Please vote Rob McKenna for Attorney General and Doug Sutherland for Commissioner of Public Lands. I've had personal experience through work with both of them, and I already voted for both of them. Leave a comment if you've got questions about my personal opinion.
http://www.robmckenna.org/
http://www.dougsutherland.org/
Charlie with the long sought after cooler
Spring NWEC 2013 Novice
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Monday, October 27, 2008
If the glove doesn't fit, you must acquit
Those of you who slog through this thing might recall that at the Happ's derby, my ex-fiancee and my dad spent most of the day hanging out with Bob, my former trainer. I really miss him, and lessons with him, but after I moved the horses because of Willig's hives, and Bob's wife/barn manager lying to me about what the vet told her when I wasn't there, I asked him to come give me lessons at my new place. Unfortunately, I don't have a way to talk to him directly, and his w/bm told me that he was too busy to give me lessons. That was last Feb/March, and when my dad and K talked with him, he said that it had to do with the insurance. So I finally talked to the owner about if there was anything we could work out so that he could come give me lessons.
This is the email I sent yesterday to Bob and his wife/bm:
Hi Bob and A[],
After K[] and my dad had a chance to talk to Bob at the Happ's derby, my new barn had a change in management, so I took the opportunity to ask again about the insurance for trainers. The owner said that the USEF insurance should be adequate. There is something you add onto it (that she thinks is free), but she thought that Bob would probably already have that. She said she'd be happy to talk with you about it (either phone or email), if Bob has time and is interested in coming there for lessons.
One of Bob's former students (Jen - I don't know her last name, but she has curly hair and used to ride with Bob before you guys were married and when there was a "jump night") trains there, and she said she'd be interested in taking lessons from Bob, and I have another friend there who is looking to improve her dressage who said she'd be interested in lessons too. Right now, they have every other Saturday open, though they have a few trainers so the schedule keeps moving around.
If that doesn't work for Bob's schedule, then maybe in the spring, I could meet him for some schooling at Happ's or Lincoln Creek or one of the other places, and do a back-to-back dressage lesson and jump lesson? If you think that might work, I could email/call again in the spring when places start to open up again.
Thanks,
Martha
And, disappointingly, I got exactly the response today that I was expecting:
Hi Martha,
It wasn't so much about the insurance since I never really knew what was needed and still don't.
It sounds like the arena availability is still sporadic and would be difficult to have a set schedule.
Which means he can't have a set schedule here. And as well as him having other commitments on the weekends.
I just don't see how it can work to anyone's benefit.
Thanks,
A[]
So I guess I'm on to Plan B, which is to try out the Rainbow Farms trainer and my friend R's trainer. (Though I think that's actually like Plan D because several have already fallen through.)
Huge sigh.
Willig was really good in the cross-ties tonight, which suspiciously coordinates with being kind of crazy in the arena. He was high energy, probably still buzzing from his alfalfa pellet feast, but we worked on consistency (counting 1-2-3-4) and my idea of stretching and collecting, and it was actually a pretty satisfying ride. I kept it kind of short because he was crazy, because my back is still a little achy from yesterday, and because I got there late because I had to work late, but he still got a little sweaty!
This is the email I sent yesterday to Bob and his wife/bm:
Hi Bob and A[],
After K[] and my dad had a chance to talk to Bob at the Happ's derby, my new barn had a change in management, so I took the opportunity to ask again about the insurance for trainers. The owner said that the USEF insurance should be adequate. There is something you add onto it (that she thinks is free), but she thought that Bob would probably already have that. She said she'd be happy to talk with you about it (either phone or email), if Bob has time and is interested in coming there for lessons.
One of Bob's former students (Jen - I don't know her last name, but she has curly hair and used to ride with Bob before you guys were married and when there was a "jump night") trains there, and she said she'd be interested in taking lessons from Bob, and I have another friend there who is looking to improve her dressage who said she'd be interested in lessons too. Right now, they have every other Saturday open, though they have a few trainers so the schedule keeps moving around.
If that doesn't work for Bob's schedule, then maybe in the spring, I could meet him for some schooling at Happ's or Lincoln Creek or one of the other places, and do a back-to-back dressage lesson and jump lesson? If you think that might work, I could email/call again in the spring when places start to open up again.
Thanks,
Martha
And, disappointingly, I got exactly the response today that I was expecting:
Hi Martha,
It wasn't so much about the insurance since I never really knew what was needed and still don't.
