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.

Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.5

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.

Horse Bloggers: The forum

I recently started planning and putting into action a proper forum for the google group Horse Bloggers. For now, the google group's owner and myself are the administrators, since there aren't a lot of members yet.



I'm asking all my readers with blogs to make a mention of this if you get the chance! I think it will be an awesome community now that we have a good forum. Google groups 'forum' is run by e-mail as well as the place for topics they have (which unfortunately does not have specific boards and categories). Because someone could send an e-mail to 'horsebloggers@googlegroups.com' and get all 100 or so of us members, spammers kind of got onto us lately. Yikes.

Which is partly why I was so keen to set up this forum, so avoid spammers like that. And of course be able to ban any trolls that come along.

Anyway, any mention you guys can make would be wonderful and we would appreciate it! And we hope you will join the forum and try to help us take off! :)

Hmm...lame again?

So unfortunately Amber was lame, yet again, today, and I was very disappointed...

This time, it was distinctly in the left front, and I could feel it, see it, and had another rider watch to see if she saw it from a ground perspective (well, she was mounted, but you get the idea - as in a not riding perspective). Amber seemed to be pretty irritated as well, and it was obvious something was up. I checked her her foot, her leg, but no heat or swelling. Baffling...

Either way, this is really starting to turn me off buying her. She's an awesome little mare, but I just don't want to buy anything with lameness issues. And these keep cropping up...I mean, if I could have a vet tell me with certainty that it was a fluke, that it was maybe the cold weather, or her cycles changing for the winter, even her feet being tender from the removal of her shoes a couple of months ago.

It's just starting to seem so iffy. I can't let my head get away with me. I need a horse that is 100% sound, 100% healthy, that's fairly consistent. I'm not rich, and I have only time to devote to one horse (or at least, doing things the right way). So I need something I can count on. Jack and Gulliver could have been mine, but I did not buy either because of that - and you all know how much I love those horses. Wonder, talented horses, that unfortunately just would not work out for me as a purchase. And if Amber turns out the same way...well, that'll have to be that.

Excited to go check out Rosshead sales in a couple of weeks though...who knows, I might fall in love then and there! Well, probably not, but every horse I look at and try out helps me form an even more concrete idea of what I do and don't want, so I'm definitely excited for that!

Amber got a little bute to help her out tonight. Thankfully, Casey isn't the kind of person who tries to use bute to mask a problem though. I'm kind of hoping she'll have the vet out soon to investigate this. It's so off and on though, and it's never dead hopping lame...it's just a tender/sore thing and she seems aggravated. Still, I would really love to know what's behind all this, because I really think I'm going to put Amber on the back burner until we find out. Can't risk it.

I've got it figured out.

Yep. I spent all morning cleaning stalls for Christy. She was down at the far barn fixing it up so that it will be suitable for some boarders that she's getting.

While having my alone time (or as alone as I could get, her horses are 'lap' horses if you catch my drift), I tried to put myself in the scenario, which could possibly be real very soon, that I had to break the news to Casey that I was leaving.

I don't like to lie, and more often than not the truth DOES come out. Honesty is always the best policy. I thought to myself, *if* I do end up accepting my friend's offer, which is incredibly tempting, how to I tell Casey the truth without seeming like I came to uplift a school horse off her and run? Obviously, that was not at all my intention, and the farthest thing from my mind.

So I have decided that should it come to be that I move to the new barn, I will simply catch Casey when we have a private moment, and tell her that an old friend of mine has invited me to be a part of her barn's show team for 2011, and I have thought it over and accepted the offer, and that I hope it will not cause any hard feelings but I and (insert horse name here) will be moving over there.

I have decided it isn't going to be dishonest of me not to say anything right now, because nothing is for certain now and there is no reason to start up about it. I mean, nobody benefits from it. Even if, say, things got ugly when I mentioned it, I could just go over to my friend's barn immediately and have her help me with my horse search, simple as that. I just don't want that unnecessary drama right now, although I don't think she would be like that...it's hard to explain. Basically, I don't want to go tell the farmer how many chickens I've got before they hatch. (You guys know you loved that analogy!) You know? I mean, it's way early - who knows for sure if I will buy Amber, anyway? The conversation will be 10x less awkward if I don't (but I have decided to not let that stop me if I feel she is the right choice for me).

And I WON'T know anything until I buy the horse. In fact, if it's Amber, I won't be saying anything until Casey replaces her as a school horse. She needs one by the spring, so I could definitely be relieved of that obligation by then. I would NOT say anything to her before that point, because I would not want her to feel pressured to replace Amber so I could leave. If not Amber though, I'd probably leave sooner.

I'm thinking I'll stay through January at least, I am positive I'll have made my choice by then. Move over in February if it's NOT Amber - if it is - then I'll probably end up moving in March, although it may be February depending on how quickly Casey finds her school horse. The only thing I'd hate to if it's NOT Amber is bounce the poor thing around from barn to barn with a new owner in such close time frames.

Of course, it would be one move with Amber, and we would already know one another. See why I'm SO keen on her? No, she's not glamorous. She is very homely, actually. Roman nosed, short-backed, upside down neck (although not conformational, improper muscle development), and somewhat short legs...BUT. I think that could improve with more muscle development, and you can't ride pretty. She's a sweet natured, down to earth horse. She's got plenty of trail experience. She shows potential as a dressage horse/hunter. And I have the opportunity to ride her more than just once or twice, and have the opportunity to experience the best and worst of her (and the worst...really isn't too bad I don't think. She's been in heat and I can barely tell, until I put her out with the other mares!).

That's why - there are so many bonuses to her - including the fact that all my tack fits her! And we get along so well. I've never liked a horse this fast before. I'm a picky rider, and usually I am critical and take a while to adjust. I've been quite fond of her from day one. So all those bonuses, and we have good chemistry? Well, it would be hard for ANYONE to not be partial to her.

