Billy Idol song on my mind - and we never worked that hard

 Last weekend Remy and I participated in a clinic with top judge and trainer Lilo Fore. What I had seen at a clinic years ago and liked: Tough, but with a sense of humor, extremely thorough... and VERY German (OK, the last one is not always a plus😉). 

But after watching some YouTube videos in preparation for our lessons I got all of a sudden quite nervous: Would Remy and I be up for the challenge? We would soon find out...

Day one we weren't long into the session when Billy Idol's song popped into my mind, and it's been there ever since. ..."in the midnight hour with a rebel yell, she cried MORE, MORE, MORE..." OK, it wasn't the midnight hour, and there was no rebel yell, but German accented yells of MORE, MORE, MORE. I swear Remy and I never worked that hard, and I never had him going so well. No more "not enough impulsion" for this pair! She basically scared us into the best medium canter ever, I thought we were flying. 

Day two all of a sudden Lilo asked me to carry the whip vertical, straight up in front of me. She hadn't been happy with my 'forward seat' and wanted me to sit up and straight. Well, that did the trick, plus Remy getting a glimpse of the whip behind his ears had him at attention. 

That was -almost- me😊

And why did the old masters carry the whip vertical? My friend Glenda, expert on all things classical dressage, had the explanation: It was to show independent use of seat, leg and hands. The double bridle reins were carried in the left hand, the whip in the right. You better had the horse on your aids!

"The raised whip shows supreme mastery of advanced collection and self-carriage without force. " Citation: https://static1.squarespace.com/.../politz-double-bridle.pdf

I have a lot of notes from the clinic, and I will post them in the next days. 

Happy -socially distanced- Thanksgiving! I'm off to ride Remy and then I have to pack Christmas parcels for Germany, write my client reports, clinic notes, Christmas cards, run the dogs, etc. etc. Luckily JP is in charge of dinner! And no, it won't be "Turkey for Two", seafood it is for us ("Bummer", say the dogs, "Yay!" say the cats).

As for the Christmas parcels, I'm already behind, but I guess better late than never. My friend and neighbor Angie did bail me out with some beautiful handmade gifts (can't say what obviously). And even better - she generously donates the proceeds to the local food bank.😍

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Other women get flowers - I get lights

 I meant to post this earlier, but then time just got away from me. I've been very busy with my clients (thank you! I do appreciate all of you), and neglected updating the blog (thank you for all the gentle reminders!).

So, JP had his heart set at installing lights around the arena. I griped about it -yep, I admit it- because really, how likely is it that I want to ride in the cold and dark?? JP persisted and I relented (hmm, is there a pattern?? I'd rather say I pick my battles). But then, there could be days when the temperatures are fine, I'm running late, it's getting dark - so, why not?

And then there was light!

I was joking that "other women get flowers - I do get lights" - and wouldn't you know it, I got lights, flowers, plus a -newly repaired- fireplace. What more could woman want?? 😉

...and flowers

plus a lovely fireplace

Encouraging words - and grappling with the end of the season

Our lessons have been going really well, the highlight being the statement from Roz "Even his worst days are now still better then his best days in the past". Wow! Wish that would apply to me, too ;-)

This week was our last week of lessons with Roz ... until next April. That's quite a bummer, and I'm grappling with it. Even though we have planned on virtual lessons it won't be the same. Speaking of virtual lessons: I just purchased the Pivo system, and am crossing my fingers that I'll get it to work.  

In the meantime, though, we have a very exciting clinic coming up next weekend: Three days with Lilo Fore! I came to it like "Die Jungfrau zum Kinde" (German saying for something very unexpected: Like the virgin to a child). The clinic* wasn't advertised, I was working on client horses when the trainer mentioned the upcoming clinic. I jumped on the opportunity and asked if I could be on the waitlist, not really thinking that there would be an opening. Well, the same evening I got a message that Remy and I could come. So, now I'm getting nervous. I've audited one clinic and liked Lilo's teaching style a lot, but even after all these years in the US she still is very German (nothing wrong with that!). She is known for being a very fair  and correct judge. 

Today is one of these stormy, rainy days where riding is not possible. The arena is a swimming pool and the high winds have trees and branches falling left and right. I took the dogs out early and the three of us got completely drenched. JP tried to pick us up at the end of the trail, but the truck was still hitched to the trailer so he took my car. I opted to run home - better to have wet, smelly, and dirty dogs at my side than in my car. 

