Woo-hoo! Amber has a new owner!

So now that I have time to write a proper blog...

Casey texted me at 9:30am and said the vet could come at 11:30, and could I make it?

I was sleeping hard...after 2 days of working at 5am with little sleep, I was loving the extra sleep. But I literally fell out of bed!

Got there at exactly 11:30, and the vet was already there. I'm famous for running late...but he hadn't been there too long.

He was very nice. He looked her all over, did flexion tests...looked at her teeth. She still has her wolf teeth, which are huge the vet said. He said they were not a problem [right now], but if they started to be an issue I should get them pulled. And of course, I will do that. Could be part of the reason she pops her head up every now and then when I give a squeeze on the rein.

Amber's facial expression was priceless during the exam. She was very well behaved for the vet, but she looked so confused. As he flexed her hind leg, she gave a bewildered glance at us like "What's all this about?"

Vet said she was in good health, no sign of lameness or injury (present or past), she was in good weight and seemed to have a nice disposition. That's my girl!

So I'm relieved and very excited. I unofficially have a very healthy, sound, sane horse. What more could a girl want?

I just ordered her halter and stall name plates, as well as a few other things for her. Friday can't come fast enough!

Andrea will be picking her up on Saturday after I get off work.

Just a note to myself, thing I need to get before we haul out:

Coggins
Shot papers
Proof of ownership
How much grain she's getting
When she was last wormed
When she was last trimmed

Also, I have put up her designated blog - Chestnut Mare Syndrome. Run over and follow it - I apologize for all the moving around lately, I just didn't feel it was right to continue to blog on Jack's blog. I felt like it should be left alone. That's an era past; and blogging about my journey to the next horse seemed wrong. This is my final move. I plan on having Amber until she crosses the rainbow bridge.

http://chestnutmaresyndrome.blogspot.com/

Amber is mine!

Okay, unofficially,but she passed the ppe! I will go into more detail later, im on my phone right now. But the vet said she had a nice personality...she was so good during the exam.

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Merry Christmas!

Unfortunately, I didn't get to visit my big red present today, but I had a wonderful time with my family, despite a touch of family drama. ;) Never get through a Christmas without some though, it's like a tradition!

I got a lot of nice things, much more than I expected. I asked everyone to please not get me more than one or two things, because a horse is a HUGE thing to ask for, but I was floored when I discovered how many presents had been bought for me. I got lots of beautiful clothes, and some pretty new riding vests to keep me warm for the rest of the winter! I got some pretty jewelry, some bath and body works stuff, and a purse by my favorite designer. I also got a Sansa fuze, and it's CUTE! Much more compact than my old MP3. Also a can of de-icer for my car - LOVED that gift. Very handy! Several more things as well - including a Pillow Pet! It's a purple and pink unicorn - I loved it! So cute.

I was also given $300 in cash gifts outside the $1,000 mom has promised on Amber. I am so thankful that I have such a loving, generous family. Not many families would do so much.

I took the dogs over to my Grandma's to play. Allie got to chase her favorite thing, the broom my Grandma has under the carport. She loves to chase it while you sweep it over the ground. The dogs also got a Christmas treat - they each got a plate of turkey! They practically inhaled it.

I'm going to be hopping into bed now though. I have work at 5am, and I expect I will have to get up earlier than usual because it's going to snow tonight so the roads won't be excellent at that hour and I will have to be cautious.

Can't remember if I mentioned this or not in my last blog, but I have tonsillitis for the second time...it's just awful. It's difficult to swallow, and crunchy food seems to have a bad habit of getting stuck in my throat and choking me. And my tonsils are oozing a disgusting discharge that makes my mouth taste and smell terrible, no matter how often I brush. I'm taking antibiotics, and I hope it clears up soon. It's not nearly as bad as last time, when I had strep throat at the same time. I literally couldn't swallow at all. I had to take a vicodin just to be able to eat.

Let's hope I feel better soon!

