cases in the first place and being trapped in that position with out an escape for them would be detrimental to me.

Vacation

2010-03-18T16:22:00.000-07:00

I will admit; while I love my job it's nice to have some time off. This year I've take more time off than ever in my entire life. The house has been cleaned every day; the rugs have been shampooed, the oven cleaned, no dirty laundry to get done and there has been a home cooked meal every night.

Unfortunately there has been little horse riding this week. But all my saddle pads are cleaned and ready to rock. Kelsey has been kind enough to pull all the silly keeper straps off all of them. There annoying and never fit my fat kids very well.

Good news is the job market is picking up. I've had more job offers this month than in the last 4 years... so the whole economy thing must be looking up. Also next month is raise time; YEA I'm tired of being poor. A divorce and acquiring 2 extra horses in the past year where not exactly in my budget. Kelsey getting laid off for six months. Plus Zeus, while I love him dearly and he will be missed awfully; wasn't expected to live this long (he's 34). All were unexpected all this time.

Well hopefully all the non-horse riding will change tomorrow. We have a night out with friends tonight, and unless I have to be carried home, which may actually happen; I plan on being up early and out riding all 5 horses tomorrow. I do have a lesson on Saturday; or is it Kelsey's turn... ugh I don't remember now... oh well someone will have a lesson and the kids will need to be ready.

Hope all had a happy patties day; we did.

Happy St. Patties day folks.

2010-03-17T12:16:00.000-07:00

I've got my corned beef in the oven, baking in dark beer. Red potatoes and Carrots ready to toss in. Horse saddle pads in the wash, AND there is an all day marathon of Leprechaun on TV today.

Rode Cashmere last night. She did great, for 26~28 she's getting back to great shape. Her back is looking less and less swede looking. Her chest has muscled back up. Now if I can just bring back some of the lost muscle in her hips she won't look like such an old lady.

Buckley was ridden by Kelsey last night too. OMG he's back to cantering, his balance is getting there. My only nit picky complaint would be he's a little short tracking up his hind left foot. But that was an issue even before his accident so I can't complain that much. Also Seith did a great job on his new hand made shoes. Seems he's a lot more stable than before.

I've always had such a hard time with spring and fall; so sorry if I have sounded so blah lately. Luckily spring came quick this year, and I'm on a mission to make everything much more positive in daily ramblings.

Wow amazing how little things can tweak your day and totally kill your mood.

2010-03-15T15:46:00.000-07:00

I had a great weekend. Started off with publishing my first Android app Horse Weight. Which if you measure your horse will calculate an estimate of how much your horse actually weights. I was very proud and excited.

Our ride to the show on Saturday canceled on us cause her truck was broken. Which is not really a big deal. It was a schooling show and really was just an excuse to get the horses out and back into that setting.

Kelsey’s long time friend Pete is moving out of the US. So we spent Friday night at dinner with him; Saturday night at the club with him too. Pete’s a nice guy but can great on me a bit. The club was dead; we bailed and went home by 11:00.

Sunday I had a fantastic lesson on Angie. She was just on fire! She was picking up all the new techniques supper fast, which is always though for her cause she’s not the brightest crayon in our heard. She was in frame and 99% of the time on the bit and not in her normal giraffe form. It totally made up for our last two lessons, which weren’t exactly our best performances. Had some really nice canter work that didn’t kill my back...

Hot gossip for the week we found out one of my older trainers; whom I’ve often recommended to others for lessons, got one of his high school students knocked up. And also that he’s a pervy kind of guy who’s been known to be touchy feely on all the gals. Which was all shocking to me. Heck I always thought he was gay; he’s always just so flamboyant and into show tunes. Who knew...

Wrapped up the whole weekend with a nice bottle of wine chatting on the phone with family. It was a nice weekend. Plus the weather here wasn’t bad either.

So what killed it all... First thing this AM, a co-worker points out my android app. Says it’s been on a Rubbish Apps blog. It took a beating from Twitter and computer nerds everywhere. I thought it was a good idea; and if you’re a horse owner it probably might come in handy. But I guess if you’re not into horses it might be an odd thing to see on someone’s phone. O’well cant win them all, and every now and then you need to take a beating to keep you humble. But in 48hrs 77 people have downloaded my app and 81% have kept it on their phone. So I don’t think it’s all that bad. Some would say even bad publicity is good publicity. Meh... Just kind of a buzz kill to me.

