Dental care

Today I had Farley's teeth floated.

 

I mentioned to Dr. S that it's hard to get her body score to stay where I want it - 5.5, but it could be the work load since I had her teeth floated a year ago.....Last year when I had them floated, Dr. R told me that although she might not need to be floated in a year, I should still sedate her to check since they had really needed to be done and she wasn't comfortable correcting all that was wrong with Farley's mouth at once. 

 

Dr. S sedated her and popped open her mouth.  Wow!  They REALLY needed to be done....after only one year.  There was even some small ulcers forming in the back of her cheeks.

 

Now before anyone blasts the job that Dr. R did as totally inferior, let me say this: she let me feel before and after and she DID take off the points and there was a HUGE difference in the before and after.  Dr. R said there was a significant wave that she corrected - mostly.....which is one reason she recommended a very good recheck in 12 months.  Her front incisor bite was also.....interesting. 

 

I have no idea what dental care Farley had before I got her, but I get the feeling it wasn't a lot. 

 

I've been reading a lot lately (sorry - no references....bad Melinda!) that yearly teeth checks may not be enough for some horses.

 

While Dr. S was working on her today, he mentioned that he didn't think her jaw was totally symmetrical and younger horses' (Farley is 11) teeth are softer than older horses, which may contribute to the formation of points. 

 

My poor little horsey! 

 

Dr. S said that a recheck in 12 months should be sufficient, but I should plan on her needing a float. 

 

If, in 12 months, she has ulcers again, her next recheck will be in 6 months, rather than 12 (this is me talking, not the vet).  Ulcers (in my opinion) means that I've waiting too long to float the teeth. 

 

Apparently her mouth looked better this time, compared to last time, but this is little consolation if Farley was in pain when we rode for the last couple of months.  :(

 

Here's my lesson learned:  Unless a dental exam or float was performed less than 6 months ago, do not rule out dental pain if encountering resistance or reluctance to pick up contact. 

 

On a side note, my vet convinced me to give Platinum Performance another try.  I've decided to use it only in the 4 weeks before a 100 mile race and in the 2 weeks after.  When I used it before, I did not see any change, so after a year I discontinued using it.  However, my vet really believes in it, so, in the 2-3 times/year I do a 100 mile race, I'll give it another try.

 

AND - because I KNOW that someone is going to ask in the comments - my vet uses a combination of power and manual tools to do the floats.

 

Rainy Day Lessons

Last weekend I took a 3 day and learned how to camp and ride in the rain without ending up a pitiful cold, drowning rat-like animal.

 

How to Camp in the rain:

I've used my one person backpacking tent exactly twice - once at Tevis (I forgot the stakes, used screw drivers instead.  Cursed it everytime I had to crawl into it on my hands and knees and had a sharp sticker get me) and once on a backpacking trip (was very tired, kept knocking it down every time I tried to stumble in it) and discovered that it is actually a very nice tent to use when you aren't tired and grouchy.  I set it up in my horse trailer, threw a thermarest, a sleeping bag, and down comforter inside and slept as snug as a bug for 3 nights, even though it POURED.  I had all my fixings to make coffee within easy reach of my tent for the cold mornings, a light to read by at night, and a propane heater in the corner in case I got chilly.  Everything stayed dry and I stayed happy. 

 

Proper clothing makes a difference - Part 1

On Friday my aunt and I rode.  It was RAINING.  I was amazed at how much a "non issue" the rain was with my Gortex jacket.  If I'm not wet and cold, the rain isn't that bad!  My Serius gloves worked ok....since the seams are not sealed, they are water resistant only.  My hands got damp, but they weren't cold - although they weren't toasty warm either.  What I'm lacking is a pair of waterproof pants....which I need.  I can stay warm for a while in wet tights, but after 2 hours I start to get cold and stiff.  I tested out this theory again on Saturday, when I hiked....in the rain and snow....Again, I was fine until my pants got soaked and I got cold.  (which nessitated me stripping out of them as soon as I got back to the vehicle, which prompted certain relatives who were accompanying me to do the same thing, which would have caused certain questions by any nice officers if we had gotten pulled over....but as we are not talking about it, I leave it to your imaginations). 

 

Proper clothing makes a difference - Part 2 of clothing

For riding I used my Ariat winter boots, which were FABULOUS.  I wasn't quite that lucky when I went hiking.  I thought my ariat terrains went into the truck.  It turns out I was wrong.  I was left with the option of hiking in my knock-off Uggs OR my almost-worn-out-no-tread-left Muck boots.  I chose the Uggs.  As they have ZERO support, I'm counting the hike as my barefoot run of the week.  They were suprisingly comfy, and gripped the trail nicely.  Too bad they aren't waterproof.  And one is a size 8 and one is a size 9.  And for a $5 thrift store finds I think that this trip was the "end of the trail" for them.....

