3 Down

None to go.

I've done it. I've upset the balance of the universe. I have 3 lame horses. I think Priss bruised her hoof. Lame at a walk. Bec is (I think) making very slow progress. Diesel's foot is healing. Still very bad but there is definite tissue healing.

Dang it all. It is summer and the time to ride off into the sunset. And I have no horse to ride. Just my luck.

Property update: My very best former student showed up today to drill my water well. Great kid. And I mean special- kind, quick-witted, observant, hard working. Mature beyond his years. Lord, help the girls when they figure this out. I'm pretty sure it's still a secret. His time will come. Tomorrow I should have a complete barn and water well- just no electricity to run it. Patience. My life is blessed.

Lollipop

AKA Sucker.

I currently am the proud mama of 3 horses, 3 dogs, 2 turtles, and 4 cats. Yep. Four. How did that happen? I had 2 last week. The answer is simple. I'm a sucker. Deep down in my heart I cannot resist feeding sad animals. Hence, there is graffiti on water hydrants everywhere. For a good meal, call Devra. One mile down and on the right.

Months ago I scared a little black cat hiding in the storage barn. It climbed the wall trying to escape. I saw it once more. Until last week. Now I see her morning and evening. The OTHER new cat is very friendly. He immediately sat in my lap and purred sweetly. His name is Blue. He's Siamese. Very cool cat. Convinced the black cat to be semi-friendly.

Now, I have two cats on the porch and two cats at the horse barn. The two crews tolerate each other. My dilemma? I cannot, CANNOT, afford two more cats. Boys are cheaper than girls and tend to be more affectionate. Do I keep the gorgeous, boy Siamese or the tender, shy, plain, black female? Blue would be much easier to place at the shelter. But, for the same reasons, I like him ALOT more.

I'd keep them both but I have just mortgaged myself to the hilt for the rest of my life. I need fence. I need curtains. I need food! (And, I secretly want to adopt a poor, old, nag of a horse to live out its days in my superhuge new pasture. Later. Much later.)

What to do? What to do? My life is blessed. Too blessed!!!!

Footloose

Haha. Get it? His foot is dangling loose. Not so funny. Just wanted to post a quick update. Diesel is lame, lame, lame. And he wants everyone to know it. Only slightly lame when he thinks no one is looking. But, lame nonetheless.

The soaking bucket is now a horse-eating monster designed to inflict horrible pain. And Diesel may be a jumper someday in the far, far future when he is sound and fit. He can rear up and hop on two legs while I hold one front leg. Impressive. In slow motion. I think he is tired of all of the ouchies. Me, too.

Monday when Dad comes back we are going to put up an electric fence all of the way around the pasture so that this won't happen again. Dad is not happy about this. We are way too busy with the new property to be fixing up the old one. But we have to survive until at least Christmas. When I say "we", I mean Diesel. He's the only one that climbs fences. Crazy boy.

On a pleasant note, I should have a completed barn at the new place by the end of next week. And a water well. But, no electricity to run the well. Can't have everything!

#!^$*@Bleep%@#$%!Bleep!@#$!^*(%

Why? Why, Why, Why? Diesel tried to slice his heel off again. AGAIN! This time it was deep. It cut through the coronary band but did not cut the heel off. Thank goodness. The horses are contained in field fence. As in the kind you use to prevent these kinds of injuries. Ha Ha. He keeps putting his foot through to eat over the fence and getting stuck. I have no idea where or what he is hurting himself on.

Why doesn't he learn? I have three horses with only the old nag sound to ride. Sorry Priss. The point in getting more horses was to give her a break. I better shut it before she gets hurt, too. Diesel has just barely healed from the last incident. It took forever to heal. Now it is worse.

I have got to get moved into the new place. I have to consider moving the horses before me. I hate to do that. There is no one there to check on them. And they trailer well. If anyone out there is getting any bright ideas about how to acquire a supercool, new horse...I suggest Diesel. He's pretty. And apparently accident prone :)

I do not have any pics of the wound. But, it is not as bad as some I have seen. It could be much worse. The question is...when is it going to happen? The big one is bound to happen. For now, I just look at my pretty, injury factory and hydro the heck out of his foot. Bleepidy Bleep.