Prepare, prepare, prepare...

I swear, I must be destined to buy a mare this time. All the horses I have looked at have been mares so far, Amber my "top pick" (for now at least), is a mare...and I accidentally typed "prepare, prepare, preMARE" as the title just now. It's an omen!



...anyway. You all should know by now I like to plan well ahead of anything I do. Especially financially. Even purchasing a horse has been being mulled over and planned for quite some time - even while I was still leasing Jack. For my longer-time readers, you may remember some of the blogs I wrote about the future. And, wisely, I did predict that I would not be with Jack for very long. Although I certainly did not foresee things ending the way they did...

Anyhow, to the point here, this isn't that far away. Once I get the new job finalized, making SURE I have it before I jump the gun, more serious horse shopping will resume. I may find it in a week, I may end up being closer to Christmas (or even after!), but after I do get my beast, I will have to pick up some things...things that I cannot know how to purchase until I get the horse. Like a blanket, for instance, or a halter name tag.

So I have been making a list of things I will need to grab after the fact. I actually ended up making two lists. Obviously, I won't need a fly mask during the winter. My lists ended up being one of things that will be needed immediately, such as a waterproof turnout blanket, a tube of wormer for our first rotation (I like Safe-Guard's rotation plan, and intend to put the horse on that), and a name tag for the "public" halter. There are a few other things on my list as well...all in all, it makes it easier on my wallet. It definitely feels better to spend $150 at a time than put out $450 in one sitting.

Still thinking about moving to Avalon Equestrian. I cannot think of a single pitfall, except maybe less elaborate facilities. I think if I bought a horse outside Goldsboro Equestrian, it would make it easier to say "Hey, I'll be moving over here next month...". Rather than snag a schoolhorse off them and say "BYE!"

I thought about that hard today...which was kind of putting me off buying Amber, because I don't want to feel pressured to stay so as to not seem rude. Or at least, stay longer than a month. But then again, if she is the perfect horse for me, isn't having a compatible mount worth more than keeping up appearances? It certainly is to me. I just don't want to burn any bridges or hurt anyone's feelings. I feel like buying her, then moving her would open up a whole can of worms. I already feel like buying her will start some barn drama. The girl who "leases" her I can tell pretty much feels right next to ownership over Amber, even though Casey doesn't consider it much of anything more than setting it up so the girl could go trail riding with the other students who have their own horses. And, while that may be true, a lease is a lease, and I know what it feels like to have one sold out from under me.

BUT, on the other hand, Amber has only been there 2 months, so this girl has probably been leasing her for about a month to a month and a half. I put a year and a half into Jack, and it was also a paid lease, and I was showing. This girl works it off - doesn't show to my knowledge - and does not exclusively ride Amber. So while I know the feeling of getting something sold from under you, it's not the same...I had so much more invested in Jack. Her mother, I have heard, also won't let her come out to the barn very often. From my POV on it right now, it doesn't sound like something serious nor that would go very far anyway. I have interest in putting more training on her, and getting her out to the shows.

I have 1-2 months to think it over, but at the same time, January/February will be here before we know it. It's an excellent opportunity, and it's extremely cost-efficient. The feelings of others is always a concern to me though...I just don't want to be stupid, say something too soon, and screw myself over.

Lots of stuff to talk about!

First of all, I just booked a couple of pet sitting jobs (yay for holidays!), which means I can get some goodies for myself. I've looked at my finances and I can afford these things with plenty of room to spare for savings! Hooray!

First off, I have sold almost all of the tack I had for sale. All that is left is a loose ring snaffle, the burgundy halter and the back wrap. I might end up keeping the burgundy halter as a 'public' halter for my future horse. It seems that halters really take a beating at most boarding barns...I would like to have a nylon halter for every day use so that I can keep my nice new leather halter (did I mention this?) in good shape. But at the same time, just because it's an every day halter, I don't want it to end up looking like crap, and potentially broken. I plan on buying one of these pretty Weaver halters. The burgundy halter is a cheapy, so I could buy a cheapy lead and let that be the thing to get tossed around!

The weaver halter in the lavender color is one item I am buying. A few general things...a loose ring french link snaffle. Sweet iron. I may as well get it because no matter what horse I get, I want to try that bit first. I like french links, and I like loose rings even more. Sweet iron is also something I like, so obviously that bit is something I favor because for the 'average' horse, it should be quite agreeable. Every horse is different though, I bear in mind, but I'd rather start with my favorite and see if it works out before I play musical bits! I'm getting some Cowboy Magic conditioner. A new lunge without the chain, this time in purple. I am replacing that not only because of the color, but because the chain on my old one weighed the line down and almost causing Jack to trip at times! I should have thought about it, but I didn't, and that line was actually cheaper at the time. And I do not like to actually put the chain on a horse. You know I am a less is more type of rider.

I'm also getting new brushes! Everything in purple this time. I plan on sanitizing my old brushes and donating them to the school equipment. I am also getting that nice grooming tote I have had my eye on for so long - in purple, of course. I am really starting to enjoy this whole monocolor thing. Purple is fairly common, and I like not having to think 'But what will I match it with?'.

I am also getting a light purple saddle pad, and polo wraps.




More news now, I was contacted by an old friend. She used to train at the barn I boarded Belle at when I was 13 or 14. I think I have spoken of her before - she is the person who essentially sparked my interest in dressage, even though I made no move to really get into it at that time.

She has a boarding barn now and runs a show team. It's only a few minutes from Goldsboro Equestrian is from me, and she has offered me a spot on her show team next spring! I must say I'm quite flattered to be asked. And I'm actually considering...

Board at her barn, including a stall, is $220. She uses straw bedding which helps her cut the costs, and allow her to offer the lower board. And I know that she is dependable and takes good care of the horses. I have to say it would certainly help me out cost wise. It's not as large as Goldsboro Equestrian, but it comes down to whether I am willing to put out more for bigger/better facilities. Not to mention, she has more dressage experience than Casey. This is not to say Casey is a bad trainer, she is simply more experienced in another discipline.