The mask has to match Remy and my outfit 😀

*Note for my European friends: A 'clinic' has nothing to do with a hospital. It's a Lehrgang / cours de formation

At a dressage clinic a clinician is brought in to teach six to 10 riders (and horses) who might otherwise never have opportunity to learn directly from someone of that caliber. The clinician may be a current or former top rider, judge or trainer. Clinicians are generally well-known for their talent at the local, national or international level. - Dressage Today

When it rains, it pours - and now it's a weird swelling

Saumur is back to his old self, happily wolfing down any food that's put in front of him. Whew! Nous avons échappé belle ("we escaped beautifully", in our case: it was a narrow escape). 

Remy had been working really well in our lessons, but sometimes he gets ahead of us. Roz quipped the other day "next time, try to get a less smart horse". So, I thought we were just cruising along, and happily drove to my lesson on Friday. While in the car I got a text from Roz with a picture "your boy has a weird swelling". Uh, uh: When it reins, it pours. Weird swelling was right: Remy had a huge swelling in his left groin area. Soft, but he wasn't ouchy. I put Remy on the longe line to see how he would move, and to my relief he was sound. Roz and I decided movement would be good and Remy cheerfully went through his lesson (probably also because he noted the arrival of his school bus driver).

At home I palpated the area and noted a hard lump within the swelling. That was just too dubious, so I called the vets office for advice. By now I should have them on speed dial. I texted the photo, and Dr. Ryker called me back, joking that recently we've been talking way too much. He thought it's a hematoma with a blood clot inside, and just to watch it over the weekend. I put Surpass on it in the hopes the swelling would go down.

As of today the swelling is almost all gone, but the hard lump remains (it is smaller). I've been applying hot compresses to the area, and that seems to have helped. Hopefully -fingers and toes crossed- it will be gone in a few days.  

I've been really busy with work, and added new clients also. It is amazing, as I don't advertise, the business growth is entirely organic - through word of mouth. I am very lucky to be able to do what I love (OK, the love might perhaps 'cool' a bit in the coming winter months, but we'll see, I've been stocking up on clothes to combat the Arctic Winter). As long as we stay healthy, all will be fine! 

I should get one of those!

Nail biting times - and who would have thought??

 Yesterday morning when I got to the barn to feed I noticed right away that Saumur hadn't finished his night hay and he didn't want to eat his breakfast. He was lethargic, and hay was hanging out of his mouth. I took his temp, but at 98.7 it was normal. A vet call was needed. Dr. Ryker suspected choke (something lodged in the esophagus, and thus blocking it). So he sedated Saumur and pushed a tube and then liquid down. It went too easy - meaning no substantial blockage. 

Remy watches over a sedated Saumur

Once Saumur had slept off the sedation I tried to feed him his favorite 'Slobber Mash' - no dice. Outside he'd nibble at grass but then didn't swallow. He also didn't drink. It didn't bode well, and after conferring we realized that it might be time to make final arrangements, just in case. At 26 I didn't want to subject Saumur to a trailer ride (which he still hates) and all the prodding and probing at Michigan State, and then perhaps have him put down there. JP and I agreed that when the time comes our animals will pass on in their familiar surroundings.

 When Dr. Ryker came back he said he had conferred with the lead surgeons at MSU, and one thing came up was SPM, caused by toxic plants. He wanted to inspect the trees in our pastures. And wouldn't you know it: There is a box elder bush. It produces seeds in the fall that are highly toxic to horses, with a mortality rate of over 75% (gasp!). Usually horses don't eat those seeds, but Saumur must have ingested some, and it caused SPM: Seasonal Pasture Myopathy. 

The Banamine injection helped, and later that night Saumur was able to eat some mash and soaked hay. He also drank. When I checked on him later he had also eaten all his soaked hay cubes. A boulder rolled off my chest.

Whew! Saumur has lived in these pastures for 20 years and we never had an issue. BTW, Saumur and I are having our 20th anniversary this month!! 

So, for those of you that have horses on pastures: Check the trees and brushes (Acorn for example is also highly toxic). There are Apps that let you identify plants, such as INaturalist. Believe me, it is worth it!