Weekly Wrap-up.

2010-03-09T10:01:00.000-08:00

Wow I haven’t posted in quite some time. I’m alive really, well as alive as I am normally.

Our shoe’er has been teaching me how to shoe horses. OMG I have been so sore. But I can put shoes on and off now. I just need to learn how to properly trim and make the shoes now. Big fun, and let me tell you; you have no appreciation how much work it really is till you do it yourself. S is a great guy for taking the time to show me how to do it.

I have also been totally wrapped up in work. Updating my website, I’ve got 4 new equestrian Android apps in the works; and a new idea for a website to be pushed out. I’m not making excuses but I’ve just got lots in the works.

Horses have been great; spring is here and they’re all feisty which makes for great rides. I tried having Cashmere go barefoot this week. I figured at 26, with great feet and she’s only being ridden twice a week; that there was no real need for the to have shoes anymore. Boy was I wrong, in 3 days: A rock burse on her left hind, huge rock burse on her right hind frog, and her front right hoof wall completely peeled from the sole on 1/3 of the foot. Sooo…. $170 plus the original $45 for trim later she now has shoes back on. I feel bad, guess I kind of f’ed up and I feel worse she was uncomfortable for a few days. I’m going to ride her tonight so we shall see if she’s still sore. The arena is really soft; so I’m 99% sure she’s going to be fine.

(Pic of Cashmere looking sad because she's got no shoes on)

No lessons for the last week; combinations of sis’s birthday, all the girls in season. It was just a good week to take off and rest up. Next weekend should be back to business. We might do a schooling show in Olympia; the verdict is still out on it. If we do show I’ll take lots of pictures of the horses actually in a show.

The annual 4H sale was also last weekend. We didn’t go to the sale; but we did take a few items to be sold. And our friend Allie, this was her first time; so we helped her take some things down and she hung out with us waiting to pick things up. Many hours spent standing in line. This is the first time I haven’t run into a million people I know, felt kind of strange and creepy. I guess I just haven’t been involved as much in the horse community in these last few years. I like helping out the kids though; it’s such a good thing. We always price out our tack supper cheap, our tack is always supper clean and in great shape. So I hope some kids got some great deals, if not at least they will get some good donation money. The good news is that this was the 4h’s biggest year for the sale. Someone said they had 57,000 items on sale. I saw some families brining in two giant truckloads of good tack. Absolutely crazy! I’m glad we don’t have quite that much tack anymore.

Anyway back to work this week, if we go to the show there will be lots of pony torture this week with shipping boots; Ill try to get video its always fun to watch.

Ugh, wonderful weekends.

2010-02-22T10:46:00.001-08:00

It was so nice this weekend; too bad it sucked so badly for us. Kelsey has been major sick. Same head cold, the sinus guck I had all week. So Friday night we just went out and hung out at the barn. Fortunately everyone else was there too; people we hadn’t seen in months. So there was lots of socializing to do, horses in the arena, and the perfect excuses not to ride. Although, all the horse got a super grooming and more winter coat blown out; so it might have been a much-needed night for everyone.

Saturday I ventured out to ride on my own, K was so under the weather she just wasn’t up to it.

Tweek really jacked up my back on Saturday. But it was my entirely fault. I made so many bad decisions on our ride it was probably well deserved and I’d rather be sore than her.

Being so warm and so sunny, she seemed so calm and collected bringing her up from turnout. We didn’t lunge, we didn’t warm-up properly, she wanted to run from the get go and I didn’t stop her…. So after a few really good bucks from her, spasms’ shot all down my back. Did we stop, oh no… I figured ah I’d work out of it. Had a good 45 minute ride, 30 minutes of great canter work, a few good lead changes, and some decent counter canter; the rest was purely cool down and getting back into a non running mental state. I wanted to run the track, but she was just too much of a fireball for me today.