 

The Blanket Dance

The pen I was keeping Farley in didn't have a shelter, but fortunately I have a wide selection of (second-hand) blankets to make her comfy....and thus started the blanket dance.  Sheet on, mid weight on, everything off, cooler and sheet back on...and back off.  Do her ears feel cold?  Mid weight back on.....and off.  You get the idea.  I don't blanket on a regular basis so it was nice to be able to discover exactly what Farley needs in inclement weather. 

 

The Ride

 We got to ride exactly once on Friday.  It was muddy!  I haven't ridden Farley in a lot of mud, so I wanted to see how she handled herself.  It was a technical ride with lots of creek crossing, banks with soft footing, TONS of cows, and mud-mud-MUD.  It went well.  It was only a 5 mile ride but it took us 2 hours to complete it.  At one point she was floundering in soft footing going up a bank and I was sure she was going down.  Rather than planning her line of attack on the hill, she had been distracted by half-grown calves on the the other side of the fence.  She's incredible athletic, and by the grace of God leaped her way out with such grace my aunt decided to follow me (even as I turned around to say "I don't think that was a good place to go....").  Her ride up the bank was a wee bit more exciting than mine and included an emergency dismount and me yelling a very naughty word, coupled with "DISMOUNT". 

 

I'm a little nervous about my lack of long rides since the beginning of January, but it is what it is.  I'm going to try and do a 10-15 mile ride next Monday (a holiday) which should be enough to maintain fitness without risking our 100 mile ride on the 27th.  I have a tendancy to override and over prepare for a race - which will DEFINATLY NOT be the case for 20 Mule team.   Should be interesting......

 

So overall a very nice weekend for learning how to deal with the rain and still have fun.  I have a feeling that most of my spring rides will be rainy, so I just need to come prepared.

 

Having it her way

I own a three horse slant trailer. I try to keep in mind that the horse is, as a result, not square. Although I have no proof to back it up, I believe that asking a horse to travel long distances with one diagnol taking the brunt of acclerations And deacclereations is not necessarily the best thing. Ideally I want the horse to have the freedom to change position for comfort and muscle fatigue relief, be able to use the trailer and dividers for support when needed, AND provide a safe trailer for me to pull by not making the trailer shift too much when she moves.

It's a lot to ask.

I think I have found the method that works for me.

Farley has finally gotten to the point where she's absolutely solid in the trailer. I don't have to worry about her pulling back or trying to escape from the trailer. As a result, I feel comfortable getting in with her in the middle of a trip to "rearrange" her.

On the portions of the trip that are mostly flat, smooth, straight highway I'm letting her ride in the trailer with no divider. (she rides in the second stall to maximize my weight distribution, so I'm describing the divider that seperates the second and the last stalls). Then, when it's time to drive in he moutains or in town, I'll swing the divider back over so she has something to lean on.

I am taking a risk but I think it is a small one compared to the benefit over a long trip. Obviously, if there isn't a good place for me to pull over and adjust the divider I won't.

Farley seems to like to ride straight but also seems to like the dividers in the mountains (moves around less) so this seems like a good compromise.

I could buy a new trailer, but that's the difference between fantasy and reality!


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Lights, camera, action!

Tip time from Melinda!

How to tell when your DOT lights need replacing:

Upon noticing that a previously working dot light does not work, hit light firmly with palm of hand. When the plastic lens shatters underneath your palm, you can be assured that although the light now works, it is still time to replace it.

At this point all my DOT lights are either dead or working intermettintly EXCEPT the two or three I replaced 2 years ago. Time to go through and replace the rest, even if the *happen* to be working at that moment.

The trailer is ten years old and those cheap little dot lights do have a shelf life.

In a stroke of irony I tend to lose the lens covers on the lights that DO work, while the ones summcoming to corrosion stubbornly retain theirs...tommorrow I'll rearrange covers as to have the maximum number of lights possible. Fortunately my yearly trailer maintenance appointment is next week!



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A thought, a Rev, and a ?