The problem is, I would feel a little wrong if I bought Amber, and this is all hypothetical, nothing is 100% certain yet, and then wisked her away. Sure, I'd have every right to if I purchased her, but at the same time I have given the impression I am there to stay, although I have not said so in any specific terms. Of course, she would remain there until Casey could replace her as a lesson horse.

It's all a lot to think about. Moving to the other barn after I purchase would, cost wise, and dressage wise, give me a big advantage. I think Casey would understand that, but I don't want to seem rude in any way.

But there is a lot of time to think about this! What do you guys think?

No, REALLY?

First off, I think I have a job! The Bojangles manager said if my background checks out, I have the job. EXCELLENT!

What's more excellent? How freaking sweet Amber is. I swear I love that mare. Today when I cleaned the free choice stalls attached to her pasture, she accompanied me to every single one and tried to help out. I really, really like how social she is with humans. She isn't disrespectful or pushy, she knows the human is alpha. But she is interested and likes human company.

She was a little sore on her feet today. We are pretty sure her feet are still tender from having her shoes pulled 2 months ago. She was shod all around, and lately it's been wet, so thus her feet are a bit soft. HOWEVER, our right lead canter was amazing today. Casey said it was perfect except I could have opened up my shoulder a little more. She also asked me to work Amber in a little dressage once a week while she's away for the baby's arrival. She wants Amber to have a break, but at least walk/trot to keep her supple and so she won't forget her job!

Now, the best news of all: Amber is a potential sale item. Casey said if I didn't find anything I liked better, she would sell her to me if she could use her for lessons until she could find a replacement. I'm excited...I really feel a 'connection' with the mare. Not in the way that some people say "Oooh, he's my SOUL MATE!!!"...not like a weird psychic connection or anything, I just feel like we have good chemistry. I do want to wait just to make sure there isn't anything I like better. I don't want to be impulsive. But Amber does meet all my criteria. She's 8 years old, great age. About 15hh. Nice and quiet, good mover, very smart. Nice manners. And she has potential as a lower level dressage horse and a hunter/jumper.

I was a little concerned about the fact that there is a girl leasing her, BUT, Casey said it's not really a lease, it's just worked that way because the girl wanted to trail ride, and the insurance doesn't cover that unless the individual is leasing, so Casey basically just made it so the rider could trail ride and she works off her 'lease'. And frankly, I would not mind if the girl wanted to ride Amber every now and again.

I guess we will see. I'm excited about all the new prospects on the horizon though! And, immediately about the improved right lead canter. I knew I'd get myself back together eventually. I will get pictures of Amber on Thursday. She's kind of homely. Not very glamorous, but still very cute.

Good job Amber!

Amber was a super star today! She felt better and was very bendy and adjustable. She stretched down and accepted the bit. Our canter to the right was also improved!

It was a nice lesson and I think Amber and I are getting to know each other a little bit more now. I would love to find a horse similar to her in her nature and gaits. She is a nice mare, fairly easy to ride, and willing to please. Casey has a great lesson horse in her!

What's in a name?

If I get a critter from Rosshead sales, (did I mention that yet?), I have doubts that I'll like the name the beast comes with, if it comes with one at all. I doubt anything that comes from there will have a show name attached either. I've personally always been a fan of 'unusual' horse names, anyway. I just personally don't like common/human names for a horse. I know I have readers with common-named horses, don't flame me! ;) Each to his own, there's nothing wrong with common naming.

I sat down and drew up a huge list of 'possible names' should I get a horse that's name doesn't sit well with me. I love all these names, it's going to be a toughie to pick a favorite. I'm so, so partial to all the Harry Potter names, I love Harry Potter. I know some people aren't a fan of it though, but I think it would be incredibly funny and flashy to say, have a palomino named "The Golden Snitch". Almost praying for a palomino so I can use that one!

Anyway, if it turns up that I don't like the name the horse comes with, I think I might pick a few that fit the horse and hold a voting on the blog. Barn names are in parenthesis. Gelding names are in BLUE, Mares in PINK, and intersex names in PURPLE.

True Fiction (Fiction)
Touch of Vertigo (Vertigo)
Sidewinder (Sidewinder)
Morning Sunsong (Sunsong)
Evening Sunsong (Sunsong)
Endless Skyline (Skyline/Sky)
Brilliant Eclipse (Eclipse)
Heaven's Production (Heaven)
Nebulous Fairytale (Nebula OR Fairy)
Spiraled Iris (Iris)
Pandora's Box (Pandora)
Mirror Mirror (Mirror)
Dancing With Delight (Delight)
Diagon Alley (Diagon)
Luminos (Luminos)
Sirius Black (Sirius)
Avada Kedavra (Avada)
Azkaban (Azkaban)
Alohamora (Alohamora)
Phoenix Tears (Phoenix)
Winguardium Leviosa (Levi OR Leviosa)
Dementor's Kiss (Kiss)
Secret Horcrux (Secret OR Horcrux)
The Golden Snitch (Snitch)

Well. Apparently not...

So I rode Madison today. Well, my pre-chosen choice was validated almost as soon as I got on.

Madison was super sweet on the ground. Even her girthy-ness wasn't that bad.

A 'little' coldbacked doesn't even begin to cover it. This is full blown. I hand walked her 5 minutes before I got on, I walked around 5-10 minutes in two point after I got on, and she just wanted to fight me the whole time. She'd stop and kick and paw and refuse to listen to anything I was doing. Casey said I looked nervous, and I really wasn't, I just felt no "connection" to Madison and I had no desire to make her do anything.