It sounds like the arena availability is still sporadic and would be difficult to have a set schedule.
Which means he can't have a set schedule here. And as well as him having other commitments on the weekends.
I just don't see how it can work to anyone's benefit.
Thanks,
A[]
So I guess I'm on to Plan B, which is to try out the Rainbow Farms trainer and my friend R's trainer. (Though I think that's actually like Plan D because several have already fallen through.)
Huge sigh.
Willig was really good in the cross-ties tonight, which suspiciously coordinates with being kind of crazy in the arena. He was high energy, probably still buzzing from his alfalfa pellet feast, but we worked on consistency (counting 1-2-3-4) and my idea of stretching and collecting, and it was actually a pretty satisfying ride. I kept it kind of short because he was crazy, because my back is still a little achy from yesterday, and because I got there late because I had to work late, but he still got a little sweaty!
Sunday, October 26, 2008
P.S. - Succeed and too much horse
One of the other riders told me about this stuff called Succeed (by SmartPak), and so I ordered some and I'm going to try Willig on it for a month. Jon seconded her and they both said it makes hard keepers fill out (it made Jon's TB look like a warmblood and her TB look like a "fat white tick"). If it works on Willig, I might put Mercury on it too, even though it's kind of expensive.
And, one of the other confidence boosters from this clinic was that Jon didn't take me aside and tell me Willig was too much horse for me. Instead, a lot of people asked about him, and he appeared to have been appropriately classed for his age and experience in BN. I've been afraid at both derbies and at the clinic that someone would finally tell me I couldn't ride, but instead, we have stuff to work on (like always!) AND more confidence and I'm excited about working on stuff all winter to get ready for next year. I still think he has the potential to turn into a really good horse. The longer he knows me, the more heart he seems to have (though he does have his asshole moments, but one of the training level riders was telling me her horse is a Trakehner/TB cross, and he goes by "the Big A" at her barn).
And, one of the other confidence boosters from this clinic was that Jon didn't take me aside and tell me Willig was too much horse for me. Instead, a lot of people asked about him, and he appeared to have been appropriately classed for his age and experience in BN. I've been afraid at both derbies and at the clinic that someone would finally tell me I couldn't ride, but instead, we have stuff to work on (like always!) AND more confidence and I'm excited about working on stuff all winter to get ready for next year. I still think he has the potential to turn into a really good horse. The longer he knows me, the more heart he seems to have (though he does have his asshole moments, but one of the training level riders was telling me her horse is a Trakehner/TB cross, and he goes by "the Big A" at her barn).
Jonathan Elliott clinic - day 2 report
Willig had a naughty, high-energy day today, but it provided some really good lessons for me and it turns out it wasn't really his fault - but mine. Like Bob always said.
So first - I got there a little before 7 am and it was pitch black. I gave him his soaked alfalfa pellets and grain, and then tried, unsuccessfully, to hook up my truck and trailer in the dark, and then got him ready while he thrashed around on the side of the trailer because other horses were whinnying, did a super fast lunge where he was all kicky and a maniac, and then we warmed up in this nice sand arena.
Once again, Jon told me to keep him slower, consistent, and more organized. He said every time he'd look up, we'd be going too quick, even though I'm capable of slowing him down as soon as he tells me to. So I need to get a feel for the right speed.
We did trot and canter, and Jon recommends a two point canter (sort of) to warm up, to let their back warm up. That actually made my legs tired, going around and around in the two point. Then we did galloping (or just lengthening) along a long side, and then collecting back up for the other three sides. This was actually a really great exercise, the same as transitions and stretching out in trot, because it made Willig really listen and be responsive.
We went out in the xc course next and did some trotting and cantering, then some little logs and little log courses.
Then we went over and did some more distance trotting and cantering, with a couple little log jumps.
We ended with the water feature, trotting through, picking up the canter in the water, cantering through, and a little course through the water, up a hill, over a jump on the top, down the hill (at trot), and then back through the water, and finally, over this nice jump with the wood carved to look like a kayak.
Willig was head strong and rushing. When we did the distance canter, the pony went first, and Willig saw him way up ahead and went charging like a bull. He acted up a little over some of the fences too, kind of putting his head down and really gunning for them.