Thought

Here's the easiest way to find out if your horse needs those extra groceries.  Feed her the "extras" diligently every day.  For months.  Then, accidentally run out of beet pulp for a week.  Then get the beetpulp and realize you don't have a knife to cut open the bag.  Since the prospect of tearing into the [censored] nylon strand bag with your bare hands or the truck keys doesn't appeal, instead decide it can wait a couple of days until you DO remember to bring the knife.  Now give your wonderful girl a good night massage. Realize that you can almost see rib and there's definitely less fat cover.  Say "[censored]" and "[deleted]" because you spent the all of 2009 fattening her up to a BC of 5.5 and you are back down to a 5, and almost in 4.5 territory. 

 

Her teeth get looked at Monday (shouldn't need to be done, but I don't want to take chances with this hard working girl). 

 

Obviously, even though she's not working as hard as usual right now, winter nights require fuel! 

 

Revelation # ?(who knows or cares!)

I blame my inability to refer to Farley's "feet" as "hooves" on the word "Barefoot".  How can I possibly be expected to refer to my barefoot horse's hooves?

 

The Question

Long billets or short billets?  I will ride in a saddle with one or the other, convince my self that whatever my current set up is the best and I couldn't possibly be happy with the other setup….until my saddle situation changes again and fall in love with the other one.  I'll probably need to send my saddle in for reflocking this year and might change the billets…..so let's hear it!  What is your preference and why?

 

 

and lastly.....

As usual my desire for conciseness is overrun by my desire to respond to comments.

 

Heather - With my fear of dogs I feel the same way that people are judging me - it wasn't until I got older that I was comfortable enough to say "who the heck cares if they know I'm scared!" and would ask the owner to do whatever was necessary to make me feel comfortable - whether it is asking a hiker to please recall their dog NOW, or quizzing someone on the phone about their dog situation.  So yeah....I know what you mean about the 2 trains of throught.  In someways my internal fears are more manageable than the "what are other people thinking!!!!!" (also, as I write that statement it seems rather silly).

 

REGARDING REINS

Reins are almost as personnal as bits for a horse, in my opinion.  So....I tried the biothane reins.  I bought nice hought ones to go with my hought breast collar.  This was AFTER having 2 sets of $30 reins disinigrate on 2 consecutive rides.  I was determined that was NOT going to happen again.  Unfortunately, I HATED them.  I rode a couple of conditioning rides with them, then rode one endurance ride with them.  They were heavy, they bounced as the horse moved AND (here was the deal breaker) they slipped down if I loosened my grip at all.  They would slip very fast and before I knew it my reins would be on the ground.  I had a couple of near misses with them as I scrambled to get the reins back before Minx stepped in them.  Then, at the start of the endurance race, it happened again, but unfortunately she stepped through them before I could get them back.  So, we are at the start of the race with horses milling around and Minx is spinning around and around with the reins caught around her front legs and and TRYING to get off, which is harder than it sounds when it's a 16 hand horse that's leaping and spinning in circles.  Alls well that ends well (I guess), but I sold the reins after that ride for a deeply discounted price to just get them out of my tack room. 

 

I've had really good luck with various thicknesses and shapes of rope reins.  Depending on which gloves I want to wear and what kind of riding (if it's going to be mostly one handed or two) I'll be doing on the trail, I have 2 or 3 different reins to chose from.  They are durable.  My only complaint is that they get stiff and icky with age, and I dislike the nylon because of the risk of rope burn, but they also launder well and I'm willing to replace them as they age. 

 

Those of you who DO use biothane or beta reins, what do you use?  Is it just the straight biothane, or does having that grippy stuff on them help?  Do you get used to the weight?  Is there a type that doesn't bounce as you trot?  I'd be willing to get another set to try if I thought they would work. 

A splurge, or not a splurge?

At the end of last year I examined my beloved haf pad (and I say "loved" because I haven't used another pad at an endurance ride since getting it!) and found that the little magical sympanova bumps on the underside of the saddle area were flat! 

 

Not good news!

 

How good the sympanova work it's magic, cooling the horse's back if the little bumps are flat????

 

The answer is, it can't of course.

 

To confirm this bit of miserable news I called Action Rider Tack, and they confirmed that I needed a new one for anything longer than a training ride. 

 

I moaned and whined.

 

Surprisingly, it didn't change the fact my pad was worn out. 

 

I decided in the spirit of a new, financially prudent Melinda, (vet school is close enough now it's REAL and I need to start squirreling the money away if I have a HOPE of keeping Farley while I'm in school) that I would save up for the pad - put away a certain amount of $$ each month that was designated for tack, and at the end of ~6 months I could buy the pad.

 

Here's the problem:

 

Fact #1:  The tack budget is just the right size to accommodate those pesky little items as they come up - a new sized girth for a new sized Farley, for instance.  It is NOT a generously sized budget that will allow me to have a haf pad in a reasonable amount of time.

