Last Friday we came home to find a dead lame Chambord in the pasture. He was miserably calling out, not wanting to move at all. OK, trying not to panic or freak out (what's the difference anyway?). I carefully lead him into the barn to check him over. On the bright side, no blood gushing, nothing seemed broken, but clearly every step seemed to hurt. LF (left front), same leg he was lame on last week and subsequently diagnosed with an onset of Ringbone. Our usual vet was not booked, but luckily her boss was able to come within an hour.
It didn't took Dr. Ryker long, he immediately suspected an hoof abscess, used the hoof testers "Yep, there is something", pulled the shoe, started digging -- and in no time had the abscess draining. Whew! That was part one, part two: expert wrapping of the hoof until a shoe gets back on. While I am trying to be frugal, I still opted to get Animalintex (poultice pad) from the Tractor Supply Store, instead of running to the pharmacy for diapers. Too many choices, Infant, Toddler, Adult?? (Nope, not buying those!).
I am happy to report the shoes went back on today, and Chambord is celebrating his new-found and pain-free freedom (he had to be confined in a stall with attached round-pen panels) by kicking up his heels and plenty of dirt in the pastures.
Chapin, Roz' working student, is exploring BC this week. As good help is hard to find I volunteered to fill in for her. I do like to groom and take care of horses and equipment, and helping Roz is fun. Other than being chided by the barn owner for not hanging up the lead ropes 'correctly' on the gates, and almost having to break into the tack room because the electronic lock was not cooperating, things are going fine.
The boys at home had an earlier wake up call than usual so Remy could catch his school bus, driven by yours truly. While I was busy with Roz' horses Remy got to chill in a paddock until it was time for my lesson. Cool new exercise today: Flying changes on a circle. Counter canter down the long side, then 20 m circle, then change. Remy's changes got more expressive and we had fun. After that it was recess for Remy until the school bus took him home.
I could get used to "take your horse to work week"!
Thursday, September 27, 2018
Tuesday, September 18, 2018
Am I a "Helikopter Mutter"?? - and I want more, more, more
The German magazine 'Der Spiegel' recently featured articles about the phenomena of "Helikopter Eltern" (helicopter parents). These are parents that literally 'hover' over their children all day long, school, play, whatever and wherever, driving especially the teachers crazy. Teachers get calls, emails, WhatsApp questions like "how often did my son sneeze today??" I always thought that was pretty weird, especially coming from a family where my parents' only involvement in my school and extracurricular activities was the stipulation that I got good grades and showed up in time for dinner (both of which not always happened).
While our horse trailer was getting serviced this week Remy had to stay over at the barn the last couple of days. I know the care is good, but nevertheless, I caught myself fretting about little things. I actually had made up his feed in brown bags, neatly labeled of course, for breakfast and dinner. So when I checked the feed room yesterday and saw that his dinner feed was missing I almost freaked out (yep, that's me!). Frantic texts to the working student (who does not do the feeding but knows who does -it's a rotating schedule-) revealed that his feed bag was stored with the others for the evening feed. Thanks, Chapin! Oh, dear, I think it's possible that I might be one of the weird ones... a "Helikopter Mutter"!
The staying over has been very good for Remy, though. I had the best rides ever in the last few days. Especially today in the outdoor arena Roz had us make good use of the larger space, and Remy was cooking along. We were forward with a notable spring in our step, floating through half-passes and going forward into our changes. Yay! I think I am getting addicted to this.
Now I want more, more, more (just not at the midnight hour with a Rebel yell, as the Billy Idol song goes - a dressage arena during daylight is perfectly fine for Remy and me, thank you very much!).
While our horse trailer was getting serviced this week Remy had to stay over at the barn the last couple of days. I know the care is good, but nevertheless, I caught myself fretting about little things. I actually had made up his feed in brown bags, neatly labeled of course, for breakfast and dinner. So when I checked the feed room yesterday and saw that his dinner feed was missing I almost freaked out (yep, that's me!). Frantic texts to the working student (who does not do the feeding but knows who does -it's a rotating schedule-) revealed that his feed bag was stored with the others for the evening feed. Thanks, Chapin! Oh, dear, I think it's possible that I might be one of the weird ones... a "Helikopter Mutter"!
The staying over has been very good for Remy, though. I had the best rides ever in the last few days. Especially today in the outdoor arena Roz had us make good use of the larger space, and Remy was cooking along. We were forward with a notable spring in our step, floating through half-passes and going forward into our changes. Yay! I think I am getting addicted to this.
Now I want more, more, more (just not at the midnight hour with a Rebel yell, as the Billy Idol song goes - a dressage arena during daylight is perfectly fine for Remy and me, thank you very much!).
Friday, September 14, 2018
More fun exercises for Remy - figuring out treatments for Chambord - and pony or poodle?
It's been a good riding week. Roz always brings new and fun exercises to the table -uh, arena- and we can count on them improving our work. This week's double bridle ride went way better than last week, I think I am getting more relaxed about out, which in turn helps Remy.
