As a horse crazy girl I dreamed of horses..... all I could think about was horses.
Eventually the dream came true, and is still coming true to this day....
After all these years the romance has kind of worn off; and "spark" is not always there.... and sometimes horses are a downright chore.
When I have to muck stalls in 20 degree weather or 100 degree weather, I tell myself: "This is my childhood dream, coming true."
When I am raking hay on the hottest afternoon of the year, breathing in tractor exhaust and getting sunburned, I tell myself: "This is your childhood dream, coming true."
When I write the check for the vet bill, or the farrier, or the new winter blankets....I tell myself, "This is your childhood dream, coming true."
When I scrub out and dress a wicked, bloody, stinky, large laceration, I think to myself, "This is your childhood dream, coming true."
When I break ice off of water tanks, pay a fortune for horse feed, deal with rain rot, fix fence boards, scrub buckets, and find a hoof abscess, I tell myself: "This is your childhood dream, coming true."
And somehow, it makes everything seem better.
Because I am living in my dream.... and the dream didn't end with adulthood; it just got better.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Nervous and Fidgety Horses and Weight Issues - Is There A Link Here?
The last two TBs we got off the track included a mare and a gelding. The mare adjusted to life on our farm wonderfully, and after a brief period of weight issues and skin fungus, she is now totally "normal".
The gelding, who we now call "Monty", is a different matter. We have had him a year and a half and are still having weight issues with him.
I have tried everything the feed stores have to offer - high fat feeds, pelleted feeds, weight gain supplements, alfalfa pellets, alfalfa cubes, corn oil, yadda yadda yadda........ in addition to free choice quality hay and fresh water. And while we did see a lot of improvement (For a while last summer I thought he was just going to die; and no one could figure out what was wrong.) I still think he looks ribby and underweight.
This morning when I went to the barn to feed, I had a revelation, I think. I had turned Monty out in the barn yard to eat his nightly hay, as I think the mares in the herd paddock don't let him eat the hay we set out for all of them, and chase him off.
There, in the barn yard spongy wet turf, he had worn a trench next to the fence from pacing it all.night.long. It looked like someone had gone in there with a shovel and dug out a shallow trench along the fence line! The 50 lb. chunk of hay I had set out for him last evening was gone, as well as several other leftover hay droppings under the hayloft door; so I know he ate.
I then proceeded to feed him his morning ration (Several pounds of high fat sweet feed and "hay replacer" pellet - a new experiment) in his stall, and left the door open for him, while I fed the other horses and did morning chores. He would grab a bite from his feeder, and walk out, up the isle, make a large circle in the barnyard, and walk back - (rinse and repeat)......
I shut the stall door. He grabs a bite, circles his stall, and gets another.
About a month ago, we had to have his pasture buddy, a very aged QH gelding, put down. After that, we have been trying to gradually integrate him into the herd with the other 5 horses. And he has gotten increasingly fidgety, nervous, and worries all the time.
We only stall the horses for nasty weather, and feeding, and to hold the horses while we're doing various chores in the pastures and have to have the gates open for tractors, fence repairs, etc. And when he is in his stall, he paces, weaves, and works on shredding his heavy plastic feeder that is attached to the wall. He doesn't crib, just shreds.
So I am beginning to wonder now if his nervousness, worrying, and fidgeting is a factor in our on going weight gain issue. Has anyone else had a OTTB do this? Do calming supplements work? I've thought of giving those a try.
I also switched my radio station from hard rock to classical.
He just seems to be getting worse since he lost his buddy and cannot seem to get along with the other horses and just stands in the corner waiting for me to come and feed him twice a day; pacing and weaving.
I could understand it if I kept him in a stall 24/7 but I don't. It's like paranoid stall behavior in a paddock/pasture situation.
??????????
PS - He's not being ridden yet, because he was so "sick" last summer and fall and no one could figure out what was wrong so we didn't put him under any training stresses. Then in the fall he was plagued by abscesses in both front feet and was lame for a couple of months while we worked on it with our farrier. He walked around in Easy Boots for weeks. Even at his hoof trimming appt. a couple of weeks ago, there were still issues from the abscesses. I have only just in the past few weeks started working him a little bit on a lounge line. So perhaps the nervousness is penned up energy finding a release. I dunno. I am stumped.