 

Fact #2:  I have a 100 coming up in exactly 25 days.  With the haf pad out of commission that leaves me with a older woolback and a skito pad.   I was ADAMENT that I was going to make it work.  But here's the issues: 

• Woolback: I've never used the woolback for longer than an LD.  It's bulky.  It's HUGE, and there's always a lot of sweat underneath (not a huge deal for a ride in February but still...).  It's not new and fluffy - it's old and compacted.
• Skito:  New.....but I never felt like it gave much protection.  It compresses too much.  I've used it for a multiday (2 days, 50 miles each) and a 65 miler.  It was using this pad that I first noticed the heat bumps and I've never had them as bad as when I used the skito.  Do I trust it for a 100?  I'm not sure. 

Here's the bottom line:  I know the haf pad works over a long distance (did Tevis training AND 68 miles of Tevis in it, with no problems once I sewed the trim.  Then did 2 50's at the end of the season).  I know the that heat bumps are minimized/non-existent when using this pad.  I trust this pad.  I'm invested in this 100 mile ride - besides the entry fee, this is the longest drive I will do for a ride all year (5-6 hours of driving).  A lot of time and energy. 

 

When I look at it objectively, the haf pad is less than my 100 mile entry fee.  And it could make the difference in my horse's comfort and probability of finishing. 

 

I decided it was worth it to "splurge" for the pad and ordered one from "Healthy of the Horse" this afternoon.

 

I'm contesting it's not a splurge - it's the cost of riding a 100 miler. 

 

I like wool on a saddle pad, and I know I could probably get a longer life out of a similarly priced woolback, however, I strongly feel that using the sympanova keeps her back cooler, which I'm willing to pay for, including buying pads more often - especially now that I know that keeping her back as cool as possible AND slowing cooling back is key to keeping the heat bumps to a minimum. 

 

Here's my question:  Make me feel better!  Please describe something that most might consider a splurge, that you contest is a necessary part of your riding!

 

Here's the list of items that I'm not willing to cut corners on, that I feel or integrel to my partnership with my horse - even with my vet school $$ saving lifestyle:

• Saddle pad
• Bit (she must be happy in it - no tossing head.  Must also have brakes throughout entire ride - which is why I have 3 or 4 bits that I like to transition throughout the ride)
• Girth (must be a natural fiber - wool - cord girth).  Farley galls easily.

 

 

 

 

Fear - Part 3

Even though I've mostly beat my horse demons to submission, I would like to explain why I never ever minimize anyone else's fear regarding horses, or push them past where they feel comfortable.  Because you see, I have a fear that will not go away:

 

I am afraid of dogs.  Deathly afraid of dogs.  Big dogs, little dogs, and mostly - barking dogs. 

 

Do you know what doesn't help when someone like me is dealing with a fear like this one?  To minimize it by saying that it's irraitonal, or that it will be OK.  Because it's NOT OK.  I'm dealing with feelings that most people only have to deal with when facing down a Lion in the African Jungle.  The fear is real, and it's big, and it's disabling.  There are beautiful country roads that I won't run down because of the risk of a loose dog coming off a property for me. Getting out of the truck at a family members house and going past their unsecured dogs to the door is a chore in self control. 

 

I am 100% OK with exactly one dog - Toby, a dog I grew up with that lives at my parents house.  Who is the sweetest, most perfect dog there ever was. 

 

What's sad is a LIKE dogs.  I like having them around, I like them on trail rides, I like the companionship.  It's just my first, uncontrollable, reaction to any dog running towards me is pure fear. 

 

There was no big, tramatic event in my child hood.  I grew up with and around dogs.  Before I started working for a vetrinary clinic in college, I never got bit, and during my work at the clinic, none of the bites broke skin. 

 

Similarly to conquering my horse fears, I've analyzed it, I've mentally prepared for it, and I've tried to conquer it.

 

It some ways - it's better.  As a child I would scream and cry and get hysterical, no matter what size of dog.  When going to relatives' houses, I would sit in the truck and pretend to fiddle with stuff until they came out of the house to greet me.  Now, I'm forthright on the phone when going to a house of unknown dog factors.  "Do you have a dog"  "Is he nice" "will be locked up" - so I can prepare myself. 

 

I step out of the vehicle.  I ignore the dog.  I do not look at the dog.  I do not acknowlege the dog is there.  I cross my arms on my chest if I'm really nervous, but other wise I hold them at my sides.  I take deep breathes and I clear my mind.  I walk straight.  It doesn't take much to cause an adrenaline surge that has me bolting back to the comfort of my vehicle.