Om Nom Nom

Went out to clean stalls today, and as I was cleaning one of the stalls that is attached to Amber's lot, I noticed her near the gate, so I whistled at her and got her attention, and it melted my heart when she perked right up and came right on over to see me. What a sweet girl. She looked me over thoroughly for treats, and then stood and 'helped' me clean the stall after she was sure I had nothing yummy to eat. She of course got a lot of treats when I was done, and licked me to beg for more. When I closed the stall door, she continued to beg, which is what that picture is of.

She has the sweetest personality. A lot of horses are just neutral with their humans. Willing and good natured, but just neutral. Not Amber! She is a clear people lover.

I saw her old leaser today. I guess she got out of trouble with her parents...I wondered if Casey had to break the news to her, but I didn't want to say anything myself. She kind of looked at me funny when I was loving on Amber, and I felt a little awkward. I certainly don't want to hurt anyone's feelings...

I went to visit Avalon Equestrian after I left! It was good to see Andrea again. All the horses looked healthy, happy, and alert, but very relaxed. The barn is small but very quaint. Not teeny tiny, but not huge either. Fencing looks safe, hay looked good, and everything was very clean. The riding ring isn't finished 100% yet, but looked to be taking shape, and she said they were putting up a dressage arena soon.

You guys might remember I posted about a gelding I used to ride as a young teen named Tic Tac. I don't know if I mentioned it or not, but he was purchased by a girl from that barn and moved to Avalon - I got to see him! He's older now, 19, but looked great. Shorter than I remember - he's only 14.2hhs, but I remember him being taller! Shows how things change so much over time. Not him, of course, but I guess I got taller! ;)

I think the move would be a positive one. Andrea seems very safety conscious (as she has always been), and I don't think I will ever have to worry about Amber's welfare there.

Now we wait for the vet check next week.

10 Hours

Of work. Agh. Busy night, not enough workers scheduled.

Anyway, I'm going out to see my girl tomorrow and ride. Still trying to schedule that vet check, and the longer we put it off the more nervous I get. PLEASE be healthy Amber, for goodness sake.

I wanted to post and announce I have officially chosen Amber's show name.

I thought I was sold on Made You Look, but a name came to me that I think really, really fits her better. Evening Sunsong. I think it's beautiful and classy, and makes one think of a fiery sunset, which plays up the bright, bright red she is with her shorter summer coat.

I'm ordering a nice engraved plate for the halter, and a plate for her stall. And of course a tag for her stable halter.

I definitely don't want her halter to get mixed up and lost, because if I move to a new barn I don't want to have to buy yet another stable halter because hers got lost amongst a sea of public-use halters. Kind of thinking of duct taping her lead to the halter too...because I know people will borrow a lead and forget to return it to the halter they got it off.

Also, I believe Amber and I will be moving to Avalon Equestrian Center on January 1. Assuming her PPE goes fine.

The trainer has a stall open now, and I have talked to Casey and she is fine with it, said the choice is mine, just make sure the horses are well cared for there. Which, I'd do that anyway. The barn has taken in USERL horses, so that speaks volumes because their guidelines are tough and you won't get a horse and you won't keep a horse from them if you aren't doing things right.

I'm very happy that Casey is supportive of this, and is supportive of my desire to further my dressage education. I think Amber will be happy wherever she is, so long as she has food, water, shelter and love, all of which she will have plenty of with me.

Obviously it's a lot to think about, and I am still mulling it over, but I think it would be a positive move to make.

Amber can take a few days to get adjusted to the new barn, and then I'm going to make a general 'outline' for our training for the 2011 show season. I don't tend to strictly follow outlines - if something isn't working right away, I will move onto something that comes easier, but it does help to have some structure to what you want to accomplish. She's already getting the idea of leg yields, and has good crossover at the walk already. She's got a very soft mouth, and her transitions are good. Her down transitions are just BAM, on a dime. The foundation we have is good already, and she hasn't been in proper arena work training for long at all.

Gorgeous Weather...not...