Got off her, took off the saddle; and KINK… there went my back. Totally stiff I couldn’t move. Just driving home was quite the challenge; every red light was it’s own special kind of hell. I spent all night on heat pads and Ibuprofen; totally pissed at myself and loathing my lesson for tomorrow.

Sunday I had a lesson with Cayenne. My back a little stiff but fine. The mare, she was moody as always. Honestly I set my self up for failure.

I hadn’t ridden Cayenne in a lesson since last summer. K has a personality dispute with Angie on time to time. So Cayenne and her have been lesson buddies for quite some time; and recently Cay has been giving K some real sh!t during lessons. Mostly it has just been her throwing out as many evasions (I don’t wanna tantrums) as she can think of.

So I started out the lesson telling the trainer she would probably be better for me than Kelsey. Oh, that mare was determined to prove me wrong. Usually during week day rides Cay and I get along great, she hardly ever gives me sh!t. She bucked, she bobbed, she cantered when I asked for trot, and she bounced out of every canter I asked for. Shoulder in shoulder out exercises was complete mess. Riding a simple 20m circle was out of the question. OMG I might as well taken that $50 and flushed it down the toilet. Out of the entire hour we might have gotten a few good canter strides; and maybe 20m of good trott.

I guess the lesson is; keep your mouth shut. I’ve always said horses are the great humbler. Whenever you think too highly of yourself they are always going to knock you down a peg or two.

Yea, I can breath!

2010-02-17T10:01:00.001-08:00

The cold is on its way out; so I can breath now and my head no longer hurts.

I road Cashmere the senior mare last night. She always amazes me, 26 ~ 28 and you get on her; she’s always super excited to work, she’s always in frame and always has supper nice extension. Buy last night about 20 minutes into the workout, ask for a little shoulder in/shoulder out at the trot; she’s done. It was just like meh, your gonna make me actually do something; I’m done. And about then Kelsey was brining her QH Buckley into the arena too. So maybe she just wanted to hang rather than work. I don’t know and since I’ve been on the recovery from the cold I wasn’t going to push it.

Buckley is looking great. He’s only took one or two foul steps last night, and one trip. Mostly I don’t think he’s in any kind of pain; I think he just doesn’t pick up his feet anymore. We will bring out the ground poles this week and see if it helps.

All the other ponies were ready to work. Too bad it was so late, but we will be out tonight to ride, I’ll try to get Angie, Cayenne ridden and Zeus some lunge work.

What a miserable weekend.

2010-02-15T13:30:00.000-08:00

Friday I spent most of the day running the cat back and forth to the vet; and the evening grooming shedding horses.

Saturday the vet called with all kinds of bad news about Allie; kidney failure, liver issues, fluids needed, special diets. In the end; it ended up that even with all that she would only live 4 or 5 months. So we decided to put her down while she was not suffering. She hasn't felt well for the last few days, I just couldn't stand to see her get any worse.

Kelsey, I'm proud of: Two lessons, Two days in a row. The horses were wonderful for her and worked very hard. She looked great on them and very professional. I'm still battling the head cold and feeling sorry for myself about the cat, so I didn't ride at all.

Didn't do anything for Valentines day either; Kelsey was very understanding and didn't want to do anything after the cat had been put down.

It'll all get better soon, just gotta wait it out.

Under the weather in more ways than one.

2010-02-12T14:38:00.000-08:00

I haven’t posted in quite sometime. I’m trying not to get into that lazy habit of not writing something no matter how inane it may be.

Anyway, been supper busy at work; plus I have the worst head cold. It’s like my brains are trying to leak out my nose all the time.

Horses haven’t been ridden much this week and the weather has been nuts. It’ll be freezing overnight and low 50’s during the day. So of course the horses have just been sweating under there blankets all week long. Moo just wreaks, smells so badly but when I get out to the barn it’s already too cold to do any real bathing. K go them all really nice sheets now so it won’t be any issue. It’s been a messed up winter. Last year this time is was supper cold and still in heavy blankets. Most of the horses need new heavy blankets this year and we were saving and planning to have them all in proper heavies by the end of Dec. Her we are in the second week of Feb and middleweights are too much. So we had to scramble to find them all sheets.