And then the second to last jump over the kayak, he went all rodeo on me on the other side - bucking and kicking. I thought he was going to launch me into the trees. We did some trot work, then did it again, and he did it perfectly.
So what I learned was:
- Amazingly, what Bob was saying all along was right (actually, that's not amazing at all - it's just amazing that I finally got it). As soon as I quit thinking, and just rode him, everything came back to me. I actually felt like a pretty decent rider. I've been riding scared for a long time, and today was a huge confidence booster. I'm good enough that I can ride Willig through the rough patches, so I can push him and help him learn.
- If I hold him too heavy and tight with my hands, he doesn't balance or think for himself, and he stumbles. I have to have light contact, but not HOLD him for him. (I want to see if this works with Merc too.)
- I need to do my corrections ahead of time, instead of big corrections once the error starts.
- Point your thumbs where you're going next. This is so obvious, but I had completely forgotten it (I look with my face), and it works like a charm.
- If I count while I ride "1 - 2 - 3 - 4" etc., I can feel the consistency. If I don't count, I lose track of what it's supposed to feel like. Again, Bob had me count before fences, but when I was just cantering in the field (or trotting) it helped too.
- Jon said that, like the poles yesterday, for BN level, if you just work on cantering in the field on a straight line (and gallop/trot transitions), that will help as much as, if not more than, lots of fences. It teaches them to listen and to think and to ignore the stuff around them. That's good news, since I don't have any logs to jump, but I have space to go out and canter around. (I hope the footing is as good as Jon's place!)
- When Willig is bad - like rushing or bucking - it's ok to turn him, but then make him work. Don't reward him by allowing him to walk when he's been bad. Make him trot 15 m circles for a while.
- Canter away from the other riders and walk back. (For the herd bound thing.)
So, this really wasn't Willig's fault though. He never refused, and although he was kind of hyper, he wasn't really bad (Jon said the bucking was good - it meant he was enjoying himself and was being playful, so not to punish him for it, but make him work, and then reward him by letting him walk after he did it right the second time). And it turns out that 1/4 scoop of alfalfa pellets (what he usually eats), is like 1/16 of what I was giving him. I gave him way, way, way too much alfalfa last night and this morning. I think that, combined with the brisk air this morning, the sleepover in a new place, AND the newness of being out in the xc course, was just too much for him. Given all those factors, he actually did a really, really good job today.
At least three people told me they thought he was really a nice looking horse.
Also, I was really relieved at how nice everyone was. Even though we were pretty much outclassed (my half chaps aren't leather and they don't match my paddock boots), I never felt like I wasn't supposed to be there, and even though Jon's all famous and everything, he wasn't snotty at all. He did just as good a job with us as with the training level riders. I liked him.
And while I was at the clinic, Sam got 1st place in 7 classes and 2nd place in 1 at the POA show on Mercury!! She got high point rider in her division both days. I'm really proud of her and Mercury.
So first - I got there a little before 7 am and it was pitch black. I gave him his soaked alfalfa pellets and grain, and then tried, unsuccessfully, to hook up my truck and trailer in the dark, and then got him ready while he thrashed around on the side of the trailer because other horses were whinnying, did a super fast lunge where he was all kicky and a maniac, and then we warmed up in this nice sand arena.
Once again, Jon told me to keep him slower, consistent, and more organized. He said every time he'd look up, we'd be going too quick, even though I'm capable of slowing him down as soon as he tells me to. So I need to get a feel for the right speed.
We did trot and canter, and Jon recommends a two point canter (sort of) to warm up, to let their back warm up. That actually made my legs tired, going around and around in the two point. Then we did galloping (or just lengthening) along a long side, and then collecting back up for the other three sides. This was actually a really great exercise, the same as transitions and stretching out in trot, because it made Willig really listen and be responsive.
We went out in the xc course next and did some trotting and cantering, then some little logs and little log courses.
Then we went over and did some more distance trotting and cantering, with a couple little log jumps.
We ended with the water feature, trotting through, picking up the canter in the water, cantering through, and a little course through the water, up a hill, over a jump on the top, down the hill (at trot), and then back through the water, and finally, over this nice jump with the wood carved to look like a kayak.
Willig was head strong and rushing. When we did the distance canter, the pony went first, and Willig saw him way up ahead and went charging like a bull. He acted up a little over some of the fences too, kind of putting his head down and really gunning for them.