Yeah, it was nasty today. Sleet/rain, and dead cold.

Amber was, as usual, a sweetheart though. I tacked her up and took her to the indoor. A few other students were riding today. I warmed Amber up alone, and she was excellent. A little funny in the deep spots in the footing, but all the horses are. Much better in the indoor than last time. Bending and trying to find my contact.

When the other students came in, it kind of went to pot. She wanted to tailgate and get a little pissy when I wouldn't allow it, so I made her walk while the rest trotted to reinforce that she takes directions from me, not the horses and riders around her.

She got two honey and oat granola bars for being a good girl and then we tried on blankets. Two were way too small, and one that fit was a cooler, so I was thinking of buying it anyway as a liner for the really cold weather, but Casey said it was actually one of the school's show coolers.

Of course, she has a thick winter coat so I might not get her a blanket at all this winter. Especially if she's going to have a stall. She won't show until spring. Next winter I'll blanket her to keep the fuzz minimal since we should be showing right on through most of it. I definitely don't want her to sweat under blankets.

Casey said she hasn't been able to get up with the vet, but I'm sure we will be able to reach him soon and schedule the PPE.

Even with the small indoor, I'm so glad to be able to ride right through the mucky, wet winter weather. Canamer was nice, and the small barn atmosphere was good, but lack of facilities was a huge downfall. Even just poking around is better than not riding at all!

Also got my first paycheck - more than I expected!

One last thing - I'm kind of considering banging Amber's tail. I'm a little worried because her tail is a little short, but it would be banged well below her hocks, but not quite to the fetlocks. I like the look of a banged tail, which is why I want to do hers. I thought of putting a little MTG on her and trying to grow it a few inches in the spring too.

Bye bye mohawk!

I banded Amber's mane today. It was way, way too cold to ride.

Amber, I have found, is a big food lover. Bigger than any other horse I've ever met. I tie her up, and she sits there and makes these adorable faces at me, and you can see that she's totally saying "Hey, I'm CUTE, please give me something yummy to snack on! Please?"

I banded her mane first. Despite the howling wind and cold, she was very patient with my fumbling, frozen fingers. I don't know if she's ever had her mane banded before, because one of the bands made a popping noise that spooked her once just a little, but she jumped back just for a second and got over it.

I don't know if I told you guys, but the mowhawk bridle path she sports was not lack of care on the barn's part, they were letting it grow out because the previous owners had it WAY too long. Almost Arabish long. Now it's long enough to start laying flat, so soon as I get my hands on some clippers I'm trimming her a proper bridle path.

What a great horse I have found. I know that no horse is ever perfect, but I can't find one thing about her that I don't like. I especially like how chilled and calm she is, even when the wind is blasting us and making all sorts of noises. She just stands quietly for me, making cute faces.

She also has an AMAZING tail. It's a little short. I'll probably put some MTG on it and bag it in the spring to get it 2-3 inches longer, so I can do the "traditional" dressage thing of doing a blunt cut on the end. I just like now neat and tidy that looks. But why it's so amazing is, it's so soft and silky! Almost like human hair. I saw her just before she got her full winter coat too, and she is a gorgeous vibrant red underneath all her fuzz. The picture I posted doesn't do it justice.

I think she likes me. She was in one of the shelter stalls that's open to her paddock, making cute faces at me, and another horse came in while I was petting her...she pins her ears at him, making these nasty faces. I think we have a little attention whore on our hands! Very people-oriented. And that's a good thing when the horse is also mannerly and respectful of their humans, because they enjoy being handled and ridden, meaning training is much easier.

It's kind of like when a person WANTS to do something, they learn it easier than if they don't want to or don't care. No different to horses.

My job is going well. I have learned a lot and fast, and the managers seem to like me. I've had plenty of time off, but still got plenty of hours in and the manager has been very understanding of my situation that I need at least 24 hours a week, and I need to be guaranteed that because of my upcoming purchase of a horse. I explained that my horse was going to cost me a certain amount each month, and I had to be certain I'd make that amount because I absolutely cannot skimp out on her care. I'm very thankful that the manager has understood and assured me of my hours.