Casey said she may have done better if we lunged her, and that may be, but if I'm going to buy something I don't want something that I have to lunge before I get on. Casey also said it's probably that she's out of shape and barely getting worked. That is probably also a huge factor. And I don't mind bringing an out of shape horse back into fitness, but with that being said, Madison seems to have a whole slew of issues and I'm getting so many different opinions on her, it's way too risky. She's sweet and cute, but she's just not right for me. And now I'm positive of that. Since my lesson wasn't much of a lesson, we once again rescheduled me. Amber was better today, the girl who leases her rode her and jumped her a little. I'll likely ride her again. Amber's a really easy ride. Or, at least compared to Jack. Jack made you work! I do miss him...but I have enjoyed the easy riding. ;)

Jessie fixed up my tack cubby today. Lots more space now - I have several hooks and a shelf now! Yay!

And that door closes. LOL

I love horse shopping. I really do. In all sincerity, not being sarcastic. Considering so many options until FINALLY you find the right one - and I hope I find that horse soon so I can spoil it and love it.

So the outlook on Madison is looking a little different now. I dug up a little 'dirt' on her from Katie, and I'm sure Casey doesn't realize any of it because it was Katie who picked Madison out, and she heard the horse's history, I'm sure Casey was not told anything by George and has been left to guess.

Basically, her soundness problems are more serious than I was made aware of. You guys know I have already declined Gulliver even though he was free, because of his soundness issues. I cannot afford to take on a horse I know has chronic soundness issues. Sure, there's risk with any horse that something will go wrong, but it would be stupid to start out with something of uncertain soundness.

It's likely now that I'll pass up Madison, although I'll probably ride her first anyway just to say I did. Apparently she's more than a little coldbacked, and you cannot sit her canter at all. At first I thought Katie was talking about she got upset over a floppy seat, but she doesn't want your butt in the saddle at all...and well, I can't two-point in the canter in the dressage ring. So she'd be useless in that area.

I'm thankful for second opinions! Onward with the search, now.

And so another door opens...

Amber was not sound today. We concluded she's probably just sore on her feet from the trim she got yesterday. She was ouchy all around, not in one specific leg.

We are going to try again Thursday.

However, a prospective horse came up today that is EXTREMELY promising. And it's a familiar face.

Her name is Madision. She had just come to the barn when I left, about a month before I did. Katie described her as similar to Gulliver.

This mare is a real treat. Dark bay, 15.3hh, Dutch Warmblood. No white markings. Is capable of 2nd level dressage. This mare is AWESOME, and I have seen her working, I know she's very, very capable.

They don't use her for lessons because she's a very sensitive horse and needs very light riders who have soft hands and steady leg...and well, apparently Casey doesn't have many students who are suitable to put it nicely. She's not sound for jumping due to an old injury, but she'd make a really nice dressage horse.

I'm trying her out Thursday. If I like her, if she likes me, I might just get her. I know Casey knows my price range, and a horse like Madison at that price? Mmm, that's a DEAL and a half.

She's got a quiet, sweet temperament to boot. I went out and played with her in the pasture and she was really a charm. Fed her some treats. She's not nippy or intrusive, just friendly and bright. A very kind face. I'll have to get pictures for you guys...I was going to today, but my camera decided to not work. I still don't know what's up with it.

Oh, and PS! Sales!

I have decided to go monocolor...yes, my rainbow of colors is ending. Reason being, it's just so hard to decide what color to get new items in. I try to pick a color I don't have already and there are only so many colors, and many colors are difficult to find. So, I have chosen to go purple and simplify my shopping. So now there will never be a dilemma.

I have several pads for sale, a halter and lead, cob size brown wintec bridle, 48" wintec girth...peacock irons. There's a variety. If any of my readers need anything, I'm selling this stuff pretty cheap. I take great care of my tack so it's all in excellent condition. Let me know guys.

My kick start on purple is this:



I am keeping my burgundy pad...it's such a nice pad, I figure I can use it at schooling shows for a really nice "classic" color look. I just love the gold piping. My one color exception.

When one door closes, another one opens.

I went to see the woman who owns Josie today. Met her dogs and they were a blast! I ended up not going to ride Josie.

The woman is, when it comes down to it, not ready to let Josie go off-property...and I was glad because she stated she thinks off property should come with a fee. Personally, disgree. If the leaser is footing all the bills for the horse, unless the horse is an A circuit show horse...I feel that's really not appropriate.

However, the woman has provided me with some great leads. She knows of a few horses for sale and said she'd make some calls for me and get info. She also gave me the number of a woman who pairs up horses and riders and has a lot of contacts. She mentioned an Arab/Andalusian cross...4 years, $500. I'm a bit skeptical of that! Although I could put what I save into hiring a good trainer, I just don't think a horse that young will fit my time available right now. I just don't think it would be sensible. But the other leads may be more promising! I may find a great deal on a nice mount.

I'm very pleased about making new contacts in the horse world. So many prospective horses may not be on the public market, that I may only find through meeting people.

Also, my mother has a promising 'job' lead for me. Considering getting with a temporary job finding service. Mom used to work through them and said they always provided her with new jobs after she finished a temp job. There's a lot of flexibility there as well, which would be a huge bonus.

That did the trick.

So! So! My wiggly leg, questionable seat, airborne heels and bouncing hands ALL boiled down to the fact that my stirrups were far too long. After having a chance to properly ride with them short today, the difference was amazing.

My leg was very stable, heels were down, seat was consistent and secure, and hands were quiet. Yay! I'm going to measure the wrapped length to insure I set my new stirrup leathers I ordered to that length, because it was really a perfect length. What I will probably need for jumping.

My back muscles are KILLING me, by the way. Did lots of two-point today. Casey said I didn't have to if my back wasn't up to it, but no pain no gain. I have to get my muscles accustomed to it, simple as that.

I know my short stirrups kind of threw me off in the canter for a few strides. Took me a second to adjust myself to the new feeling. Casey said I looked fine though. Right lead canter was much better! I think working with Gulliver and Jack has simply made me very rusty tracking right. I can remember before them, my right lead canter was always my better direction personally. Hmm. Well, that will change.