 

Sometimes, depending on how well I know the dog and breed, I'm overly friendly to the dog, talking to it in that high pitched baby voice and putting on a smile.

 

I lay some of the blame on the owners - a well behaved dog at its owners' side makes me smile.  A happy, bounding dog that is ignoring it's owners shouts, as it approaches me is what sends me into hysterics. 

 

I once thought that my fear of dogs was going to prevent me from becoming a vet.  I worked for 2 years at a small animal facility, and although I wasn't truly comfortable, I could be professional and get the job done.  I'm going to be a commercial food vet so I won't have to deal with strange dogs on a daily basis.

 

I have a young cousin who is acting the same way I did around dogs at her age.  Many family members are saying the same things they did when I was young.  "it's irrational", "it will be OK" "it's because she isn't around dogs enough".  I took a different approach. 

 

We talked about how real the fear is.

 

We talked about different coping strategies - how to breathe, where to put our hands. 

 

I acknowleged her fear as real, and acknowleged it was a big deal.

 

This same cousin is horse crazy, even though she isn't around horses and her family doesn't have a "horse connection" - just like me. 

 

So that's why when someone tells me that they are afraid of their horse, or they don't want to trot or canter on the trail because they are mentally dealing with that fear, I never ever minimize that fear and we do whatever trail ride they are capable of - even if it's a walk.  Because fear can be a big deal and it's REAL.

Fear - Part 2

I never struggled with the fear of falling off or getting hurt (the bonus of ridng young).  I fell off early and I fell off often - it was just part of the riding experience.  Instead, I struggled with the fear of not being in control.  I could list them all seperately, but they all boil down to the root of Not being in Control. 

 

Conquering fear is all about facing it, and dealing with it.  Because I have a tendancy to overthink everything, I know myself very well.  I'm very nervous, almost panicky going into the situation, but once "the rodeo starts" I'm calm and even a bit excited.  Dealing with fear so long has made me actually enjoy the feeling of adrenaline that comes with a fearful situation.  I may not want the situation, but once I'm in it I'm loving it and once it's over I'm totally like "can we do that again - that was EXHILERATING!"  I'll even use that adrenaline response to help me do everyday activities - like running.  As I run I'll play a senerio in my mind that involves an andrelanine response and a smile will start to creep across my face and there's a SPRING in my step, and all of a sudden, my 3 mile run doesn't seem that bad!  I think that's one reason I love running so much - I'm addicted to the adrenaline feeling that I associate with it. 

 

Some fear is healthy - I like to call it caution - however some fear is irrational and instead of preventing me from getting hurt or in a less-than-desirable circumstance, it's preventing me from enjoying my riding and my horse in the fullest.  Those types of fears are what I try to confront.  Here are some of the more recent ones that I've "conquered".

• Riding in the arena - this was truly irrational and I'm not sure where it came from.  All those turns, all those fences.  I had a panicking feeling just thinking about trying to canter or do ANY kinds of speed games in an arena.  I avoided the arena for 10 years.  Finally I started dressage lessons (which ironically, takes place in a court, not an arena).  Then I started to swing a sword and practice cavalry games.  One day, it felt right, and I asked Farley for a gallop down the fence line.  Nothing bad happened.  I'm fine now!
• Bolting, riderless horse on a trail ride (someone else's) - I've always had a fear of being on a trail ride, having a rider get dumped, and then their horse bolting past mine into the blue yonder.  I'm not sure what my problem was.  Not being able to control my horse?  Vague images of a rearing horse that collapses on the rider and bolts after the other horse?  Anyways - it happened at the beginning of this year.  It wasn't a big deal.  I was half mounted and Farley barely even budged and just watched interestedly as the horse shot past her snorting and scooting.  I even had time to abstractly watch my aunt fall, wondering if she was going to get tangled in the fence (she didn't).  No big deal. 
• Beef Range Cows - Like all irrational fears, it's hard to follow this one to the conclusion.  I was scared of beef range cows because.....they were going to attack me, make my horse run away, and then eat me?  really?  REALLY?  Let's be serious.  I worked cows on horseback for the first time a couple weeks ago and we all know how it went.  Well.  Really really well.  I spend all that time going into hysterics on my coditioning rides for nothing. 

My horse fears are coming along well - I've dealt with most of my horse demons and horse-related fear no longer controls me.  Next I would like to discuss a different, non-horse related fear that I have NOT conquered, and will probably continue to deal with the rest of my life. 