If for some reason that turns out to not be true though, I do have another job as an option, with someone who can vouch for me and help me get the job who also works there.

So I am quite stable financially now. Amber's vet check is going to be scheduled for next Monday if I'm not mistaken. Cross your fingers guys that I have a healthy, sound horse ready to be purchased by her new owner!



By the way, is it incredibly lame, or just natural, that I want to show her off to all my old trainers? I definitely want to try to trailer in to Trish at least once. I was thinking of asking someone at the barn with a trailer if maybe they would want to do a lesson with Trish, and offering to pay for a lesson for them too if they give me and Amber a lift, or just paying for their gas and time. I'm just so proud of her already, and she hasn't even done anything at all really, except be her sweet self.

Readers, meet Amber!

So I realized that my trainer has a picture of Amber being ridden by the girl who was leasing her on her facebook.

Isn't she adorable?

I keep forgetting to take pictures of her, so I'm glad I found one so you guys could see her.

Pony Supplies

You guys ought to know by now, I'm obsessed with making my finances work out perfectly. And also obsessed with having nice gear, and not having to borrow from everyone else.

I've had to learn the hard way that you're better off to just own supplies for your critters.

I have decided to go the traditional route. Mainly because I realized that while I liked my bright colors, the "traditional" colors were actually appealing to me in some weird way and that's why I wanted to switch.

Anyway, I have my pretty leather halter. I'm just going to buy a matching lead for the burgundy one I already have. So all I needed was new polos and a summer saddle pad.I'm also getting a black helmet cover, just so when I'm not using the purple saddle pad I have a clean look.

SO. All that aside. First order of business: clippers.

Andi's Cordless Clippers

I never body clip. Ever. I don't go to rated shows, or any show big enough to warrant it. And I prefer to let a horse grow as much of a natural winter coat as possible - BEST warmth.

I do, of course, trim around the face and fetlocks. So instead of investing huge $$ in heavy duty clippers, I'm going to get these cute little trimmers. Just to hit the highlights. Whiskers, bridle path, fetlocks.

Next order of business, hay bag.

Nylon Lined Hay Bag


Obviously, if I'm going to be taking my girl to clincs, lessons and shows, I'll need something to put her some munchies in. And having a bag full of hay from home to munch on can be nice to keep a horse feeling calm in a new place.

Cotton Lead


For the burgundy halter. It's probably going to be the halter I leave in the barn for her when they need to take her out for the farrier, ect.

White Polo Wraps


Yeah, I know. They're going to get so dirty. But at least I can add a touch of bleach when I wash them and they'll be good as new. Plus, they match everything.

Helmet Cover


As stated before...just to help myself go with my new traditional theme.

Equine Couture Fleur De Lis Saddle Pad


So I love this saddle pad. I think it's gorgeous. I want it in navy. It's going to be my summer pad. I like to have different pads for summer and winter. In the winter when it's colder, I like something like microsuede that's going to retain heat a little more so that the horse's back stays warm. In the summer, of course, I like cotton pads that breathe. Kind of tossing around the idea of getting one in burgundy or hunter green. I know, I know, I have sworn against hunter green on chestnuts...but...those pads are so pretty it might work out for me.

Sweet Iron Loose Ring French Snaffle

I tossed around the idea of copper bits, but in the end, I think this is going to be the *best* bit for dressage, and I think she'll like the sweet iron and be less mouthy than with copper.

In the spring, I plan on getting a few more things. I won't need them until then, so I won't stress my wallet. Basically a scrim sheet for her to stay clean before shows/trailer out lessons. Fly spray and a mask. Braiding bands for shows. Hoof polish.

And quite possibly a Hunter D bit and a fitted saddle pad. That is, IF we turn out to like the hunter shows. I'm not spending money on those things if we don't.

