Peeling back the onion - and we concentrate on our jobs

Often it takes several different approaches to find the cause of an issue, it's like peeling back the onion one layer at a time. In addition to bodywork I had both Remy and Chambord checked out by an equine veterinarian that specializes in Chiropractic work. Dr. Miller was recommended to me by Roz as well as a client, and I was very happy with the referral. She took her time, first watching the boys on the longe line before proceeding to examining them in the barn. Dr. Miller pointed out right away that Remy's hip was out of whack, the right side much higher than the left. This would explain his issues with the changes.

After Remy's first adjustment Dr. Miller was happy with the result, but that he was there about 80%. We had a good training week, but skipped the changes.

Last Friday they each had their second adjustment session, and Dr. Miller pronounced both of them "100%". Saturday was their day off, and today we went on a lovely trailride - early enough so none of us 'gave' too much blood to all the mosquitoes lurking in the woods. The boys felt awesome, there was a noticeable bounce in both of their steps.

That was the first layer of the onion. The others were: (1) New bit (on trial) for Remy. I had read a lot of good things about the Neue Schule Turtle Tactio bit and thought I'd give it a try, as it puts less pressure on the bars and sits higher in the mouth. After a week I can say he feels better than in his double broken KK snaffle, less argumentative, with an even and steady contact.

(2) Chambord's program includes addressing his arthritis with special shoes, Adequan, and meds.

So with the boys well taken care of, JP and I concentrate on our jobs: JP is giving the barn a new coat of paint (from 'barn red' to a lovely light grey), and I give my full attention to my equine clients:

No detail escapes JP's paint brush!

A long way from my corporate career and corner office...

... and I love it!

1:0 for Remy - and we have some detective work to do

Well, Remy got what he wanted the last three days: Plenty of trail rides. He was a model citizen and didn't even flinch when we crossed over a noisy bridge or when we splashed in the Huron River while a guy was paddling up in a canoe and got out right next to us.

At home he and Chambord gave each other bodywork sessions - who needs me??

So, I'd say this time it's 1:0 Remy to Birgit. But what can I say: When the horse is happy I'm happy :-) (I hear JP grumbling: What about if the husband is happy???)

After the relaxing break it's back on the school bus tomorrow morning. I am still giving Remy the benefit of the doubt, especially because his "drop and spin" happens mostly after a flying change to the left. So I put a call in to an equine veterinarian/chiropractor to schedule a chiropractic exam/adjustment. Remy's bit (a lose ring KK snaffle) is an unlikely culprit, but Roz might be on to something (she usually is) as she suggested Remy might get his tongue over the bit for a short instance, or perhaps he feels a pinch? Leaving no stone unturned I ordered two Neue Schule test bits to try. I could just ask Remy's BFF though...

... as obviously, Chambord knows what Remy wants! 

Trash day - and "not everyone is cut out for a PhD"

On our way to the trails Remy made a beeline to our neighbor's curb: He had spotted two blue pool floats and was trying to pick one up. I convinced him to leave it (using my stern "Leave It" command usually reserved for Ziggy, our dog) and we continued on. Nevertheless, I thought if the trash hadn't been picked up by the time we came by on our way home I'd take them. Sure enough, the floats were still there, and it turned out - quite heavy.

One person's trash is another person's (horse's!) treasure

While the trail-riding went well, our last lesson before we were supposed to go to the Brave Horse Show was a bit of a disaster. All was well, until Remy decided that flying changes are really not that cool. On the change to the left he did his infamous "drop shoulder and spin" act and I got quite rattled. Nevertheless, he had to continue to work and JP commented that I always ride better when I am pissed. Still, when I got off I pretty much was a mess. I am more an more questioning if Remy has hit his ceiling, and upper level dressage (with the increased collection) is just not his thing?

My super practical friend Stephanie had a great analogy: "Perhaps Remy is happy in Skilled Trades, not everyone is cut out to be an academic". Hmm, definitely food for thought.