In other bad news the Allie cat was sick this week. Must have some sort of bladder infection or something similar; she’s having a real hard time. But she’s also ancient so it’s not too much of a surprise. She’s at the vet now and well find out here in a bit.

Double booked for lessons this weekend. One on Saturday and the other on Sunday. Yesterday I felt so bad K said she would ride both days; but now she’s saying she feels badly. Soooo… I might be riding both days now. UGH. Not looking forward to it since I haven’t ridden anything since Monday.

Another weekly round up.

2010-02-04T14:05:00.000-08:00

Sunday Kelsey had a great lesson on Cayenne with Cindy. OMG Cay was being such a brat. Bobbing her head wildly through out the whole lesson. I forgot to tell Cindy it had been since September since either of them had a good lesson and Cay would probably have a whole lot of “I don’t wanna” attitude. But everyone held there cool and I think they did really well. Sunday will be my round with Angie again. She’s had an early spring heat, so we haven’t had much ride time in at all this week. I’m not exactly making the most of my time with practice.

Tuesday night we road the old kids. Moo’s really poky these days and just doesn’t want to do a whole lot. But we did trot for a lap or two. It’s probably hard to get that 2,000lbs undulating into a good trot. Kelsey rode the Cashmere and did really well. Cashy always wants to run around and do way too much for her age. But at least she’s feeling well.

Wednesday, I actually road Buckley. It’s been at least 8 months from the last time I road him. He got beat up by a percheron last summer hand has been on rest for a bone bruise. Kelsey has been on him for a few times as a cool down but I haven’t been on him in months. He really reaches out side of the vertical on his left hind. I’m assuming it’s to help support his weight. He’s got no muscle hardly at all, time off is the worst thing for a 17 year old horse. But I’m sure with a little work and the right exercises he will be back to business in no time. Heck being this early we actually might make a few training shows this year.

I also road Angie last night too, but she’s still moody so we didn’t do a whole lot. She’s been a really good trooper these days anyways so I don’t worry too much. I’m sure I can just hop on and we will have a great lesson this week.

Wednesday night sparkles

2010-01-28T14:13:00.001-08:00

Whoa! I’m rich! Zeus is shitting diamonds! I knew there was a reason why I was keeping the old man around. No seriously I was messing around with the moo man in his stall, and found a big old rock. It’s probably a big CZ, I think the barn stall boyz may be into the big bling earrings. Who knows…

Road, or tried to ride for that matter, Angie last night. She’s in admits of a cycle so she was a bit on the bitchy side. So we didn’t accomplish much; but that’s ok; if she’s not feeling well we’ll let it pass for a few days.

Cayenne and K were having quite the night too. Since Angie is in heat I’m sure Cay is too. She can just be much more quiet about it. But she gave K quite a bit of crap. Head all bobbing around and being generally a pill. K has a lesson on Sunday so I hope they get it together soon.

Short Break from Technology/ I need a short break from life.

2010-01-27T09:39:00.000-08:00

Ugh, I had a miserable weekend; so I haven’t updated my blog in a while. Friday the GF and I were just too tired to go ride; I spent most of the night napping on the sofa.

Late that night the parrot started acting weird. She just seemed to be hanging around the bottom of her cage. She had been building a nest and acting like she was about to lay an egg but it never happened. The next morning she had past in the night. I was really put off the whole weekend and much of this week by this. She was only 5 or 6; I had expected her to live at least another 15 years. All I can figure is she was egg bound. Sucks, and a big shock to us.

Saturday did the usual housework; rode horses. Cayenne finally got a much-needed main trimming.

Sunday had a lesson! Woot! It was a great one too. I haven’t worked with C in quite some time. Well over 2 years cause she had yet to meet the GF. Angie was supper good; she wanted to buck and run amuck but behaved quite nicely. C got us into shape and collected nicely in no time at all. It was generally a tune up lesson with many things to practice all next week.

Road the old man Zeus on Monday night. He’s really getting weak in the hind end; I don’t know how much longer I will be able to ride him. I’m going to break out the ground poles this weekend and see if we can get some balance and “pick up your feet” work out of him. Hopefully a little muscle tone work will help out and get a few more years out of him. :)

Ah it’s spring already!