And then the second to last jump over the kayak, he went all rodeo on me on the other side - bucking and kicking. I thought he was going to launch me into the trees. We did some trot work, then did it again, and he did it perfectly.
So what I learned was:
- Amazingly, what Bob was saying all along was right (actually, that's not amazing at all - it's just amazing that I finally got it). As soon as I quit thinking, and just rode him, everything came back to me. I actually felt like a pretty decent rider. I've been riding scared for a long time, and today was a huge confidence booster. I'm good enough that I can ride Willig through the rough patches, so I can push him and help him learn.
- If I hold him too heavy and tight with my hands, he doesn't balance or think for himself, and he stumbles. I have to have light contact, but not HOLD him for him. (I want to see if this works with Merc too.)
- I need to do my corrections ahead of time, instead of big corrections once the error starts.
- Point your thumbs where you're going next. This is so obvious, but I had completely forgotten it (I look with my face), and it works like a charm.
- If I count while I ride "1 - 2 - 3 - 4" etc., I can feel the consistency. If I don't count, I lose track of what it's supposed to feel like. Again, Bob had me count before fences, but when I was just cantering in the field (or trotting) it helped too.
- Jon said that, like the poles yesterday, for BN level, if you just work on cantering in the field on a straight line (and gallop/trot transitions), that will help as much as, if not more than, lots of fences. It teaches them to listen and to think and to ignore the stuff around them. That's good news, since I don't have any logs to jump, but I have space to go out and canter around. (I hope the footing is as good as Jon's place!)
- When Willig is bad - like rushing or bucking - it's ok to turn him, but then make him work. Don't reward him by allowing him to walk when he's been bad. Make him trot 15 m circles for a while.
- Canter away from the other riders and walk back. (For the herd bound thing.)
So, this really wasn't Willig's fault though. He never refused, and although he was kind of hyper, he wasn't really bad (Jon said the bucking was good - it meant he was enjoying himself and was being playful, so not to punish him for it, but make him work, and then reward him by letting him walk after he did it right the second time). And it turns out that 1/4 scoop of alfalfa pellets (what he usually eats), is like 1/16 of what I was giving him. I gave him way, way, way too much alfalfa last night and this morning. I think that, combined with the brisk air this morning, the sleepover in a new place, AND the newness of being out in the xc course, was just too much for him. Given all those factors, he actually did a really, really good job today.
At least three people told me they thought he was really a nice looking horse.
Also, I was really relieved at how nice everyone was. Even though we were pretty much outclassed (my half chaps aren't leather and they don't match my paddock boots), I never felt like I wasn't supposed to be there, and even though Jon's all famous and everything, he wasn't snotty at all. He did just as good a job with us as with the training level riders. I liked him.
And while I was at the clinic, Sam got 1st place in 7 classes and 2nd place in 1 at the POA show on Mercury!! She got high point rider in her division both days. I'm really proud of her and Mercury.
Addition to 2009 calendar
I'm going to add to June, July, and August a schooling day each month. There's so many shows in July and August, but schooling is so much cheaper than the show entries, and Willig really just needs the mileage.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
2009 Estimated Calendar
This is my best guess for what I'll do with Willig in 2009. The estimated entry fees for these comes to $1500, and if I can afford it, I'll probably go to a couple extra clinics and then volunteer at most of the shows I'm not riding at.
(All Beginner Novice)
April:
3-5: NWEC Adult Rider's clinic & derby
19: Happ's Derby
May:
8-10: NWEC Horse Trial
16: NWEC one day horse trial
June:
12-14: Aspen Farms horse trial
July:
26: Happ's Derby
August:
1-2: Lincoln Creek Horse Trial
September:
4-6: Lincoln Creek Horse Trial
27: Happ's Derby
October:
Aspen Farms clinic
(All Beginner Novice)
April:
3-5: NWEC Adult Rider's clinic & derby
19: Happ's Derby
May:
8-10: NWEC Horse Trial
16: NWEC one day horse trial
June:
12-14: Aspen Farms horse trial
July:
26: Happ's Derby
August:
1-2: Lincoln Creek Horse Trial
September:
4-6: Lincoln Creek Horse Trial
27: Happ's Derby
October:
Aspen Farms clinic
Jonathan Elliott clinic - day 1 report
It was a pretty cool day. I was in the second group to ride, and each group only had 4 riders, so we got plenty of individual attention, but we got to see what the other riders did right (and wrong) and learn from that too.