The gelding, who we now call "Monty", is a different matter. We have had him a year and a half and are still having weight issues with him.
I have tried everything the feed stores have to offer - high fat feeds, pelleted feeds, weight gain supplements, alfalfa pellets, alfalfa cubes, corn oil, yadda yadda yadda........ in addition to free choice quality hay and fresh water. And while we did see a lot of improvement (For a while last summer I thought he was just going to die; and no one could figure out what was wrong.) I still think he looks ribby and underweight.
This morning when I went to the barn to feed, I had a revelation, I think. I had turned Monty out in the barn yard to eat his nightly hay, as I think the mares in the herd paddock don't let him eat the hay we set out for all of them, and chase him off.
There, in the barn yard spongy wet turf, he had worn a trench next to the fence from pacing it all.night.long. It looked like someone had gone in there with a shovel and dug out a shallow trench along the fence line! The 50 lb. chunk of hay I had set out for him last evening was gone, as well as several other leftover hay droppings under the hayloft door; so I know he ate.
I then proceeded to feed him his morning ration (Several pounds of high fat sweet feed and "hay replacer" pellet - a new experiment) in his stall, and left the door open for him, while I fed the other horses and did morning chores. He would grab a bite from his feeder, and walk out, up the isle, make a large circle in the barnyard, and walk back - (rinse and repeat)......
I shut the stall door. He grabs a bite, circles his stall, and gets another.
About a month ago, we had to have his pasture buddy, a very aged QH gelding, put down. After that, we have been trying to gradually integrate him into the herd with the other 5 horses. And he has gotten increasingly fidgety, nervous, and worries all the time.
We only stall the horses for nasty weather, and feeding, and to hold the horses while we're doing various chores in the pastures and have to have the gates open for tractors, fence repairs, etc. And when he is in his stall, he paces, weaves, and works on shredding his heavy plastic feeder that is attached to the wall. He doesn't crib, just shreds.
So I am beginning to wonder now if his nervousness, worrying, and fidgeting is a factor in our on going weight gain issue. Has anyone else had a OTTB do this? Do calming supplements work? I've thought of giving those a try.
I also switched my radio station from hard rock to classical.
He just seems to be getting worse since he lost his buddy and cannot seem to get along with the other horses and just stands in the corner waiting for me to come and feed him twice a day; pacing and weaving.
I could understand it if I kept him in a stall 24/7 but I don't. It's like paranoid stall behavior in a paddock/pasture situation.
??????????
PS - He's not being ridden yet, because he was so "sick" last summer and fall and no one could figure out what was wrong so we didn't put him under any training stresses. Then in the fall he was plagued by abscesses in both front feet and was lame for a couple of months while we worked on it with our farrier. He walked around in Easy Boots for weeks. Even at his hoof trimming appt. a couple of weeks ago, there were still issues from the abscesses. I have only just in the past few weeks started working him a little bit on a lounge line. So perhaps the nervousness is penned up energy finding a release. I dunno. I am stumped.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Sooooo....
I rode in my vintage jods yesterday and it was interesting. I didn't wear tall boots; I actually wore a new pair of western Justin ropers I had bought recently because they need breaking-in.
Anyhoo, the jods were "tight" in some places and loose in others - obviously; they're loose through the hips.:P
I think it was less "tight" and more that they have no stretch and it is an unusual feeling, for someone used to riding in modern day stretchy breeches.
But for the most part I can report that these vintage jods are super comfy!
Anyhoo, the jods were "tight" in some places and loose in others - obviously; they're loose through the hips.:P
I think it was less "tight" and more that they have no stretch and it is an unusual feeling, for someone used to riding in modern day stretchy breeches.
But for the most part I can report that these vintage jods are super comfy!
Monday, February 21, 2011
Vintage Jodphurs!
They're from back in the days when almost all riding gear was unisex; women had to wear smaller men's sizes. They're surprisingly comfortable to wear, and made from a soft cotton twill that has been nicely broken in.
I was inspired by Nicole Kidman's 1930s riding outfits in the movie "Australia" when she went cattle droving with Hugh Jackman. *Swoon*
I wonder what funny looks I'd get if I wore these to ride in a show, clinic, or trail ride?
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
I Want To Give Jackie Kennedy A Riding Lesson
When I saw this photo of Jackie Kennedy, the retired riding instructor in me cringed.......