Going to meet Josie on Sunday - wish me luck guys. Casey still holds her opinion that I should buy, but I think I might give this a chance if I like the mare enough. I'm in no hurry to buy, and my main issue is the liberties I have with the horse I'm leasing. When you lease on property, especially leasing a school horse that will continue to be used as a school horse...well, honestly, I've come to feel that you're blowing your money out the window. Especially if you do not have the right to make general decisions for the horse, such as blanket on blanket off, things like that. You go nowhere, and it's hard to decide the future of the horse with various students on it. Let's face it - often, a general lesson horse is NOT going to have a focused mindset with one certain rider. Even if the leaser rides it most often. Patricia had that problem with Teddy - she could not get him into the mindset to do 2nd level dressage if she put her students on him (especially her beginners). He was stuck in the mindset of 'packer'.

So...yeah. Off property is a must at this point. Because, for lack of a better way of putting it, I want to be treated like the owner, because the barn will NOT own that horse, no matter what my legal rights to the horse are. I will the sole decision maker for that horse while it's at that barn. In other words, I won't have a slew of individuals making choices for the horse that may be a setback for me personally. Nor will I have the owner wanting to do this and that with the critter in question --- that tends to happen on-property.

But that's my thoughts on the whole leasing again thing. I'm not totally against it is all. It just depends on the terms.

...and this just in.

So a pet sitting client of mine...well, sort of. She's out of my area, boss said no, but I told her I'd take her on the side as a personal job. She just needs an emergency contact in case she's ever stuck at work late and can't let her pups out.

Anyway, she has a little mare she wants to lease out. At first I declined, because it sounded like she wanted it on property and I want to stay at Goldsboro Equestrian.

However after speaking with her a little more this evening, I learned she may consider off-property under the right circumstances. She just wants to make sure I get along with the mare and that I'm knowledgeable, responsible and safe, as well as the facilities I'll be keeping her at.

I know I said I was done with leases, but this may work under the circumstances (provided I like the mare and the mare likes me).

The mare is 7 years old, green but sensible and quiet. Green in the sense that she just needs miles and "finishing touches". Hey, I can do that. I'm taking next year off the show scene anyway. She's QH, a little more refined than the 'traditional' QH. Not quite as wide, but still stocky. Around 15.2hhs. Owner says she is lazy, but that doesn't concern me because once she gets into work and starts to learn and figure things out, that will change...it almost always does in my experience. Look at Jack and Gulliver.

The owner has a back injury and doesn't feel comfortable riding a young horse and wants the mare to have someone to put miles on her and enjoy her.

Trying her Sunday. Going to try to have Katie look at her and ride her. I know she wanted to help me in my horse search. After Casey has her baby and recovers, perhaps she will also be able to give me another opinion. The opinions of those more experienced than me are SO important to me.

Maybe this will work out? It would be nice. Then my Christmas gift could be a few months board, instead of the purchase price on a horse...that would be nice! Then I could use that time to really put into a savings fund.

I guess we'll see!

Poor ponies having a bad day!

I got out for my lesson fairly early this morning. It was cold, and I was excited because cold weather means I am able to use my favorite saddle pad - the burgundy one with the gold piping. It's micro-suede, and it doesn't breath very well in warm weather, so I only use it in the winter when the horses won't get as hot.

Got on after talking about my stirrup leathers (which are decidedly too long), and I ended up wrapping them once around the iron so shorten them up. Felt so weird after being used to my too-long length, but my two-point was sooo much better feeling with them shortened up!

Unfortunately as we started trotting, Amber looked very off behind, and felt off, and as I was about to ask Casey how she looked from the ground and my question was answered, when she mentioned it too. Apparently the horses in Amber's paddock did some running and kicking last night when a couple of donkeys got into their paddock, and we concluded she just got a little banged up - so miss Amber got bute and stall rest. Make up lesson Thursday with Amber, provided she's feeling better.

Casey left to go to the bank (and to pick me up some lunch on her way back), and I got to work on the stalls. When she got back there was a horse colicking...not violently, thankfully. At first we were unsure if he was mildly choking or if it was really colic. This horse is also HYPP positive, but it wasn't anything like an HYPP attack so we ruled that out. There was a lot of laying down and getting back up in the pasture. Casey brought him in and had to go out again, so I kept an eye on him for her. He apparently coughed up a ball of hay/grass, so it seems it was choking. I never saw him do it, but it must have been while he was still in the pasture. He pooped a little, drank a little, but I mean a LITTLE. He didn't seem to be in pain, just like he didn't feel too great, but he did eat his breakfast (which he hadn't been interested in that morning) when his owner got there later.

So it seems today was not a good day for the ponies!

On a nicer note, some of the people who have horses out there but NEVER ride cleaned out their tack cubby (which is bigger than the one I had, and you guys know how much junk I have), and all that was left was a saddle seat saddle that nobody knew who owned it...sooo, Casey let me move it, and move my stuff in to give me more room. YAY! I'm going to get Jess to help me put up a shelf and some hooks Thursday.

Hoping to get him to take some footage of me and Amber also?

Right Lead Canter: Oh my god.

So, it's been almost 2 years since I have cantered to the right. Or, at least properly without having to endure crow hopping and bucks and then breaking down into a trot after a few strides.

Had an awesome lesson today. I rode Amber again, and she was just as awesome as last time. Really nice mare, so quiet...it's nice to ride quiet for once.

We did some canter work, specifically working on my right lead canter. To the left, I was balanced and had total control...to the right, it was like I was unbalanced and had little control over her, and she was leaning on my inside leg hard. Obviously, I'm a little out of practice to the right.