Willig was kind of upset yesterday and today because of the show going on at home. He got in the trailer after some hesitation (not much, compared to how bad that last trailer incident was), and we drove over to Aspen Farms.
Just after he got out of the trailer, the four riders in the first group went by, so he went ballistic because from 200' away they were his new best friends and they were abandoning him. He thrashed around on the side of the trailer, got lunged, thrashed around more while I put on the saddle and groomed him, got lunged again, and then got ridden, all before we rode in our group.
We started with some pole exercises - one on the ground and building up to 5. Well, before we even got to the poles, Jon told me to pull him together - he was all over the place, but I hadn't even noticed until he told me to pull him together, and then I was like 'oh.' (small "o" because it made so much sense and I hadn't even realized it was going on).
So, we've done poles, and Willig was good at them. Then we started with an easy jump and worked our way up to a few courses. The first several courses we went back to trot mostly, then we did a few courses where we continued or cantered completely.
Willig got a little strong towards the end, but he was also jumping great. He didn't refuse anything or knock anything down.
We had one PERFECT jump. I just felt it going in, everything was set up, we had the right space, he took off at the right spot, I didn't have to do anything, and we just floated over that jump. It was a great feeling.
The main things Jon told me were:
- Keep Willig organized.
- I let my reins slip long. Keep them short and keep my hands wide and forward (also keeps your shoulders flat).
- Sit up straight. I don't need to fold in half over a teeny tiny jump.
- Think about cantering on the other side - that will help him keep the impulsion and the forward movement over the jump.
It was really useful. I watched the two Novice groups after lunch (and miracle of miracles, Willig in the stall was like "no big deal" - how about that?), and we're right to be in BN right now, but I have higher hopes for Willig now that we might only need a year at BN (of course, that depends on a lot on dressage and how much I can get him out next season).
Some of the other horses had some really naughty habits, and Willig was only bad at the trailer. He was great while I was riding him and in the stall. And he really tried hard. Considering I've jumped him probably less than 10 times total, he didn't spook or anything - he just used his heart!!
Tomorrow we do cross country, and the BN group went and rode through the xc fields after our session.
Aspen Farms is amazing!!! I have never been to such a cool place. Everything is new, and nice, and huge. They have 240 acres!
Plus, it's only a half hour from my house, so I went home and picked up the dogs and came back to give Willig dinner (and he was STILL good in his stall!).
Willig was kind of upset yesterday and today because of the show going on at home. He got in the trailer after some hesitation (not much, compared to how bad that last trailer incident was), and we drove over to Aspen Farms.
Just after he got out of the trailer, the four riders in the first group went by, so he went ballistic because from 200' away they were his new best friends and they were abandoning him. He thrashed around on the side of the trailer, got lunged, thrashed around more while I put on the saddle and groomed him, got lunged again, and then got ridden, all before we rode in our group.
We started with some pole exercises - one on the ground and building up to 5. Well, before we even got to the poles, Jon told me to pull him together - he was all over the place, but I hadn't even noticed until he told me to pull him together, and then I was like 'oh.' (small "o" because it made so much sense and I hadn't even realized it was going on).
So, we've done poles, and Willig was good at them. Then we started with an easy jump and worked our way up to a few courses. The first several courses we went back to trot mostly, then we did a few courses where we continued or cantered completely.
Willig got a little strong towards the end, but he was also jumping great. He didn't refuse anything or knock anything down.
We had one PERFECT jump. I just felt it going in, everything was set up, we had the right space, he took off at the right spot, I didn't have to do anything, and we just floated over that jump. It was a great feeling.
The main things Jon told me were:
- Keep Willig organized.
- I let my reins slip long. Keep them short and keep my hands wide and forward (also keeps your shoulders flat).
- Sit up straight. I don't need to fold in half over a teeny tiny jump.
- Think about cantering on the other side - that will help him keep the impulsion and the forward movement over the jump.
It was really useful. I watched the two Novice groups after lunch (and miracle of miracles, Willig in the stall was like "no big deal" - how about that?), and we're right to be in BN right now, but I have higher hopes for Willig now that we might only need a year at BN (of course, that depends on a lot on dressage and how much I can get him out next season).