But if that's the case I will have to adjust my own ambitions and say good-bye to dressage shows. Another horse is not in the cards - after all, we have already four equine mouths to feed. It's not the end of the world, even though it seemed a bit like it yesterday. The end of the world feeling probably comes through a bit of depression I am going through, the delayed reaction to my dad's passing, and the aftermath. I did not allow myself to grief much and now it seems its catching up with me.

I'll have some thinking and re-assessing to do. Come to think of, I don't have a PhD either, but that didn't prevent me from being successful. But then, I chose my path, whereas Remy is pretty much stuck with my decisions.

So, if Remy wants to be a trail horse - what will I do with all that extra money and free time???

Barn cleaning day - horse people are hard workers

With Jan's passing the Down Under Stables is now officially owned by Ellen and Bob. It is Roz' training 'HQ', and Remy's college.

Over the years a lot of things had found their ways into the two barns. Jan was so frugal that it seemed she was just a few steps away from being a hoarder "well, we might use that again one day" was a common saying.

So it was high-time for a major cleaning. Luckily a crew of hard working and fun people showed up on a very hot and muggy day. And very lucky (for me) that Jean gave me a face mask. One look at the accumulated dirt, dust, and racoon droppings almost did me in, but hey -  horse people are (almost) fearless!

Taking a break from removing Racoon droppings

Men at work. Comment from Michael "Typical stance for this species"

Enjoying the BBQ (vegetarian sausages, yummy!)

Horse people are used to hard work - so what's cleaning out a few dirty barns? 

As long as you don't inspect our houses too closely...

Take the walls away - and you have a different horse

Finally - the weather was decent enough this week to venture into the outdoor arena and the footing was just perfect.

I was amazed in the difference it made in Remy. He was forward, happy, and cruising along without reminders from your truly to keep that rear engine power coming. We are doing our "One-day snaffle / one day double" routine, and in the indoor Remy has a tendency to creep behind when wears his double bridle. Not so outside, he's taking me places there (and most of the time it's where I want to go).

We had some of the best extended trots today, and all I had today is keeping my core engaged. Roz gets a kick out of it when she has to remind me "don't be so surprised when it works!"

Happy 4th of July! And happy anniversary: Five years of citizenship!

This is not the buffet line! - and "he looks like he ate Pesto"

Rain and heat = overgrown trails. The rain finally abated, and now we have summer heat. It means  that the trails are quite overgrown and the grass in the open meadows is high. What's a hungry horse to do? Remy asks. Snacking, of course!

While it was lovely on the trails I had my hands full reminding Remy that we are not cruising down the buffet line. I understand, buddy, it's tempting, probably like me standing at the dessert table. So despite my best efforts Remy happily cruised along with his snacks. At one point JP glanced over and quipped "he looks like he ate Pesto" (What does that tell you? JP is a foodie*!).

We did have a good week training, and so a bit of goofing off on the trails is easy to accept. I was very happy that Remy kept it together when a runner surprised us by coming up behind and not saying a word, thus startling Remy. She was lucky that he doesn't kick, and that I have a decent seat. Otherwise at least one of us would have gotten her!

*Foodie: A person with a particular interest in food; a gourmet.

Land Under Water - and "the work helps him to settle"

OK, Michigan weather is unpredictable, we all know this. But lately we just seem to have rain, rain, and then some more of that. It's been "Land Under Water" for way too long. I felt bad for the competitors at the show, slushing around in the water. Even though the footing at Waterloo is good, with the deluge lots of people were scratching their classes.

Remy settled in nicely, walked around and behaved like a champ. No sign of nervousness at all. So when the time was right (in our case it means the warm up arena was almost devoid of other riders) I took a deep breath and in we went. Remy looked around but then settled into the work. As Roz puts it "the work helps him to settle". We do have a warm up routine that seems to work well. After walk, trot, some shoulder-ins, half-passes, and canters we called it a success and a day! Yay!

It was also very rewarding for me that my clients' horses responded well to their bodywork sessions. Especially one horse improved considerably and that made me very happy. It's also remarkable (for me) how working on the horses calms me down. Win-Win all around.

Now... how about that sunshine??