I wanted to yell at her - as politely as I could - to STOP pulling that lovely fellow's mouth!
I wanted to tell her to relax her elbows and for Pete's sake - BREATHE!
I also wanted to tell her that she had to work at the walk and trot in 2-point position and get her leg back where it belonged; instead of it floating clear out to his shoulder; and to drag her seat forward a few inches in the saddle instead of practically sitting on the cantle.
Oh well. Anyway, there is a whole book about Jackie O's love of horses and riding; and some very elegant photos. Including this one - which to me is not so elegant but never mind. :)
The Private Passion of Jackie Kennedy Onassis: Portrait of a Rider
I know it's been a while since posting here; and I intend to do so more often. I've decided to get out and do more things with my horses this year, and devote more attention to my favorite hobby.
I recently became fascinated with vintage riding outfits, and bought some nifty old breeches - the kind with the puffy hips!! They are so cool; I'll post photos soon.
In other news: we said goodbye to Cisco a few weeks ago; the winter is always so hard on the elderly horses, no matter how well we care for them. :( He was well into his 30's, and had a very happy retirement; of that you can be sure.
Farewell for now!
PS - Biggest boo boo of all....... NO HELMET! :)
Monday, October 25, 2010
Beyond the Homestretch
I saw this book for sale in a catalog I get with gift items for horse lovers; and I went on Amazon and bought it.
Beyond The Homestretch - What I've Learned from Saving Racehorses, by Lynn Reardon
Well, I got it in the mail today, and am a couple of chapters into it.....
And let me tell you, I am LOVING it.
And I promise, I will get back to the story about "Secret Time" (aka Montana) very soon......
I have been extremely busy opening a shop in an antique store....
Anyway, please do check out this book. Anyone who loves their OTTB should, I think.
See Y'all later on!
Beyond The Homestretch - What I've Learned from Saving Racehorses, by Lynn Reardon
Well, I got it in the mail today, and am a couple of chapters into it.....
And let me tell you, I am LOVING it.
And I promise, I will get back to the story about "Secret Time" (aka Montana) very soon......
I have been extremely busy opening a shop in an antique store....
Anyway, please do check out this book. Anyone who loves their OTTB should, I think.
See Y'all later on!
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
In The Beginning.......
It was September 2009.
We had made the trip overnight to Philadelphia, arriving at the race track/casino in the very early hours of the morning. It was still dark, so we parked our truck and horse trailer in the empty casino parking lot.
Exhausted, we reclined our seats and tried to catch a few moments of sleep before hitting the road again later.
Activity starts on the race track early..... it was still dark when I heard the first noises and ruckus from the stables and saw the shadowy forms of horses being exercised on the track.
A little while later we called the trainer to let him know we were there. He, in turn, called the gate and said he'd meet us there to get us through. Security is tight on the track, and no one comes or goes without passing the security guys.
Travelling in our trailer was a three year old colt, "West", who we had collected from the "lay up" barn in Virginia where he had been since the spring, recovering from a surgical procedure to his knee. He had stayed overnight in our barn, before heading out late in the evening the day before. He was expected to go back into racing again; and in the year since, has gone on to win many races and earn a lot of money for his owner.
West was unloaded, inspected, approved of, and stalled. We were then introduced to the horses we'd be hauling back to Virginia - a tall, bold dapple gray and a fiery chestnut - "Secret Time".
The gray was going back for someone else; the chestnut we were keeping. At least for a little while; till we could re-home him; as we had planned to do with the retired racehorses we picked up from the track. We had already successfully re-homed one of the horses that we had picked up the year before; and two we had personally kept because we fell in love with them. We also had picked up a mare the month before, and we were unsure about our plan for her.
The trainer - who, unlike some cruel, sneaky trainers who find ways to secretly spirit horses off to slaughter in a round-about way - is a kind man; older, caring, and refuses to allow the horses in his barn to go to slaughter, or for that matter, questionable homes where the horses are not properly fed and cared for. He shows us around, and we chat in his office, where he has security cameras feeding images onto screens in front of his desk where he can see all the activity going on in the stable.
Exercise riders come in and report about horse's progress, and get instructions from the trainer on how to school the next horse.
We conclude our business and paperwork; and I snuck off to get my own personal tour of the track and stables.