Some of the other horses had some really naughty habits, and Willig was only bad at the trailer. He was great while I was riding him and in the stall. And he really tried hard. Considering I've jumped him probably less than 10 times total, he didn't spook or anything - he just used his heart!!
Tomorrow we do cross country, and the BN group went and rode through the xc fields after our session.
Aspen Farms is amazing!!! I have never been to such a cool place. Everything is new, and nice, and huge. They have 240 acres!
Plus, it's only a half hour from my house, so I went home and picked up the dogs and came back to give Willig dinner (and he was STILL good in his stall!).
Sunday, October 19, 2008
I love Fugazi
I talked to the owner yesterday, and she said that this week she had two discussions with the staff about how unacceptable things had become. She thought that I would instantly see an improvement, and today certainly seemed to be better, though it was two new staff, and J, who has consistently done a good job. Interestingly, he asked me to always let him know if I need anything, because they don't always tell him.
Yesterday R and I went on a trail ride over at Kennedy Creek. Willig was a holy terror in the trailer, R's horse stepped on a snake (not a poisonous one, thank goodness), and much adventure ensued. Willig's trailer behavior was completely out of line - he was like a fish that got caught thrashing around in there, and he broke loose from his halter when I was putting on his bridle and tried to run out, and then when I was putting him back, he tried to jump over the ramp (which was closed) with me hanging on the breastplate. I was really mad at him yesterday, but then after I rode him today, and he was a monster again, and then I rode Mercury, who was also acting up, I realized it is most likely ---- oats. I hate feeding oats. I put them both back on oats because they were so skinny (they are also on alfalfa and complete or senior horse), and so I'm taking Willig off the oats and cutting Merc's down to 1/4 scoop (which is basically a coffee cup). Then again, it could be the nice fall weather.
However, I did spend half an hour last night setting up the jumps for today (which Willig was too bad for us to jump) and using my first 8-11 Sunday jump time. And the trainer I don't care for? Had a lesson at 10.
Thankfully, the weather was nice, so they rode outside, but I got pretty frustrated.
Once again, I don't feel out of line thinking I should be able to jump my horses in the winter and the summer. I pay $650/month, and I have to race to jump ONE horse ONE day a week. That kind of sucks.
Then I realized if I just wait it out, I bet she'll be gone in a few months. I don't know though - even if everything else resolves - a beginner barn just might not be a good fit for me and Willig because I need to actually work him.
On my trail ride with Mercury - it was beautiful! Blue sky with those orange/yellow/red leaves against it. Very nice.
Yesterday R and I went on a trail ride over at Kennedy Creek. Willig was a holy terror in the trailer, R's horse stepped on a snake (not a poisonous one, thank goodness), and much adventure ensued. Willig's trailer behavior was completely out of line - he was like a fish that got caught thrashing around in there, and he broke loose from his halter when I was putting on his bridle and tried to run out, and then when I was putting him back, he tried to jump over the ramp (which was closed) with me hanging on the breastplate. I was really mad at him yesterday, but then after I rode him today, and he was a monster again, and then I rode Mercury, who was also acting up, I realized it is most likely ---- oats. I hate feeding oats. I put them both back on oats because they were so skinny (they are also on alfalfa and complete or senior horse), and so I'm taking Willig off the oats and cutting Merc's down to 1/4 scoop (which is basically a coffee cup). Then again, it could be the nice fall weather.
However, I did spend half an hour last night setting up the jumps for today (which Willig was too bad for us to jump) and using my first 8-11 Sunday jump time. And the trainer I don't care for? Had a lesson at 10.
Thankfully, the weather was nice, so they rode outside, but I got pretty frustrated.
Once again, I don't feel out of line thinking I should be able to jump my horses in the winter and the summer. I pay $650/month, and I have to race to jump ONE horse ONE day a week. That kind of sucks.
Then I realized if I just wait it out, I bet she'll be gone in a few months. I don't know though - even if everything else resolves - a beginner barn just might not be a good fit for me and Willig because I need to actually work him.
On my trail ride with Mercury - it was beautiful! Blue sky with those orange/yellow/red leaves against it. Very nice.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Everything is always so complicated - what to do about Mercury
If I end up moving barns, it messes up my whole little system. I'll either have to move somewhere that Sam can move with me and keep leasing Mercury or sell him. The past few months have taught me that I definitely do not have time to ride two horses and do everything else in my life, and I'm ready to focus on Willig.