Anyway. That's it. Lesson Tuesday! :)

Scary rain!

I rode Amber today. Tried a new bit - copper roller D. She seemed to like it, but was a little more mouthy than I would personally like for dressage, but it doesn't matter because that bit is illegal in the dressage arena anyway.

Really it was mostly to see how she liked copper. Personally, I think that's what made her so mouthy on it, but I think I might try a smooth copper bit Tuesday to see if it was the rollers that made her that way. Then I can see if she really likes the copper.

She wasn't as good as she has been, but the covered arena is always no fun to ride in because it's so small. She's not really fit yet, so the tight corners were not fun for her. She stretched down and was nice on the long sides, just not on the sharp turns.

She did have two decent little spooks when a bunch of water came rushing down off the roof (I guess some leaves or something backed it up and dislodged suddenly). She just scooted forward. Casey said it's the first time she's ever seen her spook.

I think it might just be the cold weather that's got her so "looky". Jack was like that too in the winter.

But it was raining, windy, and Amber really hasn't been in the indoor a whole lot, so she got a thumbs up from me anyway. I was able to get her back after the spooks pretty fast.

Forgot to try on those blankets, but my full size bridle fits her. The noseband would be a little loose some might stay, but I do not like to crank my nosebands tight. I like to get one finger in there. Because...tying a horse's mouth shut is NOT how to put them on the bit. Just my stand.

Think I might clip her a bridle path Tuesday if Casey doesn't mind.

So I'm still on the search for a good bit for her that will be dressage legal. I'm just going to use a plain old Hunter D for hunter shows. I don't want to get her too collected at those! And the bits I'm looking at for dressage are bits that I hope are going to get her really soft. She's got a sensitive mouth though. She definitely didn't need that corkscrew.

Loose Ring Sweet Iron/Copper Single Joint
Oval Link Loose Ring W/ Copper Oval
Loose Ring Sweet Iron French Link

These are the bits I'm considering for her dressage work. I just avoid copper because I know that I hate the way it tastes (yes I taste my bits). Then again, grain tastes bad (except sweet feed), but the horses like it.

I'm kind of partial to the sweet iron/copper because then the sweet iron rusts, it will balance the tart taste of the copper.

I'm also very partial to the french link. Less keen on the oval link.

I may buy both the french and the copper/sweet and test them out.

Man, is it time to grow up?

So I've really, really been thinking here lately. My discipline is dressage and now apparently HUS. Both of these use rather traditional colors. Perhaps I should not go try to buy everything in purple, and just buy traditional colors like burgundy and navy? (I am NOT putting hunter green on a chestnut - never ever ever! I hate that combo)

For one, it's easier to find those colors. It seems that almost EVERYTHING comes in at least one or the other, or both. But I love my purple...

I just realize that with my own horse, I'm likely going to be the one hitching a ride to clincs and outside trainers and I wouldn't want to be the sore thumb. I'm almost 20, not 13 after all. Choices, choices. None of the riders my age really go for the bright colors I have noticed...I guess my feelings on it are starting to change. Although I love my new purple pad with the nice cording around it, it's definitely a winter pad, not a year-round pad. Too thick. It's moisture wicking, BUT it's not very breathable like thin cotton pads.

So I'm really, really thinking about that now...

I think the winner is...Amber

So Casey told me today that, one, she has to sell off some school horses that aren't getting used a lot because long story short, she got a bad load of hay from old George, where as she was previously getting good hay, and now she's got to get together some $$ to find something for the winter.

Two, the girl who was leasing her got in trouble with her mother and can no longer lease Amber. So Amber is listed at $2,000, and for sale to me for $1,500. I think it is more than fair - she is a trained trail horse and has parade experience. Sound mind, smart, and great work ethic.

Discovered some new things about her today, all good news, and she gave me work that was even better quality than Jack gave me, and she's only been in training for 2 months on proper english work. I see a lot, a lot, a LOT of potential.