2010-01-20T12:47:00.001-08:00

Weather has gotten warm; the kids are all blowing there winter coats like mad. The poor Belgian horses are sweaty every day. I don’t dare take their blankets off during the night cause it gets so chilly, especially with the senior horses. During the day it’s pissing rain and I don’t want them soaked and cold.

New water proof sheets are on their way thanks to the girlfriend, I hope they get here soon. It will be nice to be able to ride without drying out a horse first.

Why Bo Delmont?

2010-01-20T12:46:00.000-08:00

I get asked a lot why I go by Bo Delmont? This isn’t my real name after all… Well my blog here has taken many forms over the years. It fist started out at as a techie blog and technical articles I used to write about programming. Then later on it became about my rescued Draft Cross and Draft Horses. Later it became my blog about marriage and dealing with a Dressage Queen and the sport of Dressage while trying to learn the sport itself.

Bo Delmont was a joke name; technically it’s old English for Bo (man) Delmont (of the mountain). Man of the mountain. It was one of those silly websites that picks out your redneck name after you type in your real name. It was later on that someone pointed out to me that it actually meant something, I thought that was funny and it just stuck.

Initially it was used so no one would read the Life Married to a DQ blog and be able to trace it back the my now ex-wife.

Soon after I divorced and in this blog’s next variation, it became a blog about dating in the equestrian world. Since then I have found a very wonderful gal who loves horses loves to ride.

So far it’s been a fun journey. I have kept my older posting that are no longer on this site. As they become relevant to now what I post; I will be sure to add them as I go. Especially the older sagas; of brining home the rescues and the trainings of the green horses.

Why didn’t I keep those old posts? Well I kinda figured I would keep things tidy and on one focus at a time. I’m sure my horsey friends don’t care to read about the old techie coding articles that are now out of date. And I don’t want to people to think I’m jaded from my past relationship with my ex wife/and past girlfriends.

Who’s got a case of the MONDAY’s???

2010-01-19T10:46:00.000-08:00

Ugh, not the best of nights. Ran home from work, cleaned, cooked dinner, off to ponies. I must be loosing my touch in the kitchen. Who ruins instant mashed potatoes??? And the London broil we get quite often, some how it was over done on the outsides and raw in the middle. The only thing I can think of is it wasn’t done thawing 100% and I didn’t notice. O’well can’t win them all I guess.

Anyway the kids were good. Poor Cayenne was so in need of a good run. I was taking up the Zeus moo, she stood in her stall kicking the door and running a muck in there. I finally gave in and took her out to round pen, where she ran and ran and ran. It got to the point were I figured she was either gonna hurt her self or crash through the round pen walls. So I moved her out the arena and out there she ran and ran and rolled and ran and rolled again.

Moo was a good old man, at 33 or 34 we don’t do much anymore. Wander around the arena and cause problems for Kelsey and Angie as they road. I’m sure he was happy to get out; he just doesn’t like to do much in the arenas anymore. He’s become to spoiled from trails in the past.

Kelsey had a great ride on Angie. There wasn’t too much of a spat between the ladies and Kelsey had great posture on the beast. I wish Anige didn’t have such an upside down U neck. She looks goofy some times, bet when she gets on the bit she looks great. Its just our great moments pail in comparison to the volume of our ugly duckling moments…. Meh she’s a good horse, I shouldn’t complain.

Afterwards while putting moo back Cayenne was still being a brat child. Cranking her head around to poke at Zeus and me in his stall. So we went out for a quick lunge line session. She’s looking so much better new physically. Her body shape has gone from flabby tubby to just as she looked before her yearlong exile with the ex-wife.

But after the dinner mess it was nice to get out and ride and spend some time with them. It’s always amazing how they can turn an ok or crap day into a good one.

Weekend Roundup

2010-01-18T13:56:00.001-08:00

Boring weekend, well maybe not too boring just typical for us. Kelsey’s dressage lesson never really panned out; so I seemed to have pushed back 2 different trainers to teach on the same weekend next weekend. So next weekend will be interesting.