But with the economy going down, down, down, and tons of horses on the market, I don't want Mercury to end up in a bad situation, and I'd like to do everything I can to keep Sam riding him.
I called the prior barn manager, Amy, and we exchanged a couple voice mails. She says she might have an idea, but her place is full, which is a bummer because I would trust him with her.
But with the economy going down, down, down, and tons of horses on the market, I don't want Mercury to end up in a bad situation, and I'd like to do everything I can to keep Sam riding him.
I called the prior barn manager, Amy, and we exchanged a couple voice mails. She says she might have an idea, but her place is full, which is a bummer because I would trust him with her.
Rainbow Meadow Farm
Does anyone have any opinions or experience about this place and the trainer?
http://www.rainbowmeadowfarm.com/index.htm
http://www.rainbowmeadowfarm.com/index.htm
Perusing New Barns
I'm thinking about moving my guys. At least two other boarders and I have been complaining, and things seem to be getting worse. I'm not sure what's going on, but I'm hoping to talk to the owner sometime this weekend to let her know how concerned I am, and then give it a couple weeks to turn around. If nothing changes, or, heaven forbid, if the quality of care gets worse, then I'll need a new barn.
For anyone who reads this, please let me know if you know of any barns in or near (less than 20 minutes) Olympia which have the following minimum requirements:
- Daily turnout in a big enough space to run around (this doesn't have to be all day, but a few hours per horse)
- Staff who know horses well enough to recognize a swollen leg or sheath or etc. injury and call the owner and vet when appropriate
- Staff who can follow instructions and can feed the right thing consistently and whatever quirks the owner has (like, for example, "keep blanket on" means don't take it off)
- Decent sized stalls (Willig is pretty big for an "average" stall)
- Safe facilities - no crazy nails poking out or barbed wire
- Covered arena that is lit and is a decent size (doesn't have to be huge)
- Feeds twice a day; waters all the time
- Time for the boarders to ride on evenings and weekends
- Place for boarders to park trailers
- Lockers for boarders (big enough for two saddles)
- Cross-ties
These are bonuses but I would love to find a place that also has them:
- Feeds THREE times a day
- Trails
- Water (to practice crossing or, better yet, jumping into)
- Cross country course
- Jumps
- Huge indoor arena
- Outdoor arena
- Less than $350/month per horse
- Staff who can do medical care (like bute, eye ointment, soak feet, hold for farrier)
- No gossip/drama/cliques
- Hot water wash rack
- Experienced trainers who come for lessons (dressage, jumping, x-country)
For anyone who reads this, please let me know if you know of any barns in or near (less than 20 minutes) Olympia which have the following minimum requirements:
- Daily turnout in a big enough space to run around (this doesn't have to be all day, but a few hours per horse)
- Staff who know horses well enough to recognize a swollen leg or sheath or etc. injury and call the owner and vet when appropriate
- Staff who can follow instructions and can feed the right thing consistently and whatever quirks the owner has (like, for example, "keep blanket on" means don't take it off)
- Decent sized stalls (Willig is pretty big for an "average" stall)
- Safe facilities - no crazy nails poking out or barbed wire
- Covered arena that is lit and is a decent size (doesn't have to be huge)
- Feeds twice a day; waters all the time
- Time for the boarders to ride on evenings and weekends
- Place for boarders to park trailers
- Lockers for boarders (big enough for two saddles)
- Cross-ties
These are bonuses but I would love to find a place that also has them:
- Feeds THREE times a day
- Trails
- Water (to practice crossing or, better yet, jumping into)
- Cross country course
- Jumps
- Huge indoor arena
- Outdoor arena
- Less than $350/month per horse
- Staff who can do medical care (like bute, eye ointment, soak feet, hold for farrier)
- No gossip/drama/cliques
- Hot water wash rack
- Experienced trainers who come for lessons (dressage, jumping, x-country)
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
Vet Visit for Mercury and Willig
I normally don't go out on Monday's (because it's a lesson day, but now basically every day has something going on, so I might be revising my schedule), but at the first 4-H meeting, Sam told me that Mercury's leg was swollen so she didn't ride him.
I was going to stop by to give them hay since I had to drive past anyway, so I got Mercury out, and sure enough, he had a swollen right front leg. He had some scrapes on the inside of the leg, but his leg seemed to hurt a lot more than the scrapes warranted. I hosed it, betadined, and put on that furazone (the goopy yellow), and planned to give him a few days of stall rest.
