Horses – Page 8 – This Old House 2

M & M’s

We stopped at the BIG BARN

to visit K and Max after dinner out last night….

..and Dad spent a little time bonding with daughter’s horse.

Max & Mike, my favorite M & M’s…

Weekend Wonderful

Nothing like a rainy weekend spent at a horse show…

40-something degrees, cold rain and wind,

mud, mud and more mud.

We did have a lot of fun despite the weather.

Max has proved to be a real gentleman and a trooper in the show pen

and K is just loving the whole deal.

Well, maybe not the whole deal, it involves alot of work

and can be exhausting, but rewarding in just as many ways.

Below are iphone pics, didn’t want to bring my good camera

in the rain.

There was lots of practice in the arena,

as the outdoor rings were nothing but mud.

This is what the skies looked like all weekend.

Traffic was heavy during practice time

Max loves apples.

Here he’s got his pajamas on after a long day in the show pen.

more practice..

blue skies peaking out as we packed up to go home.

That’s a yawn, I’m sure.

I hope you’ve had a good weekend too..

and my thoughts are with those who have sacrificed for our Country today..

Home of the Free because of the Brave.

It’s a beautiful thing

Forgive me for this boast, ok?

I am brimming with happiness this morning

after an awesome weekend with my girl and her horse.

Our senior boy, Max, was an absolute gentleman.

and K?… did fantastic, remembered her patterns in horsemanship

and even managed a few blue ribbons at her first QH show.

And I’ll share something with you.

I don’t know if I’ll ever stop welling up with tears

every time I hear her name called over the loudspeaker for a placing.

It must look ridiculous to others.

Sometimes the tears come just because I see her smiling out there

enjoying life and riding that horse.

Still fresh in my mind is the picture of that same person hooked up to

life supporting machines with the question of whether

there would ever be life again at all.

Remember this… should God Forbid… you ever find yourself

in a horrible situation that might look like your worst nightmare…

There is always hope.. there is always the possibility of recovery,

and life will go on. Sometimes better than you can pray for or imagine

in those darkest of hours.

Proof below.

These are just some of the crew from the barn.

Truly, they are like family… so good to share the experience with

such a nice group of people.

It’s all good.

Almost Showtime

Remember that line in The Lion King, uttered in frustration by Timon… “It Starts“..

… yeah… that would be me.

This weekend K, Max and I will attend the first show of the season. It’s a four day event and a step up from our open show routine last year. This is a breed specific show, Quarter Horse to be precise. K and Max have been working together for many months, Max at 17 years young just getting back into show horse groove and K knowing she’s taking a step up.

What’s needed to participate:

The horse and rider, of course. Sane and Sound, with luck.

One western riding outfit (hat, shirt, jeans, chaps, showmanship pants, boots, belt with ridiculously big buckle, jewelry. Yes jewelry)

*The fancy pants people have more than one outfit, we’re not wearing fancy pants.

One English riding outfit (helmet, blouses, jacket, riding pants, boots, boot socks otherwise you ain’t getting them on, gloves, hairnet, elastics, bobby pins, makeup, demure earrings.)

Cooler full of food and drink, clothing for the entire weekend, casual, warm, cold weather, rain gear.

HORSE ATTIRE:
show blanket and sleezy ( get your mind out of the gutter – it’s a hoodie for horses to keep their mane bands or braids neat) leg wraps, halter, lead line, show halter, show western pleasure saddle, show bridle, show saddle pad and regular exercise pad so you don’t get your show stuff dirty when you’re just practicing. Show english saddle, english bridle, girths, show pad that holds number on side.. tail extension, various grooming supplies.

I’ve made lists. I have lists of lists. K is getting nervous. I keep telling her this is supposed to be fun, and if she isn’t having fun, we shouldn’t be doing it. No pressure, we don’t care the color of the ribbon.. it’s the FUN and SAFE factor I’m interested in.

…and you KNOW how your kid just loves the advice you give them and is so very willing to respect and apply the wisdom you have gained simply by being on this earth for 48-ish years so far and having learned a thing or two or one thousand seventy two in the process.

*sigh*

Are we having fun yet? Wish us luck.

Renewal

Spring took her time this year, but I think it’s safe to say she has arrived full figured and flaunting it. Finally. When I step outside in the morning the smell of damp earth greets me as I make my way to the coop and barn to tend the critters that make this place a farm.

Garden plots are tilled…

The grass is greening up…

seeds are sprouting in the greenhouse…

We’ve got enough Basil to appease the whole of Italy, I do believe…

There are buds on the trees…

The girls are free roaming whilst I keep watch for circling hawks.

(ugh)

This here is Henrietta… She is a Cochin, and I just love her small stout

vintage look. She reminds me of chickens you’d find in childrens story books…

When the hawk attacked one of my flock last week and I reported it on FB..

my daughter texted from work…

“OH NO.. NOT HENRIETTA??”

No, she’s just fine.

..and Andy.. my pretty blue andalusian girl.

I wish I had ordered more of these, they are beautiful and kind.

Yes, chickens can be kind.

The horses have shed a good part of their winter coats

and the shine is coming through. This is an indication of good feed and hay,

overall good health.

The Mr. has sprayed the fruit trees with oil that helps keep the bugs off..

We lost a few to this wicked winter.

I’m finding it hard not to focus on the horrible events in the news this week..

Such sadness and loss. Anger, questions.

..I want to know who it was this time… domestic, a lone wolf?

International? I’m not sure which would be worse.

But life goes on in the season of rebirth…

Life goes on.