Smarty Pants

I have not ridden in a few days...again. Lots going on. Prove it, right? Well, I have a road complete with culverts, a barn foundation that has been watered, a 1,000 ft. fence, and quite a few piles of brush that have been cleared. Impressive, huh? I'm dog tired. And the dogs are far from it. They are spending way too much time indoors.

I have been spending a few extra minutes each day in the pasture. I have a new friend. His name is Blue. He's a Siamese cat. Very friendly. Has tapeworms and ear mites, at the least. Treated for that today. If he sticks around he will be missing his man parts and may find himself living the good life indoors. Seriously cool cat. Unfortunately, he has a girlfriend who looks to be about his age and has the same face. Sister? Eek. I talked to her today and she may become friendly so she can find a new home somewhere else, minus her girl parts. We'll see. I first met her a few months ago in the barn- she climbed a wall to get away before my mind even registered that she was a cat and not the boogie monster hiding in the darkness. She is rarely seen. After that first day I did not see her for well over a month. This week she began lurking rather regularly. Blue is waiting for me day and night and screams when I go away. He sits in my lap and honors me with the opportunity to rub his tummy. He'd be stupid to leave, now. I'm a sucker for those blue eyes.

What Smarty Pants are we talking about above? Diesel, of course. I'm getting there. Diesel is a very attentive horse. He watches cars go by. He listens to the neighbors. He jumps to attention for the train that is a mile away. I'm not saying he spooks, he is curious. He pays attention to detail. He not only has a mischevious look at all times, but the brain to go with it. He finds trouble everywhere. He moves the ground poles, he dumps the mounting block, he eats any lead rope within reach. The crazy boy had a foot of lead rope in his mouth the other day when I realized what was going on. He actually turned his body to hide what he was doing. I pulled out the moist, warm lead to find quite a few edges frayed. And it was Prissy's lead! They were cooling off after our ride and Priss kept pinning her ears. I went to check it out and found the goofball sucking on her lead rope. He also eats trees. Hackberry, to be specific. They are trimmed up very high but he stands up and stretches to eat them.

Diesel is very jealous that I am spending time with the cat. He leans over the fence and lays on the charm. Ears perked, head bobs. He has sniffed Blue several times up close. The cat allows it but gives him a look that says, "Do what you must and go away". Wow, what that must seem like to such a small animal? Sometimes I'm in awe of Diesel's size. And Blue is not a very big kitty.

Not all horses think things through the way my boy does. You can see the wheels turning. He is smart and he knows it. Do you know any animals like that? Prissy is smart but is not affectionate. She doesn't seek the attention and so her intelligence is not so obvious. I definitely have a character on hand with the Big Orange Beast around. It makes me kinda proud to have such a unique animal. My life is blessed.

Yee Haw

The boy is back! Lazy bum. Slight issues with tying but with the help of my "other bud", Haley, he settled down nicely. "What? I'm not supposed to be afraid of lead ropes? Ok."

So....I rode him Western. And, Haley discovered that he neck reins. Not perfect but he does it. Go figure. How did I ride him yet Haley discover the neck rein thing? We trade. Musical horses.

Back to the Western thing...interesting, but not for me. I don't get it. My body doesn't get it. My seat is horrid. I ride it like a long- legged english seat. Can't....sit....back....ugh. Gimme my english tack, any day. I still had the mystery nerves tonight. Coming from nowhere. Maybe not exactly nowhere. Thinking back to yesterday when he was 20 feet in the air.

This horse needs miles. And a slightly more confident rider. He's not feeding off of my insecurity very much. And, that will go away with just a bit of riding. He stands still for me as long as I want. He stays relaxed. And, he's a character. He likes people. He likes riding. And he's hot. A hottie, hot, hot, hot. And the best thing about him...he snuggles and loves it. My life is blessed.

Defeat.

Today I squeezed in some ride time between working at school and shredding the pasture. So disappointing. Diesel was a fruitcake on the ground. Spooked tied in the barn. Spooked while tying up after a shower to remove crusty sweat. He had that look in his eye. So we lunged. And he bucked and farted and bucked and farted. Never did relax. We did not ride. Seemed like a stupid idea.

Prissy was pissy. And she had rubbed the fly sores on her belly completely raw. Luckily, the girth fits just in between the spots. But, she was still a little witch, unrelated to belly. Grunting, head up, fighting the bit, more grunting. Go, go, go, go. This horse is 22? Yep....you shoulda seen her at 9! Hot potato.