Then I got Willig out, who had been when I went past at 6 standing, skinny, in the rain without his blanket. And in addition to being naked, and all clumped from the rain, he had a HUGE swollen sheath. It was all hot and tender, and he clearly felt bad because he let me run cold (icy cold) water inside while I tried to feel if it was dirty. It was a little dirty, but not enough to justify the swelling.
So I had the vet come out, and to do the other stuff I've had on my list: flush Willig's eye, float his teeth, and give both guys their fall shots.
Willig had a temp (103.5), the vet thinks the swelling is from a bee sting because most everything else seems to be ruled out, he had sharp teeth, but not crazy sharp, his tear duct was REALLY clogged, and he has to wait for his shots until he gets over his fever.
Willig is like Franken-willig when it comes to sedatives. Because of the fever, the vet didn't want to give him a huge dose, but with three doses, and me hanging on his ear, he could still lift my feet off the ground. It was very exciting for both me and the vet, and today my left arm is sore from hanging onto his head. Fortunately, we got everything done, but now I have to put ointment in his eye twice a day for 10 days (I'll probably have to switch to once a day after the weekend), and based on this morning, that will be it's own challenge.
It will be interesting though, if he rides different with his teeth floated and without the swelling in that eye. That's his "spooky" side.
This morning his sheath was still pretty swollen, but his temp was gone (100.6), and he was annoyed about being in the stall, which I take to mean he's recovering.
Mercury was also annoyed, but I'm going to force him to take it easy - the vet thought it was probably a deep bruise and thankfully, doesn't appear to have cracked a bone.
Another boarder and I are leaving each other notes but trying to give our three boys up to three flakes of alfalfa a day. So tonight I'm going to pick up more crazy expensive alfalfa. The whole - difficulty with getting my horses the feed and hay I want them to have (and spending mucho bucks and time to do it myself), difficulty riding because of lessons and events, and the whole CANNON thing last weekend (with no notice) has made me less enamoured with where I'm at.
I was going to stop by to give them hay since I had to drive past anyway, so I got Mercury out, and sure enough, he had a swollen right front leg. He had some scrapes on the inside of the leg, but his leg seemed to hurt a lot more than the scrapes warranted. I hosed it, betadined, and put on that furazone (the goopy yellow), and planned to give him a few days of stall rest.
Then I got Willig out, who had been when I went past at 6 standing, skinny, in the rain without his blanket. And in addition to being naked, and all clumped from the rain, he had a HUGE swollen sheath. It was all hot and tender, and he clearly felt bad because he let me run cold (icy cold) water inside while I tried to feel if it was dirty. It was a little dirty, but not enough to justify the swelling.
So I had the vet come out, and to do the other stuff I've had on my list: flush Willig's eye, float his teeth, and give both guys their fall shots.
Willig had a temp (103.5), the vet thinks the swelling is from a bee sting because most everything else seems to be ruled out, he had sharp teeth, but not crazy sharp, his tear duct was REALLY clogged, and he has to wait for his shots until he gets over his fever.
Willig is like Franken-willig when it comes to sedatives. Because of the fever, the vet didn't want to give him a huge dose, but with three doses, and me hanging on his ear, he could still lift my feet off the ground. It was very exciting for both me and the vet, and today my left arm is sore from hanging onto his head. Fortunately, we got everything done, but now I have to put ointment in his eye twice a day for 10 days (I'll probably have to switch to once a day after the weekend), and based on this morning, that will be it's own challenge.
It will be interesting though, if he rides different with his teeth floated and without the swelling in that eye. That's his "spooky" side.
This morning his sheath was still pretty swollen, but his temp was gone (100.6), and he was annoyed about being in the stall, which I take to mean he's recovering.
Mercury was also annoyed, but I'm going to force him to take it easy - the vet thought it was probably a deep bruise and thankfully, doesn't appear to have cracked a bone.
Another boarder and I are leaving each other notes but trying to give our three boys up to three flakes of alfalfa a day. So tonight I'm going to pick up more crazy expensive alfalfa. The whole - difficulty with getting my horses the feed and hay I want them to have (and spending mucho bucks and time to do it myself), difficulty riding because of lessons and events, and the whole CANNON thing last weekend (with no notice) has made me less enamoured with where I'm at.
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