Let's face it. Gulliver's issues to the right were deeper than just "I don't want to". I didn't push the issue too much because of that. There was pain/discomfort involved there. With Jack, honestly, it was lack of practice, but I was waiting to get the "green light" from Patricia, and I think her holding off on me even when I was ready took confidence from me. My fear issues over riding on the flat w/t/c are pretty much gone at this point...and I now realize they HAVE been gone for a while, but I felt like I was still "rehabbing" because Trish was holding me back...but I've been ready to get back to the level at which I SHOULD be riding for a while.

What remains? Jumping. And even that is seeming less scary...I know that the fall Belle and I took had NOTHING to even do with jumping, it could happen on the flat too, but my mind just associates the two. And I didn't think about it, but I also had a fall off another horse going over some barrels and a pole where the stirrup fell off the stirrup bar in mid-take off and I smacked my back on the jump and it hurt pretty bad.

But yeah, in hindsight, I think I could have gotten Jack's right lead in a short amount of time, if I had only realized that I *did* have the confidence back.

In my defense, Amber was a little stiff to the right today, so that didn't help me out!

All in all, I'm SO glad to be w/t/c again. So glad. It feels like I'm finally working at an appropriate level. Moving forward. As much as I loved Jack, it felt like I was going in circles at walk/trot (no pun intended, I know we worked on circles sooo much). I feel like maybe we could have gone a little farther if we'd gotten the okay for canter months sooner...not to place any blame on Trish, half the time it was too wet to canter safely on a horse that was unbalanced at the canter. And she was making an effort to make sure my confidence was high enough to do so without anxiety, and I was assuming she'd know when I was there, and I didn't say anything, and of course she assumed I was not ready because I hadn't said anything.

Also learned a horse I used to feed at the barn when it was Spring Bank still lost a freaking EYE. She's an older mare...actually on land not owned by the barn, but we fed her for the owners anyway back then...they also had a rig stud in non-stallion fencing right beside her. Well, one day he apparently got out while the mare was in heat and kicked her and apparently her eye was torn out. They got him gelded after that, but...you know, that horse should have been gelded a lot sooner. He's not breeding quality, and they don't have proper facilities to house him safely, and he was just an accident waiting to happen. I know hell would have broke loose if he'd gotten over to any of the mares at Spring Bank...

The new dog on the block.

So...I can't even remember if I mentioned it. But...new dog. Yes, another dog.

We were not planning on getting another dog necessarily. I mean, we always planned on getting at least two after we move in together, but that's months to a year or more off, and even Matilda wasn't really a "planned dog"...but in the situation, we had to do so, and she's been a joy.

Now, before I tell you about the new dog...Matilda has really opened up. Totally different dog. Fearful and shy dog is gone...and so is the perfect behavior record. She's a digger, we have discovered, and we also have to install thicker wire on her pen because if she sees a person outside, she takes her teeth and pulls on it...it's not the best wire, admittedly though. It's strong enough to hold them, but it was originally for a teacup Yorkie...not a 75 pound ball of energy. So we are replacing that tomorrow. We got ID tags for her (and the new pup), but I would still not want to chance them getting out. Anything can happen.

She's also proved to be a jumper. That's a big dog to be jumping up on someone. When you go in the pen with her, you have to be prepared to hold her back from running out, and then brace yourself for her jumping antics. I think it will improve with time, if we reinforce good behavior and discourage the bad behavior. She's just a little too excitable really. Too enthusiastic. But I love her, she's a joy to us, and she's staying no matter what issues she may cause. She is a good dog with a good heart.

...and she also poops all in one little corner, which is so nice, because when I go to scoop the pen I don't have to hunt and search for her droppings. She's a very neat, clean dog.

NOW. The new pup...well. Some kids were selling puppies in front of Wal-Mart. They "said" they is a purebred American Bulldogs, but I am pretty sure that's not true. They looked like pitbull crosses to me. I expect the kids were trying to avoid people being turned off by the bad stigma that goes with pits, not that lying is okay. They also "said" she had had all her shots and wormer, but no papers were given to me so I don't know if that is true either. Of course, she will be visiting the vet soon anyway. I paid $25, and she's been an awesome puppy. She's around 4 months old. We named her Allie.



She was shy at first, and we were worried she might be sick, but she's opened up as well. She's not too silly, she's very smart and has a "serious" personality. She's already mostly housebroken...only one accident so far. She loves to cuddle up...has a bit of separation anxiety from me and Jessie though, and doesn't like for us to be apart. She doesn't like her "pack" to be split up, in other words. She threw up in the car as we were bringing her home the first night, and it was obvious they were feeding her wet food, so we've been slowly weaning her off it...not only is it expensive, but it's really not the healthiest choice IMHO. A nice balanced kibble is better. She's switching over nicely...little thing eats ravenously though! She can really throw down on the food.

She was very shy of Matilda at first...Tilly's size obviously intimidated her, and although Tilly was only trying to play, Allie was not so sure about her. It was very cold the first couple of nights we had Allie, so we kept her in over night, but during the day we put her out with Matilda and supervised from a distance to see how they got on. Allie was NOT happy about being away from us at first, and still cries for a few minutes when left. She loves the outdoors, we believe she was kept outside with the rest of her litter by the old owner, just doesn't want to be away from us.

She and Tilly have gotten on great though. Matilda has really made the puppy more outgoing. Allie will play fight with Matilda now, and Matilda will "nip" at her, but it's very gentle and I'm so proud of Tilly for being a good "step mom" to Allie. She's even trying to teach her to potty in the "potty corner" she has designated. Allie was pooping in the middle of the pen, and Tilly nudged her over to the corner as if she were trying to potty train the pup. The house that's built onto the pen recently got cleaned out for the winter and we put in some nice shavings, and the two have been very happy to share it. Allie loves to sleep in the shavings.

It's all worked out wonderfully...I'm really glad I decided to buy Allie now, in hindsight. We take Matilda out to play with her and give her exercise every day, but it's impossible for us to be with her every minute of the day, and having a fellow canine friend to play with and to keep her company is really going to be good for her when we can't be there. Not to mention someone to run and romp with at the dog park when there's nobody else out!