 

Fear - Part 1

I'm posting all 3 parts this morning, in case life gets busy and I fall behind on my blog.  Feel free to pace yourself, as I probably won't post anything for the next few days.

 

Fear.

That nasty four letter word.

I think everyone who deals with horses deals with fear eventually.  Some people start out with plenty of fear and gradually overcome it.  Other people seem to have no fear in the beginning, and only gradually aquire a healthy dose of caution as time goes on. (these are the people that scare me!)

I am a very cautious person.  I'm good at taking calculated risks after analyzing known facts, but I'm NOT the type of person to throw caution to the wind and "just go for it".  How did I morph from the timid, scared preteen, to the bold risk-taking rider I am today?  I'll let you in on a little secret - I'm still that cautious timid rider. I still don't take unneccsary risks.  What may look to an outsider as "taking risks" is, in reality, a decision based on a lot of experience and a healthy dose of caution and fear. 

 

When I first started with horses as a pre-teen, I was the cautious one that never wanted to above a walk, was afraid of speed games etc.  I was fine on the ground - I had shown Dairy cows for several years before joining the horse group so handling big animals on the ground was nothing new.  I was scared on horseback, but that didn't mean a lot.  I spend a lot of my life being scared.  In fact, I've had to work through fear and caution issues so many times, it really isn't that big of a deal anymore (more on that later in part 2).  I think that confused people, because I obviously didn't ride well and was cautious and not "brave" on horse back, but I kept doing it.  And doing it.  And doing it.  Because I knew eventually as I got more and more experienced, I would spend more time having fun and less time being scared. 

 

Part of the problem was I never got to ride a good kids horse.  I rode horses that took advantage of me, bucked, and misbehaved if they could get away with it.

 

I loped up a hill for the first time on an old cattle horse, while everyone else went to herd cattle and left me behind at 4-H camp.  I felt empowered.  My quest to ride was not unreachable.

 

I joined CHAS and rode 6 up cannon teams in harness on Standardbreds.  I rode the middle position (swing) and for the first year wailed and complained every time we had to trot (which was a lot).  A year later I could ride the Standardbred racing trot. 

 

I met another women in CHAS and I was determined that I could do everything she could, and as a result starting galloping down the beach bareback.  I still fell off a lot.  When I was with her I could do anything, but by myself or in unfamiliar situations, I was still scared. 

 

I joined the polo team and along with learning how to land on my feet when bucked off, learned how to canter.  One spring break, me and a friend from Switzerland decided to ride every single horse on the team.  I rode the hard ones, the good ones, the bad ones, the squirrley ones.  I went on my first trot and canter trail rides on those horses, near the river, outside the training facility.  I stopped falling off. 

 

The summer before going to Davis, I spent at a Wild Horse Sanctuary.  I learned how to saddle a 2 year old and give it it's first ride.  I rode greenbroke mustangs.  I was still cautious.  I was chosey who I rode and how I rode them.  I was more than willing to ride like the wind....only if it felt 100% right at the time.  I spent a lot of time riding at a walk on good, broke horses. 

 

After graduating from college I was given my very own horse - Minx.  I started falling off again.  I learned how to put my own uncertaincies aside because I had to be brave for my horse.  I figured I had until I was 30 to get her broke enough she stopped throwing me.  I figured at 30 I was going to start breaking things.  I discovered the sport of endurance and realized that I didn't struggle with fear on the trail, like I did in the arena.  I was brave on the trail.  Then, during a routine canal ride, part of a bank gave way and Minx fell, landing on my leg, which me down hill.  I thought she was going to roll over the top of me.  We both got up and she bolted for home.  I ran after her for a mile, until an SUV stopped and drove me the rest of the way to the stable.  I beat her to the stable by 30 seconds and the stable owners did not call 911.  I struggled with the fear of her falling on me and then bolting for 3 months.  I'm over it now.  I stopped riding other people's horses, or even CHAS horses I didn't trust.  I stopped lifting heavy things "just because I could".  I started protecting my body now - in my 20's - so I can ride forever. 

 

I bought Farley and realized how "hard" Minx was to ride.  I decided it was time to conquer my fear of the arena and I started dressage lessons and practicing for the cavalry competitions. 

 

After 10+ years of sticking with it - I have finally become a rider.  Even though I still deal with fear, it's on a manageable level that could be called "caution", instead of that mind-numbing fear that prevents me from living my life and enjoying the love of my life - horses.  I can FINALLY accept almost any invitation to a horsey gathering or event without worrying that I won't be able to handle it.  I can just have fun. 