Were getting much better at our finances, but it’s interesting to know I’m now spending some where in the range of $350 per month in pony grain and supplements. Which breaks down to around $70 per horse, which in theory doesn’t sound that bad I guess. I’m not going to add up lessons and boarding. That number is just way too scary.

Friday night was just a visit the ponies make sure they were all still alive kinda night. I think we did some minor grooming and then decided we should run shopping errands.

Saturday was our play day; rode the old mare Cashmere and Kelsey rode Buckley for the first time in months. (Buckley suffered and injury last spring and is still on the mend, I will write up his story in a few days.)

Cashmere is looking so much better. Still a little ribby looking but for 28 I don’t know how much more she will gain in weight till her muscle returns. I really feel bad for her, these are her golden years of retirement and she was just left to waste away by DB. But she’s happy, healthy and always ready to do something these days. She’s always got too much spunk and seems to push every button she can when were out. Too bad, because if her body wasn’t in such bad shape I would still show her and take lesson on her.

But anyway I’m not gonna groan and complain about it, Cashmere is now being ridden on a regular basis and soon will be in as good of shape as a 28yr old mare can be. These are her golden years, I’m sure she’s only got one or two left in her; so I guess it’s just up to me to make sure she’s happy and as comfortable as possible.

Cleaned bridles back at home the rest of the night. Usually it’s best done with a bottle of red wine… was intending to clean saddles Sunday; but a bad headache kept me at home all day. The saddles aren’t too bad anyway they will survive till next weekend.

Cashmere’s Story

2010-01-18T13:39:00.000-08:00

I bought Cashmere back in 1998. Bought here for who is now my ex wife. She felt she really needed a horse to keep her busy during the days since she didn’t work all that much and really didn’t do much around the house. Back in those days I didn’t know anything about horses and wouldn’t know anything about them for next 5 years.

During those early Cashmere and DB partook in learning the art of Dressage. Who knew back then were life would take us, and I the person who nothing about horses and DB the one who had been riding most of her life; in the end it would be me who would end up with a heard of horses and an active Dressage rider and her with abandoning her horses and not riding at all for several years.

Cashmere came to us from a horse broker out somewhere near Puyallup WA; I had only seen pictures of her on the Internet. After months and of hemming and whining about what horse to get, most of the horses she wanted were way out of our price range. And this was all the beginning of the Internet were classifieds were very much just papers. Then we finally settled on this mare who had been an ex dude ranch horse.

I didn’t see her in person till the day she came off the semi to Kennewick. I remember the day perfectly, we arranged boarding at a friends mom’s place way back of town. This semi rolls in this very dusty twisty back woods one lane road. Off they unload this moose of a horse; Cashmere is what I believe is a Belgian Draft crossed with a Quarter Horse, or possibly an Appendix Quarter Horse. She was by far at the time one of the larges horses I had ever seen and one of the largest horses in town. Mind you she’s only 15.2 but back then in Kennewick the only real horses I had been exposed to were tiny Arabs and munchkin Quarter Horses from the predominately Western riding in that area.

For the first six years of Cashmere’s life with us I didn’t pay too much attention to what was going on; but she became a rather decent Dressage horse. First or second level, training with many high level trainers in the Pacific North West. Around 2003, DB had become so much of DQ that she fell out of favor with many in the upper circles of the sport and we ended up moving our horse to many not so prominent barns.

By 2006, DB had lost all interest in equestrian life, and thus I only rode our horses. At this time I had learned much about horses, but was a novice rider at best. By 2007 we had separated which lead to divorce. Poor Cashmere and Cayenne were taken by DB back to her home town of Kennewick.

During that winter of 2007, poor Cashmere hadn’t seen a dentist in 2 years. Eventually she either quit eating or Cayenne was eating all her food before Cashmere could get enough to support body size. Eventually one morning I got a panicked call from DB. Apparently Cashmere had lost so much weight you could see every vertebra in her spine. I conceded to pay to have the vet come out and take a look at her. From the vet, he said she was so bad they wouldn’t dare doing her teeth out in the field and she need to be taken into town.