PS. I had to remove the anonymous comment ability,

received too much ugly spam. I apologize to those who use this feature often

to join our conversations. Also, many of you leave wonderful comments that I’d

like to respond to or thank you for, but your e-mail is blocked. Just want you to know

your input is appreciated always –

It’s a new day, all – let’s hope they catch the Fucker responsible for this

monstrosity in Boston and he/they are consumed by their own blackened hell.

Back in the Saddle

I will admit right here that I am a fair weather rider. We pretty much took the winter off, Opie and I. He wasn’t complaining. The weather has taken a turn for the better, however. Even the may flies are out! Yesterday I clean him up, tacked up and went for a ride in the fields and forest. It was a beautiful thing. One of the things I love about my little horse is.. he doesn’t need to be lunged or “worked down” before I get on him, even if it’s been months. He’s a steady guy and just the right size at 15 hands. He’s not a plug either, you definitely know you have a horse in your hands.

It’s a new day, all –

you know the drill 🙂

Spring Roll

…not the kind you get in an Asian restaurant…

Yesterday was the first time I felt Spring had truly arrived

although it’s still chilly, for sure.

The horses blankets came off and they were elated.

I’m pleased with Max’s condition this Spring. He’s got a shiney

coat and decent body weight – not an easy feat for a 27 year old horse.

(this is a boarders Morgan horse, not my daughters Max)

Upon getting naked, the boys immediately took a good roll in their

favorite sandy spot.

My 15 year old Quarter Horse, Opie..

thinks he can do better than that.

The minis were out in the back field having some fun of their own…

This pasture abutts the subdivision houses, one of which isn’t delighted

that the farm has been restored to a small working farm.

I don’t like to think that we are not friendly with a neighbor…

we love all the others around us. Sad, but we didn’t start it

and so we can’t void it either. It is what it is.

Meanwhile, I’ve been playing in the garden areas just a little..

Lots of work to be done.

Mike hasn’t decided whether he’s going GARGANTUAN again.

Is there anything so pretty as an old glass doorknob on a garden shed?

No green yet.

If you’re able, stick your hands in some dirt this weekend

and grow something good to eat.

If all you’ve got for growing room is a sunny patio or deck?

Perfect! Start some patio pots!

You’ll be amazed at the sense of accomplishment,

and.. it’s good for you, body and soul.

Here’s a tutorial if you’re interested.

http://www.veggiegardener.com/5-great-vegetable-planters-for-patios-balconies/

Floating teeth

Only my horse owning blog readers will understand that post title… for the rest of you who might be interested, explanation below:

Horses, unlike some other species who can digest their food even if swallowed whole, must chew their food well in order to digest it. If a horse’s teeth don’t have a flat surface they can’t chew their food properly and digestion is seriously affected. Weight loss, discomfort and poor nutrition can result.

The rub lies in the fact that a horses upper jaw is wider than its lower jaw, which results in a wear pattern that causes the edges of the teeth on the upper jaw to be longer on the outside of the mouth where they overhang the lower jaw. The opposite is true on the lower jaw. In addition to this, a horse’s teeth continuously grow throughout their adult life. Sometimes, razor sharp edges develop that can cut the inside of the horses mouth.

“Floating” a horse’s teeth is a necessary part of domestic horse care to insure proper nutrition and comfort, especially when you’re placing a bit in their mouth to ride. My horse, Opie, lets me know when he is in need of floating. He begins to toss his head when I’m riding him due to the discomfort in his mouth. Typically, at each annual exam, my horses are given their spring shots and their mouths are examined to determine if they need to be done. “floating” is actually refers to a method of filing the teeth down to a flat surface.

Today was that day! I have used Salem Valley Veterinary Clinic of Salem, CT for over 25 years to care for our equine veterinary needs. Dr. Robert Baratt is an expert in the field of equine and small animal dentistry and we’re lucky to have him in this neck of the woods –

Dr. Baratt and assistant Jessica sedate mini Coady,

nestled in their traveling dental “shoot”.

This equipment is towed behind their truck and they bring it along

whenever they know they will be floating teeth.

This lovely mouthpiece makes it possible for the Dr. to view and work inside

the horses mouth without the obvious complication of trying to keep it’s mouth open.

It might look cruel, but it does not cause the horse discomfort and makes for a

safer experience for horse and Veterinarian.

Lacey’s turn…

Waking up from sedation…..

Opie next..

Can you see that row of teeth on the upper left hand side?

Notice all the dark grooves, and the smooth flat surface.

It’s a difficult job, but someones gotta do it!

Your dental visits don’t seem so bad anymore, now, do they.

Hair Club for Horses – Part 2

We received Max’s “hairpiece” in the mail, and I’m happy (and embarassed) to report it’s a match!

Before…

After.

For those of you who have no idea what I’m talking about.. (understandable!)

previous post HERE

Daughter K and niece S with Max and Dude.

My sister and I bought the two seniors at the barn,

two 17 yr old geldings who are worth their weight in gold

for their been-there-done-that calm attitude.

I call us the equine geriatric society. (meaning the horses!)

Like fine wine, I’m tellin ya!

Hair Club for Horses

Now this is a concept I used to think was just ridiculous. Really silly. I mean, no way in a frozen hell with three blue moons would I ever buy a fake tail for my horse. Come on, are ya serious?

I bet you didn’t know ( unless you are already a horse show person) that many of the horses you see going ’round and ’round the arena are sporting a fake tail. A WEIGHTED fake tail, even. All the better to present the horse, you see.

These horses have tail extensions.

(I did take these from the internet, no offense intended to the actual horse owners)