 

 

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Check out my blog - Boots and Saddles!

www.bootsandsaddles4mel.blogspot.com

Transitions

Endurance Granny asked whether Farley's feet were still transitioning, and whether or not I would start doing rides without boots.

My first instinct was to shoot off an e-mail stating that doing 50+ miles out west is not usually possible yada yada yada. After sending it, I realized I hadn't actually answered her question.....

Question: Are Farley's hooves still transitioning?

Answer: The short answer is yes. I was lucky Farley didn't go through a period of sensitivity when I pulled her shoes. Apart from a short battle with thrush, she has never shown sensitivity over any terrain, but I still consider her transitioning because the quarters on the right front are still have some dirt at the white line (it's not completely tight). I'm also watching her right hind closely. As we continue to work and condition, the old injury has changed as the hoof has gotten softer in this wet weather. The farrier looked at it and did some digging around on Thursday and it's fine so far. I'm also monitoring her LF (club) foot closely. It has a toe flare, and I noticed some stress rings last week. On Thursday, during the trim, there was also the 2 bruises on the front toes that I blogged out previously......I will only be content that I have addressed the problem that caused them if I don't see another set of toe bruises for the rest of the year. Overall, I'm very happy - her hooves are round and concave and there's no sign of thrush - but I don't consider her fully transitioned quite yet.

I have a feeling that being barefoot and dealing with the ever changing foot is a ongoing process, however, once I have 4 tight white lines, I will be more comfortable declaring her "transitioned".

Question: Once she is transitioned will you compete barefoot?

Answer: Again, the short answer is no. There are a couple of reasons.

• For those of you that don't live in the western region, it's rough country. While there are a few exceptions, most rides are rocky rocky rocky. Where it's isn't rocky, it's usually hard packed jeap roads with little pieces of gravel. Because there's so little good footing, you have to make up time by trotting sections of not-so-good trail. My rule of thumb is to trot rocky sections as long as the rocks are no bigger than my fist and don't roll around......Having the extra protection of boots in terrain like this (or shoes) is worth the cost. I do ride my conditioning rides barefoot, however I can get away with it because anything that isn't perfect footing I can walk without risking overtime.
• Am I willing to risk my $100+ entry fee to go barefoot....uh...no. If I lose all 4 boots in a ride, can I finish the ride with a sound horse? Absolutely, if I don't hit absolutely dismal footing. Because how the old injury is on her RH, it has a higher probability of breaking and peeling off the hoof like a hangnail, if a rock hits it just right. Not worth it if I have an alternative.

Other thoughts:

So far I have done my entrance and exit vet exams barefoot. I would consider pulling the boots if I did a ride in the Pacific Southwest with excellent footing, such as Git-R-Done. I will continue to condition barefoot, and I will consider Farley unsound if she's only sound in boots.

However, just like anything else I post, my opinion could change! When I started endurance, I decided barefoot and boots were not for me. It was only after the renegade boots became available to the general public that it was doable. Something might come on the market or some other new development might come along that convinces me that I can start doing some of my rides barefoot, but for right now, even if she was transitioned, there's just too many strikes against going fully barefoot on the western region rides. I could probably get away with it if I went slower and was willing to complete a ride with a minimum of trotting and walked as much as I could.....but what if I got behind time and needed to make up time? and I really don't like walking - it's hard on my back. And I get bored. And honestly - after 8-9 hours for a 50 miler, I'm ready to be done. I don't feel the same way on the longer races so it's definitely mental. And I don't think a 12 hour fifty is necessarily easier on the horse than a 7-9 hour fifty.

Anyway - you get the picture. For a multitude of reasons, I'm not ready to go bootless at a ride.

My favorite new (cheap) toy

Before I get into today's topic, I wanted to extend a public thank you to Giselle of Hairloom Treasures. Shortly after Minx's death I ordered a bracelet made with her tail hair, with a engraved plate with her name.

During the Tevis, the end near one of the clasps started to fray, and one of the clasps wasn't holding the plate very well, allowing the bracelet to unfasten unpredictably. I (predicatably) didn't get around to asking Giselle if she could repair it until January....6 months after I originally put it away because of damage, and almost a year after I ordered it.

One reason I love ordering from small vendors is the customer service. She apologized profusely for the bracelet failing. She let me know she had discontinued the style due to durability concerns, but that she would be happy to repair it. I sent it in, and less than 2 weeks later, my bracelet was back, good as new. I highly reccomend Hairloom Treasures if you are looking for a special rememberance of a special horse. She puts a special touch with each project and the customer service can't be beat. I'm not getting paid or compensated for this review in any way, just a very happy customer!