So I'm excited. I am 80% sold on her. Farrier checked her feet, there is a small, small bruise, but he said her feet look great. Now all I need is a vet check on her to make sure everything else looks good. Casey said I'm the only one "really" riding her, so she asked me to ride Saturday. She also said that since I've been riding Amber, she thinks I ride her best. I love hearing that, it gives me so much confidence, because I get it on every horse I really start riding consistently. It's always nice to get good feedback from your trainer and know that you are doing quality riding.

And what's more, she said after I buy Amber (or whoever), one of the girls at the barn trailers up to a big name dressage trainer's barn an hour or so from us about once a month, and I could probably get a ride with her and take dressage from a specialized trainer. That would be AWESOME. I really, really appreciated Casey's concern and support to cater to my discipline. Lots of respect to her for putting in effort to do that instead of trying to wing it with dressage which she admits she knows little more than the basics. Getting stuff like that from a trainer really earns then huge points with me, what can I say?

She also said I might be able to work in exchange for stall board.

So now lots of things looking up to maybe staying at Goldsboro Equestrian. Casey's really going the extra mile to put me on the track that I want to be on and the needs I want met.

I don't know if I posted about it, but if it is Amber I buy, I have the show name already picked out. "Made You Look". I think it's adorable. It would be fitting for a variety of disciplines, and it's catchy.

Work was much better today. Starting to get the hang of the register more. Everyone was talking about how fast I've learned and how good I work - AWESOME to hear that, I'm a perfectionist by nature and I love to do a good job! Nice, fun co-workers and helpful, nice managers. Life's good!

Still need pictures of her...will get them soon.

Busy busy!

My job did eventually call, and I have naturally been quite busy for the past couple of days.

I didn't ride Tuesday - far too cold and windy. I did get the stalls done in time for me to head off to work on time.

Let's just say it's been a little hectic. I was thrown right out on the front line and yesterday, one of their busiest days, without a trainer to stand with me full time. Ahh, lots of voids on the cash register. Thankfully the manager understood it was not my fault. Put in 9 hours!

Hopefully I will be moved to part time hours soon. I was told this is only temporary. Not that I mind the work, but I'd really like to have the time to work on the pet sitting business - I haven't given up on that. Working these hours I can't really schedule anyone, because I don't get out of there until after 11pm, and I go in at around 2.

Anyway, riding today. Let's hope Amber remembers her job! ;)

Bit Dislike, Moldy Hay and Lots of Blankets

One of my best friends went out to the barn with me today. She knows a very little bit about horses, enough to feel comfortable around them. Not a rider...but she's worked with them on the ground before, grooming and such.

Anyhow. I rode Amber immediately when I got there so I wouldn't be tired from the stalls when I got on. She was a little "up". Not so much fresh as she was tense...don't know what it was. Maybe it was the weird, cold weather.

At first she was stiff in the trot, then more or less she was getting pissy with me and gashing teeth, nose in the air when I tried to take up contact. I'm thinking she's not really liking her bit. Casey came by later on to feed (since her feed girl wasn't going to make it) and she agreed and I asked if we could possibly try a milder bit and she said we would do that. I was glad we were on the same page about that!

My friend and I helped her grab a couple of bales of hay for the horses, but found that the hay in one trailer had started to mold. It was supposed to be coastal, but it was not loose and flakey like costal. It was dark and hard, and almost looked like timothy! Fortunately, they found some good bales in the other trailer.

My friend did all the water up while I blanketed everyone. Some of the tall horses took me a while...I'm short and it's a long way up there to toss a heavy blanket!

More news...I will not be getting a horse for Christmas. This will take place in the spring/summer. Reason being, my mom feels I really need a new car, and I have decided to oblige her and let her get that for me instead, since I can tell she really wants to do that, and then we'll work on the horse in a few months.

My car is not the most reliable, so I have to say this is a smart choice right now. It will only put me off 3-4 months. And it will be beneficial in the long run.

So...that's what's happening at this point.