Matilda is going to the vet in just one or two weeks for shots, spaying, and wormer. We've decided to take Allie in a couple of months when she is old enough to be spayed and get it all done at once. And my kitties will be going to the vet soon...I realized the other day their rabies vac will need an update soon, and I'm sure they need other updates as well. So all the pets are going to see the doctor soon! I can't wait to see how Garfield handles it...he is not very open to going new places and meeting new people. I have a bad feeling he will need to be sedated for them to handle him. He's a massive cat, and when he is pissed off you can look out! Although he has been rather accepting of Allie. Not interested in interacting with her, but he will come out of the cat house and be around her. Spyro just likes to swat her with his paw playfully and run away like "What? That wasn't me!" I think they understand she's a baby.

Anywho, I think I'm going to wrap this blog up. I'll let you guys know how all the vet visits go. I think the dogs will do fine...I am sure Matilda will be scared though. She still gets very tense and fearful in new places and of new people. I just hope she doesn't try to snap at anyone if she gets that way...we haven't had her long enough to test that out 100% yet, although so far she's simply just been submissive to new people when she is frightened. Allie will be fine I'm sure. Spyro will probably be mischievous and swat at the vet. Garfield...will likely lose his mind temporarily. *sigh*


"Excuse me? What is THAT you brought into our house?"

Girl Power!

I don't think I have talked about it too much on my blogs, but I have a deep love for mares. I know some people detest them, refuse to even consider owning one...but I love them, hormones and all.

Casey put me with Amber in my last lesson. Around 15hh, give or take, stocky. I didn't ask, but I am 99.99% sure she's a QH. I mean, she is QH up and down and all around.

She's chestnut, and in a totally non-serious way I joked about 'chestnut mare syndrome'. You know, everyone says chestnut mares are 'crazy'.

Anyway, this is a cute mare. Neck is a little 'upside down', but it looks like more lack of muscle in the right area than conformational. I know she's in a corkscrew full cheek snaffle, and even Casey admitted it was too harsh for her at this point, but at one time she really needed it because she was very hard-mouthed when she first came to the barn because she had been cowboyed and rough ridden a bit in her previous home. She was a little mouthy at first, I suppose she's used to beginner's hands, but she figured out very quickly that my contact was going to be soft and quiet and lowered her head and stopped chomping so much.

Now, I have fallen in LOVE with this mare, because her trot is like nothing I have ever felt before. It was INCREDIBLE. Just incredible. It was so smooth I could, no exaggeration, just sit it like I was walking. I almost thought she was gaited at first. It was amazing...

I'll be cantering next week, but Casey has stated to me she's not trying to hold me back, just scoping out my riding skills at a slower pace - which is good. I have a feeling she sometimes gets students who...exaggerate about their riding experience. Haha.

So all is well and I'm very happy. Even though I miss Jack, I cannot seem to stop myself from being attracted to this mare. I just loved her! And she even saved me when I was cleaning her stall. I tripped on the corner of the stall mat, and went flying, and crashed into her, and she stood stone still and allowed me to gain my balance on her without even flinching, although she did look at me in a way that I knew in some equine way, she was laughing at me.

She's only 8 too. Not totally green, but still young. Really a great age. Most of the baby 'sillies' are out, but at the same time, the energy is still there, and there is more ahead of them to learn. Kind of like when young teens move up to high school. ;)

I may not be riding next Tuesday though. Well, I might. I dunno, we'll see. I stumped my toe this afternoon outside and I ripped my big toenail half off and jammed the toe pretty bad. Man, it is hurting. I have to say it's more painful than anything I've ever experienced up to this point. It aches, burns and throbs all at once. The exposed nail bed is okay, it's just the sides where it was ripped out...it's just disgusting and painful, and I almost want to have an amputation done.

I hope it's better though, I want to ride. But it's too painful for me to bend it back down, and it's too swollen for me to cut the pieces digging into my skin on the sides of the bent part. I have the worst luck sometimes...you know, I meet up with this awesome mare who may be a great help in helping me not get depressed and 'closed up' about giving up Jack, and I injure myself clumsily after the first ride, in a way that renders me possibly unable to ride. That's okay, I'll ride stirrupless if I have to. Promise to get pics next week.

Hmm, perhaps not...

So I had the coolest last ride on Jack. We cantered, stole a little bit of a slow gallop and just had some fun. No pressure. God I'm going to miss him...I think I took him for granted.

I've promised myself I won't dwell on it, what's done is done.

I went to see Janet. Unfortunately I didn't ride. Matilda was with us and she was scared of Janet's dogs (who were fenced but were very vocal, although not aggressive), so I decided to just look around so Matilda wouldn't have to sit in the car for an hour or more.

Precious was a sweetie, but I do believe she's far too small. She might even be a little smaller than Jack in height, but she's fine boned where as Jack was very stocky. I want to be sure what I get will look suited to me in size, not just be able to carry me.

Janet has some sweet horses, although I found myself a little unsettled about the fact she had everyone turned out in nylon halters and foals dragged lead ropes on their halters...

Anyhow, I'm not feeling so great, so that's pretty much all I have to write for now. I think some good sleep will do me well...

Squeaky Clean

I spent this afternoon cleaning the majority of my equipment, which I went ahead and brought home with me Wednesday. I figured it would be less work to go ahead and all but one saddle pad, my saddle, bridle and girth for my last ride Friday.

Jack had a little rain rot from all the wetness from the previous couple of weeks, so naturally I made doubly sure to wash anything that touched him Wednesday very good in antibacterial soap.

In general though, I'm conscientious of germs passing from barn to barn, so I wanted to wash everything I could anyway before moving it to Goldsboro Equestrian. And I didn't want to bring dirty equipment out.