The exercises we did in the trot were focusing on the half-pass, culminating in several half-passes with change of direction, i.e. half-pass right, straight, half-pass left, straight, half-pass right. Another new favorite of mine is trot half-pass to X, walk pirouette, then continue trot half-pass.
In the canter Roz had me change the flexion every few strides to make Remy more supple. I had to be careful to change on the flexion, not the bend. Changing the bend meant flying changes to Remy. With the better canter the changes are improving. Yay! The cool part is that Remy likes the work, he is attentive, stays relaxed (sometimes a bit too much actually), and finishes always relaxed.
Chambord is currently our 'problem child'. After we noted a lameness in his left front when he was trotting I called our vet. There was no noticeable injury, heat, swelling etc. Blocks and X-rays revealed a mild case Ringbone (Ringbone is exostosis -bone growth- in the pastern or coffin joint. In severe cases, the growth can encircle the bones, giving ringbone its name). This is not curable but can be treated. First course of action is addressing the inflammation and pain. So I am vet wrapping an icepack every day on his pastern for about 10 minutes. Luckily Chambord is easy to treat … when there is food involved! He also gets Surpass (prescription cream to treat Osteoarthritis) rubbed in the area and Back on Track wraps at night. After two week we'll re-evaluate, and either add Shockwave and/or Adequan injections if needed.
And if that isn't enough: Yesterday apparently Chambord tried to climb the apple tree and in the process scratched his eye (the one day he wasn't wearing his face mask, of course!).
The other 'minor problem child' is Teddy. His winter coat is already growing, and with the hot and humid temperatures he gets sweaty and uncomfortable - so what does he do? He colics! Luckily only minor episodes, and we have the treatment down pat: A bit of Banamine and cold hosing did the trick. Of course, that's not a long term solution, so today I pressed "JP, the barber" into service. Off came most of Teddy's coat. JP did a creative clip and Teddy reminds me now of Jan's poodle, but of course, I'd never tell him that!
The exercises we did in the trot were focusing on the half-pass, culminating in several half-passes with change of direction, i.e. half-pass right, straight, half-pass left, straight, half-pass right. Another new favorite of mine is trot half-pass to X, walk pirouette, then continue trot half-pass.
In the canter Roz had me change the flexion every few strides to make Remy more supple. I had to be careful to change on the flexion, not the bend. Changing the bend meant flying changes to Remy. With the better canter the changes are improving. Yay! The cool part is that Remy likes the work, he is attentive, stays relaxed (sometimes a bit too much actually), and finishes always relaxed.
Chambord is currently our 'problem child'. After we noted a lameness in his left front when he was trotting I called our vet. There was no noticeable injury, heat, swelling etc. Blocks and X-rays revealed a mild case Ringbone (Ringbone is exostosis -bone growth- in the pastern or coffin joint. In severe cases, the growth can encircle the bones, giving ringbone its name). This is not curable but can be treated. First course of action is addressing the inflammation and pain. So I am vet wrapping an icepack every day on his pastern for about 10 minutes. Luckily Chambord is easy to treat … when there is food involved! He also gets Surpass (prescription cream to treat Osteoarthritis) rubbed in the area and Back on Track wraps at night. After two week we'll re-evaluate, and either add Shockwave and/or Adequan injections if needed.
And if that isn't enough: Yesterday apparently Chambord tried to climb the apple tree and in the process scratched his eye (the one day he wasn't wearing his face mask, of course!).
The other 'minor problem child' is Teddy. His winter coat is already growing, and with the hot and humid temperatures he gets sweaty and uncomfortable - so what does he do? He colics! Luckily only minor episodes, and we have the treatment down pat: A bit of Banamine and cold hosing did the trick. Of course, that's not a long term solution, so today I pressed "JP, the barber" into service. Off came most of Teddy's coat. JP did a creative clip and Teddy reminds me now of Jan's poodle, but of course, I'd never tell him that!
Monday, September 10, 2018
"Yes, his body needs to warm up, but his brain should be there already"
It was a big boy bridle day - and Remy was doing his 'La-di-dah' warmup. It was like "how little can I do and get away with it??". With the double bridle I am over-cautious and basically ride him like a green horse. Roz reminded me that yes, while Remy needs to go correctly through his physical warm up exercises I nevertheless have to expect his brain to be with me. What it means is that even in the easy warm up exercises Remy has to listen and respond promptly to my aids and not say "let me think if I want to do a leg yield now".
We sorted it out but I was not happy that Remy needed some serious reminders that contemplating to do something is NOT enough. Yep, there are days like this.
OTOH, I do understand. Don't ask my brain to do anything in the morning before I had at least three cups of German coffee. Preferably don't talk to me either. Good thing Remy doesn't know this (or did JP tell him??) - otherwise he'd ask to have coffee added to his room (stall) service order. Well, Remy, if it's any consolation, I don't get room service either...