Horses that were not being saddled and ridden or unsaddled and cooled, were being hand walked around the stable for their exercise. Their stalls were clean, and the doors were all fitted with stall "nets" so the horses had few view of their surroundings and open air flow. The horses were glossy, in excellent condition, and friendly; unlike some of the skinny, mean looking horses I had looked at in ads from other tracks on the east coast.
Kevin and I headed to the track kitchen for some breakfast, along with the other grooms, trainers, jockeys, etc.
When we got back to the stable, the vet had been there, to sedate the two geldings for the ride back to VA. I didn't understand why they needed to be sedated - the other horses we'd picked up had not been.
We also spoke to the vet about the issue with our horse's knee. We were fully aware that he had a bone chip in the knee, and that it could flare up at any time.
They loaded our horse first; and as the groom led the muscled chestnut out, the trainer warned me to move back ..... which I thought was odd. We'd never had an issue with any of the other OTTBs we'd picked up from here kicking.
The geldings were loaded, we said our goodbyes to our friend the trainer, he wished us a safe journey back home to Virginia, and away we went with our newest horse.
I did not know then that that was the first day of a whole year of problems..... mysterious, "unexplained", frustrating problems.
Stay tuned.
We had made the trip overnight to Philadelphia, arriving at the race track/casino in the very early hours of the morning. It was still dark, so we parked our truck and horse trailer in the empty casino parking lot.
Exhausted, we reclined our seats and tried to catch a few moments of sleep before hitting the road again later.
Activity starts on the race track early..... it was still dark when I heard the first noises and ruckus from the stables and saw the shadowy forms of horses being exercised on the track.
A little while later we called the trainer to let him know we were there. He, in turn, called the gate and said he'd meet us there to get us through. Security is tight on the track, and no one comes or goes without passing the security guys.
Travelling in our trailer was a three year old colt, "West", who we had collected from the "lay up" barn in Virginia where he had been since the spring, recovering from a surgical procedure to his knee. He had stayed overnight in our barn, before heading out late in the evening the day before. He was expected to go back into racing again; and in the year since, has gone on to win many races and earn a lot of money for his owner.
West was unloaded, inspected, approved of, and stalled. We were then introduced to the horses we'd be hauling back to Virginia - a tall, bold dapple gray and a fiery chestnut - "Secret Time".
The gray was going back for someone else; the chestnut we were keeping. At least for a little while; till we could re-home him; as we had planned to do with the retired racehorses we picked up from the track. We had already successfully re-homed one of the horses that we had picked up the year before; and two we had personally kept because we fell in love with them. We also had picked up a mare the month before, and we were unsure about our plan for her.
The trainer - who, unlike some cruel, sneaky trainers who find ways to secretly spirit horses off to slaughter in a round-about way - is a kind man; older, caring, and refuses to allow the horses in his barn to go to slaughter, or for that matter, questionable homes where the horses are not properly fed and cared for. He shows us around, and we chat in his office, where he has security cameras feeding images onto screens in front of his desk where he can see all the activity going on in the stable.
Exercise riders come in and report about horse's progress, and get instructions from the trainer on how to school the next horse.
We conclude our business and paperwork; and I snuck off to get my own personal tour of the track and stables.
Horses that were not being saddled and ridden or unsaddled and cooled, were being hand walked around the stable for their exercise. Their stalls were clean, and the doors were all fitted with stall "nets" so the horses had few view of their surroundings and open air flow. The horses were glossy, in excellent condition, and friendly; unlike some of the skinny, mean looking horses I had looked at in ads from other tracks on the east coast.
Kevin and I headed to the track kitchen for some breakfast, along with the other grooms, trainers, jockeys, etc.
When we got back to the stable, the vet had been there, to sedate the two geldings for the ride back to VA. I didn't understand why they needed to be sedated - the other horses we'd picked up had not been.
We also spoke to the vet about the issue with our horse's knee. We were fully aware that he had a bone chip in the knee, and that it could flare up at any time.
They loaded our horse first; and as the groom led the muscled chestnut out, the trainer warned me to move back ..... which I thought was odd. We'd never had an issue with any of the other OTTBs we'd picked up from here kicking.
The geldings were loaded, we said our goodbyes to our friend the trainer, he wished us a safe journey back home to Virginia, and away we went with our newest horse.
I did not know then that that was the first day of a whole year of problems..... mysterious, "unexplained", frustrating problems.
Stay tuned.
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