I washed my saddle pads (although several I hadn't used since I last washed them, thankfully), brushes, halters, leads...washed my tack box out. Just tidied everything up. Even washed my gloves and helmet liner.

One thing was rather touching though...I have in sharpie on my grooming box 'Jack of Hearts'. Every time I have washed my brushes and box, that name has come off and I had to re-write it. Today, it would not wash off however, no matter what I did. I decided to leave it. I will put a piece of duct tape over it and write the new horse's name over it, not to cover Jack up, but so I will think about what's under that new name when I get that box out. What's underneath...everything Jack has taught me, that I can apply to other horses in the future. I think it's very fitting, and if Jack could comprehend symbolic gestures like that, he'd be pleased.

On the other hand, I discovered Jack is now being leased by a 5 year old little girl. Off property - they are picking him up Sunday. I'm happy that things worked out for Jack and Patricia, but a little miffed that she decided to lease him out again. I guess she just didn't trust that I'd pick up payments again in December...I suppose in the horse world, it's understandable, but as faithful and honest as I've been about payments, I thought she'd trust in me a little more. It's just a rough couple of months for me. What can I say? I just wish she'd been a little less hasty.

I have questioned my riding skills. Maybe she thinks I'm not a good enough rider. She's been quick to brag to me how all the people who have tried him have done so well, canter both directions. Made me feel like she was trying to say his problems in the canter were my fault, because I was not a good enough rider.

It's whatever. Our ride Wednesday was no star-studded performance, but it was fun, and we cantered all around the field behind the dressage area. Just to do it. Just to go fast, feel the wind in our faces. Maybe I have held off cantering him for so long, HE is not confident with me as a rider? He thinks he will scare me? He thinks I don't want him to? He was hesitant at first. Then, it's like something clicked, and he was okay, because he saw that I was okay.

I'm just going to miss him. If he were younger, I'd scrap up $3,000 in a heartbeat, but it's just not a smart thing to do. It's just not. I need something younger. No horse comes with an insurance policy on their rideable life. But realistically, you realize you'll have more miles left on a non-senior horse. I'm not a millionaire; I have the money to have one horse, and I'm going to choose wisely and make sure that my money will be well spent. Both in the purchase, and in the money I will pay to upkeep the horse properly.

Right now, I'm a little hurt over some things, a little confused. I know some things I ought not to feel hurt over because I really have no right to be offended, but there's just a lot going on right now. I have a feeling it's going to give me the confidence to ride harder, ride better, and ride stronger later. The confidence, perhaps, to jump my first fence in 6 years since my accident.

A Little Black Pony Has Moved Here

Sadly, minus my little black pony. :( In respect to him and the wonderful mount he has been for me for the past year, I'm leaving that blog totally dedicated to him, and using this blog to record the 'transitional' period in my riding, where I'm switching barns and looking for my own half-ton bundle of love to buy.

So, I get to Goldsboro Equestrian at 11 and nobody is there...hmm. Kind of a bad first impression I'm thinking. So I take a moment to look around. Okay, I was creeping. When I left it was a craphole, so I wanted to see what had changed. Well, the barn was a mess...stalls not finished, feed buckets all over. It was just...messy.

Several pluses though were that they:

-Removed the grass from the big jumping arena and had some great sand-mix footing.
-Fixed the footing in the indoor, nice sand-mix, soft and even.
-Fixed the FENCES, now they are nice wood fences, not half-rigged up electric wire.
-Sold the horses that were unsuitable as school horses.

I do think they have too many horses though. There were a lot of new school horses. Actually, almost all the horses were 'new' to me. There were several little rigged up paddocks of electric tape, but I believe those are her own horses. It's a little messy, but the important thing is it seems safe. All the horses look to be fat and happy. Many of them a little too fat...I won't tell anyone what to do but most of those horses don't even need grain in the summer, and only lightly in the winter probably.

Gulliver looked great. They put some weight on him and although he is not sound, he looks happy. I hope he finds a good home. He'd be an excellent show horse if someone just got him those hock injections...it's just not feasible for me to take him, even though he's free to good home.

Turned out the trainer was trying to get a doctor's appointment. She is 8 months pregnant and was feeling badly today, which was why the barn was messy - she had not had any help to do it. So I did a few stalls while she saw her doctor. She really looked miserable, poor woman.

Creepiest man EVER came up asking about lessons, but that's a different story...man, he was scary. I got a very bad vibe from him. I did not trust him one bit.

When the trainer, Casey, returned, we decided I would ride Duke. He's a massive chestnut TB gelding. 16.3hhs, honestly I think he could be a little more perhaps. And also broad. He looks like a big QH or a Warmblood. Total sweetheart though, but that is a LONG way up compared to Jack. And he gave my legs a workout. I took half the lesson just to get a consistent trot from him...

Can I just say that hunters are SO different from dressage it's not even funny? I realized that it is different, quite different, but I didn't realize it was that different. And Duke's a seasoned hunter, and my dressage seat was not cutting it. He was like "What are you doing lady?"

after some adjustments...things were looking up. I felt like a sack of potatoes though. My leg would not even wrap around him he was so big. I liked him, but I think I might try something a little smaller next week if she can find something. Even she said he might be a little big for me. I think so too...15 or so hands would really suit me the best I think.

All in all, I think I like the place. Because I did stalls for her, and she was so surprised and grateful, she didn't charge me for the lesson. Also mentioned maybe hiring me a couple of days a week to do them in exchange for lessons so I can put the money towards buying a horse, because she said she doesn't think she's going to be able to do it any more with her pregnancy. I don't see how she's done it so long anyway! The poor woman is huge. I know she'll be glad when the baby comes.

I will edit in pictures of Duke and I later. It's really comical, how measly I look on him. I though you all would think it was hilarious that of all horses, after being on a pony for a year, I'd be put on the biggest horse they have.

Edited in - PICS! I look like a 10 year old...we went in two arenas. The indoor got too dusty, haha!