I decided to make good use of my morning 'caffeine high' (produced by yours truly) and tackle setting up my website. Obviously, being neither tech savvy nor a teenager I dreaded this and had initially planned to hire someone. Can't deny your genes: My "Sparsamer Schwabe" (people from the Swabian region in Germany have a reputation for being extremely frugal) kicked in and I decided to do it myself. After some trial and error, quite a bit of swearing and sweating I am happy to report that www.horseandsense.com is alive and kicking!
We sorted it out but I was not happy that Remy needed some serious reminders that contemplating to do something is NOT enough. Yep, there are days like this.
OTOH, I do understand. Don't ask my brain to do anything in the morning before I had at least three cups of German coffee. Preferably don't talk to me either. Good thing Remy doesn't know this (or did JP tell him??) - otherwise he'd ask to have coffee added to his room (stall) service order. Well, Remy, if it's any consolation, I don't get room service either...
I decided to make good use of my morning 'caffeine high' (produced by yours truly) and tackle setting up my website. Obviously, being neither tech savvy nor a teenager I dreaded this and had initially planned to hire someone. Can't deny your genes: My "Sparsamer Schwabe" (people from the Swabian region in Germany have a reputation for being extremely frugal) kicked in and I decided to do it myself. After some trial and error, quite a bit of swearing and sweating I am happy to report that www.horseandsense.com is alive and kicking!
Monday, September 3, 2018
"Don't be surprised if it's good" - and I won't be saved by my hair
OK, I admit it, I love it when people miss my blog entries (thanks, Ingrid!). It's been a busy week since I've been back from New England. My riding gap of about 10 days needed to be bridged. Remy had worked well for Roz, so I knew it was entirely up to me - no surprise here. My first day back on Remy was a bit of a fumbling exercise. By the time my Friday lesson rolled around, things had improved. Actually, I was surprised how good Remy felt and how well he went. His right lead canter is getting more and more consistent, and we worked on collecting the trot while thinking of half-steps. Several times I laughed because I was so happy with what I was feeling, to which Roz said "don't be surprised if it's good!". Yes, I do need to get my mindset to EXPECTING the work and the feel to be good, not seeing it as an exception.
During the week Remy and I had hitched up our big boy pants and big girl pants respectively and ventured out down the road on our own for the first time. Ever since Saumur 'lost' me galloping in the park several years back and I had to limp home for miles sans Saumur (who made it home in record time) I don't like going out alone. Better to have someone there ready to pick me up! Nevertheless, after working in the arena I decided it was time to see what we've got - and all went well, going by the trash cans (OK, we had to stop because Remy wanted to inspect the contents of the recycling bins) and having Rosy the Yorkshire launching herself into our path.
I noted a difference in Remy when we went out today together with Chambord and JP: Remy seemed more confident, previously he was perfectly happy behind Chambord, today he took the lead and marched forward like he owned the trails.
The hot and humid weather is not enticing to wearing a helmet, but for us it's "jamais sans moi" (OK, this "never without me" slogan is off a condom that was inside a courtesy kit from Air France). I can't count on my hair to save me like it did for Empress Sisi of Austria. I just finished a book about her life, she was considered the best horsewoman and foxhunter of her time. Her thick hair was floor length and for riding she had it wrapped around her head. The few times she came off foxhunting in Ireland apparently her hair saved her from head injuries. In comparison, the few inches of hair I have couldn't save anything - so on goes the Charles Owen.
During the week Remy and I had hitched up our big boy pants and big girl pants respectively and ventured out down the road on our own for the first time. Ever since Saumur 'lost' me galloping in the park several years back and I had to limp home for miles sans Saumur (who made it home in record time) I don't like going out alone. Better to have someone there ready to pick me up! Nevertheless, after working in the arena I decided it was time to see what we've got - and all went well, going by the trash cans (OK, we had to stop because Remy wanted to inspect the contents of the recycling bins) and having Rosy the Yorkshire launching herself into our path.
I noted a difference in Remy when we went out today together with Chambord and JP: Remy seemed more confident, previously he was perfectly happy behind Chambord, today he took the lead and marched forward like he owned the trails.
The hot and humid weather is not enticing to wearing a helmet, but for us it's "jamais sans moi" (OK, this "never without me" slogan is off a condom that was inside a courtesy kit from Air France). I can't count on my hair to save me like it did for Empress Sisi of Austria. I just finished a book about her life, she was considered the best horsewoman and foxhunter of her time. Her thick hair was floor length and for riding she had it wrapped around her head. The few times she came off foxhunting in Ireland apparently her hair saved her from head injuries. In comparison, the few inches of hair I have couldn't save anything - so on goes the Charles Owen.
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| Her hair: Can replace a helmet Empress Sisi of Austria, 1864, Franz-Xaver Winterhalter |
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| My hair: Not so much |
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