Back to regular programming - my new favorite product is.....(drum roll).....the battery operated glow stick!

OK OK OK I hear sighs of dissapointment. "What's this", you say? "I'm suppose to be excited about a glowbar?". Why yes you are. Because it is so. very. cool. Trust me.

Glow bars are $1-2 dollars apeice. They are small. Once you snap them, you have light and there's no way of turning them off.

There is a better way!!!!!!

I introduce the battery operated glow bar! Let's examine the positives.

• 200 hours of operation for $5
• It has a flashlight on the end of it.
  
• You can turn it on and off as needed.
  

I'm very excited. I don't like riding with light at night, however I want it available if I need it. Currently, I put snap glowbars on my breast collar, but don't snap them unless I have to. I'm planning on using the battery glowsticks in the same way. All I need to do is lean down to push the button when I need the light....and (here's the good part) I can push the button when I'm done with the light. I also like the idea of having a flashlight if I lose my head lamp.

It also have a built in whistle, however I don't really care, so I didnt' put that as an advantage.

They sell at Target in several different colors including green, yellow, and red. I bought a green one and they are suprisingly bright.

Blog Birthday -1 year

Today marks the one year anniversary of my blog! I can hardly believe I've been blogging that long. I've never thought of myself as a writer, but now it's become one of the true joys in my life, right up there with fiddling, horses, and running.

I tried to find some statistics about the average length of a blog and when a blog typically gets abonandoned. I couldn't find any hard information, but got the impression that the majority of blogs have the lifespan of a fruit fly. One of the articles mentioned that that although the majority of blogs are "abonaded" early on, they found some that were a couple years old that appeared to be abondaned. I can't imagine stopping blogging without saying good bye. If I die a tragic death I really hope a family member comes on and tells you what happened!

But I digress.

At the beginning of January 2009 I discovered blogs - that is other people's blogs. After reading blogs for a month, I decided to start my own. Here is my original blog list - the blogs that inspired me to blog:

• Endurance Granny
• Karen's Musing's and Endurance Ride Stuff
• Go Pony
• Cake Wrecks
• Fugly Horse of the Day

Once I started blogging I quickly started adding to my reading list. Some early additions and "blogging friends" were:

• Adventures on Arabee
• Living in a Zoo
• A Horse and a Half
• mugwump chronicles

Of course, now my reading list is much longer and I even have MORE blogs to add as people comment and I check out their blogs.

Each blog I read, I analyze - what do I like and what annoys me? I loved Nat the Fat Rat technique of using different font sizes. Citizen Horse and Behind the Bit taught me the importance of formatting. Mugwump and Glenshee Equestrian Center showed me different techniques to tell a story. Busy blogs and busy backgrounds and colors annoy me, which is why my blog page is so simplistic.

And then I met even more friends! AareneX from Haiku Farms and Funder from "it seemed like a good idea at the time..." and the many more regular commenters here (Heather, Zach, JB, etc etc!)

By the way - all the blogs I mention here are on my side bar - please check them out!

A lot has happened in a year. A LOT. If you are a new reader, here's a link to my 200th post that describes part of the "happenings". Already in 2010 I've done something completely new (worked a cow) and I'm looking forward to my first recognized dressage show in 2 weeks, and my first 100 mile completion (crossed fingers) in 4 weeks.

I chose my title "Boots and Saddles" because it meant so much - a bugle call, a link to history, a link to music, horses, riding - everything I thought my blog would be about. I thought I was going to be so clever - each post would represent the name of a bugle call - "first call" etc.

I was determined NOT to do a personal, diary type blog. It was going to be full of information and useful facts.....but after reading more and more blogs I started to understand that I could have an entertaining and informative blog that also was personal.

I begin to regret I didn't have an "Etc." in my title....

Of course, 6 months after my blog started I thought of the perfect title: A Horse Off Course. Oh well. I replaced my first tag line "so much more than a bugle call", with "a horse off course".

My philosophy of blogging is to keep very focused. This blog is not the story of my life. It is focused on a very small section of my life, and then only those things that make a good story (most of the time).

I think the biggest compliment I get on my blog is when non-horsey people tell me how much they enjoy reading the posts. It's one thing to appeal to the rest of the crazy, insane horsey world, but entertaining the non-horsey population, using horses as my vessel is very flattering.

Off to write real posts instead of ego serving, self satisfactory one!