I didn’t hear too much about her after that, and a few months later our divorce was final. Cayenne the other horse taken by my ex wife was a major fighting point in the divorce. After much a to-do about her and many thousands of dollars spent fighting over Cayenne I eventually conceded to let the ex wife have her. Two days after the divorce was final the ex wife told me she didn’t want the horse didn’t like the horse and I need to come get Cayenne. I eventually agreed to pay her $5,000 for Cayenne and part of the agreement was to move Cayenne home with me and transport Cashmere to Vancouver where the ex wife is currently residing.

We I picked up Cashmere to take her to her new barn I cried. She was so skinny and emaciated it was just awful. I was almost not sure she wouldn’t make it to Vancouver. If I wasn’t so financially drained from the divorce and having to ship Cayenne home it would have just taken Cashmere to she sheriff claimed animal abuse and taken her home. But financially I couldn’t do it. Luckily the barn in Vancouver was a very professional barn and willing to keep her in decent shape. Bust still a year later I got a call from DB and she said she couldn’t keep Cashmere anymore and I ended up taking her home to our barn.

Late 2009 Cashmere came back home to us. Supper skinny again, this time mostly from not having any exercise in the past three years. She also seemed to be supper depressed, I don’t really know if horses can be depressed but that’s the only description I have for her attitude and behavior when she got home. But after a few months we are back to being ridden two to three times a week. She’s a beautiful mare, not quite as stunning as back in her day; she’s still gaining muscle and her attitude is so much happier and back to being mischievous and a pain in the butt. I wish life would have been different and she should have been treated with more respect from DB. She should have been revered and given much gratitude for all of her years of hard work and service. She’s seen the best and worst that Dressage has to offer. I can only hope my time with her will be the best years in her long life and she is happy as can be once again.

Fugly Horse Day

2009-10-28T13:57:00.000-07:00

Totally irradiated today by Fugly’s post.

I understand the need for one to find a partner with related interest and the drive to find someone who shares the same passions for equitation as the anyone else. When you own 5 horses it’s vital that my SO loves them and works with them the same way I do…

But many of the women out there seem to find it a point to say all men out there involved in horses are complete A-holes (or gay). The gay thing I have no issues with; I have many gay friends and I know lots of gay equestrians. So I’m saying that’s a non-issue and it is what it is.

The issue I have is the blanket statement that all men involved are the A-holes. Hey there are lots of A-holes out there on both sides of the genders, both in the horse world and outside the horse world…

The bigger issue is finding someone who treats you proper and the both of you have respect for the other side of the relationship. If you can’t find that person, then quit blaming anyone but your self. I have lots of female friends both horsey people and non. The ones who get hurt are the ones who date douche bags. I would say the same to guys. Don’t date someone who’s gonna treat you like yesterdays trash.

Adventures in Berry Picking with a Draft

2009-08-22T22:27:00.001-07:00

Adventures in Berry Picking with a Draft

Had a great plan; go pick black berries. And what a great application for having a draft horse; he can carry the buckets of berries while we pick and back to the barn.

Kelsey had an ingenious plan for hanging his water buckets off his saddle. We will use a blanket leg strap and feed it through the irons, in the up position; and clip the buckets onto the strap.

Now you have to realize Moo is 30+ years old; he never spooks. Never freaks out about anything. He's the most easy going non stress horse I have ever seen. He's almost down right comatose.

Well he took off like a rocket... Bucking and bouncing at off to the pastures he ran... with every other horse in the pastures running in tow. It was an awe inspiring sight to see a 2000lb 30 year old Belgian draft. We found him in the back pastures hiding behind the pear trees.

He was fine; we removed the buckets and a good pat and some encouragement he was fine.

Well, off to picking berries we went. Moo's a good guy it's not unusual I let him of the lead rope and let him follow on his own. We picked, he grazed; he stole several handfuls of berries.

We filled our bucket and were about to head on the back side of the ridge to fill the other... Guess Moo decided he was done. He saw the barn and took off; bolted in a fast trot home. All we saw was huge bum running off in the distance.

He was fine, in his stall no damage to anything or anyone. Least the berries were good. And since he's an old man who I didn't think would make it through the summer least he's feeling good enough to be a pill.