Saumur resting after his ordeal

Has it really been nine years? - and trying to stay upbeat

 While I'm not a devoted fan of FB, I do like the reminders that come up. Case in point: Today is the ninth anniversary of Remy's arrival in Michigan. He sure was a cute kid, then a difficult teenager, and luckily he is now at 12 becoming a responsible adult. Still cute, though. His latest trick is that he walks out of his stall during night check (while we pick the stall and put hay bags in for the night). Remy meanders around, and when I tell him "go to your room" he marches right back into his stall. It's become our nightly game. 

Remy fresh off the trailer from Montana 

We sure enjoy the glorious fall colors. Kensington Park is stunning and lots of people are posting awesome photos, not just of the colors, but also of the wild life, like eagles, minks, and -everyone's favorite- the white doe. 

We cast our absentee ballots today, the drop box is right next to our police station, so I guess it's safe. When I talked with Mutti today she reminded me several times "waehlt ja richtig" (vote for the right person). Europeans are watching the upcoming election closely. Stephanie offered not only her open arms, plus Schnucki-Apartment, but also the garage for the horses as well - in case we decide to get on the (yet to be build) ark and sail towards Europe. It's good to have a "Plan B" :-)!

Michael's contribution to the topic 'Arc' :-)

The weather forecast calls for an unusual cold and snowy winter in Michigan. No Plan A or B yet on how to go about Remy's training through the winter months (boarding? home?). He's been working so well lately, it would be a shame to let him 'sit' in the snow for four or five months. "As long as there's enough hay and good company, I don't mind at all", Remy says. I've been checking into hoof boots with grip/spikes, for rides in the snow. The boys are barefoot in the winter, so those boots would give them more traction on the trails. But to be honest - I'm not hardy enough for rides in ice and snow. Oh, Florida, how I'll miss ya!

At least the 'last hurrah' of fall is beautiful! 

A colorful entrance to our property

Arena - Potomac - 3-plus-1 - and love being "stuck" here

 Some of my friends become worried when I haven't posted in a while. What can I say - it's been just too darn busy and in some instances also nerve-wracking.

So, recap in -almost- chronological order:

1) Arena is completed - Yay! JP even installed lights, this will be the closest I get this season to "Dressage Under The Stars" (a Friday night event at Global Dressage in Wellington). And who needs a sandy beach when you have a sand box at home?

Finally - Good Footing

2) When JP was feeding breakfast to the boys last week he noted Saumur was not eating, and seemed completely listless and depressed. I took his temp and it was 103F: Emergency call to the vet. Luckily Dr. Sheldon came quickly, armed with a tube, charcoal, Antibiotics, and Banamine. She suspected Potomac Horse Fever (even though Saumur is vaccinated, there are various strains). The scary part with Saumur is that he is 26, IR (insulin resistant), and therefore at high risk for founder. Luckily, after some nail-biting days and nights, and daily vet visits, he pulled through. It was a big bill but as JP so eloquently says: "Quand on aime on ne compte pas" - When you love you don't count!

3) Ziggy ran off after a squirrel, didn't find his way home, but thanks to a lovely young couple watching over him  (he wouldn't come to them), and then seeing my post on Nextdoor we were able to pick him up. He was safe and sound - and very tired. Blame the Eichhoernchen, he said. 

4) Great riding week, yay, Remy! And of course, Yay, Roz! Remy and I have a tendency to 'die' in the half-passes. They start out well, but then we just fade - the bend goes and so do the haunches. So Roz had the great idea to use 3 plus 1. It means I have the snaffle rein in one hand and the two curb reins plus the snaffle in the other. For example, half-pass to the left I have the snaffle rein in the left hand, and both curb reins plus the other snaffle rein in the right hand. Wouldn't you know it, it worked like a charm. I have to admit that I actually squealed for joy (hmm, do I really want do admit this?) during a canter half-pass to the left (our more difficult side). 

5) Lots of client appointments - lovely horses and owners. I am so grateful that I am able to do something I love. Yay! to second careers :-) 

"Princess Allie" enjoying a scapula release

6) Beautiful fall weather! While I sorely miss traveling -especially visiting Germany- I do love where I am "stuck" (as long as the TV is off!)

Our cozy barn, 4 stalls, tack room, storage,
Porch (run-in shelter) for the equines
Upstairs "Play room" for the humans

"Home with a view" (from kitchen window):
Morning mist over Kensington Park

Ziggy's nemesis on the top rail