So, me and my other un-named bud shared Prissy. She was instructor, I was the lesson kid. Then, she rode. I wasn't a very good instructor. Damn, I need lessons. Bad. And a decent arena.

For cool-down I jumped on Bec bareback. She's too fat for the saddle. And she is still sore. No riding for Bec. She's not obviously lame, just slightly off under saddle (or under butt :). I love to sit on that mare. We fit. Regardless, no riding.

I feel defeat. Tomorrow we try again. After work, after shredding, after marking trees to keep. Friday we remove the trees with the help of my new friend, Rick Shock, and his Bobcat. I pay Rick to be my friend...it's worth it. Friday I may also get the foundation poured for my barn. We'll see. Saturday we finish the fence. Sunday better be a day of rest. I may survive. Things are coming along.

I sit here with wrinkled brows. Can't stop the disappointment. We all have those days. I like to think that I made the right decision not to ride the boy. I like being able to say we've never had a bad ride. He was not himself. Period. Maybe that's part of the problem. Period. Both mares are coming out of heat. Plus, it was cool this afternoon. Showers close by. He was feeling good after days of horrible heat. Just excuses, though. He ought to be good every day. Today he was good at bucking. As we drove away after cooling down and putting up, Diesel was standing in place bucking in the pasture. Feeling good. Trying to get the mare's attention. Boys.

Not in the Market

I am so glad I am not in the market for a new horse. Have you seen what's out there? If you search for something within 150 miles of Port Lavaca, you are hard pressed to find even one horse worth checking out. Everything is from yearling to five-ish with no training. Lots of 'prospects'. And looks? Not so much.

So how do you find that one? I'm lucky. I have 3 of them. Each of my guys has secured a place with me for life. Prissy is sane, ultra-smooth, cute and does everything. Bec is a pleasantly smooth, responsive mount who is absolutely lovable. And, Diesel is a hottie who is steady with a laid-back personality.

I thoroughly enjoyed horse shopping last year. I've had my fix of it for a long time. There are ALOT of horses out there that would never work for me. And, I found that the ones who were classy/gorgeous were hot-headed psychos. Funny how that works. But I found him. With his silly personality and goofy antics, he still has a very bright head on him. With such a good mind and pretty body, who needs a man? I have a Diesel.

Diesel says, "Who me?".

Filthy, Dirty

Why is it that a person can get so dirty while getting the horses clean? I have mud everywhere! But there are 3 lovely, clean, conditioned manes and tails out there. Diesel's mane sparkles. Stunning.

Everyone behaved wonderfully. Especially the boy. He not only let me spend a long time lathering and rinsing without so much as one fidget, he stood for another hour tied in the barn without taking a step. Usually, when he is tired of standing he digs to China. And I did the final brush-out on him last. Progress? One could only hope. So far, impatience is his only vice.

I didn't ride like I intended this morning but I did spend some quality time with everyone. Prissy wasn't too cranky. Amazing- she's in raging heat with horribly swollen boobies. That usually means she doesn't like her tail messed with. Or hugs :) Just leave her alone. Bec, too, has these horrible symptoms of the female body. But she is always a lady. Snuggle bunny. That girl has only kindness in her.

I may try to ride this evening. I have my western tack oiled and adjusted for Diesel. I had to dig out the old split reins because his neck is way too long for my braided, waxed cotton reins. We need to ride out on the turnrows to take away some boredom.

Then and Now

It is amazing how life has changed in the last 10 years. I can't say that I would want to go back. But, I must say that '97-'98 was a hell of a year.

College is beginning which means that I am full of excitement for what adulthood may bring. And I have no idea what is ahead of me. I never would have guessed. Major? Dunno. City to settle in? Dunno. What to do on a Friday night? Saturday night? Monday night? Go to the barn, of course! Prissy is in her prime. And what a prime it is! I have no clue what a great horse I have. I am in awe of other people's big, classy thoroughbreds that jump the moon. I just have a mutt. A little Appy QH. But she is built. And she is a dream to ride. She makes anyone look good. And she will do anything I ask her to do. Tries her heart out.

This mare takes care of me. And, it's a good thing, cuz I am afraid of nothing. Wow, have times changed. That was then.

And, this is now.

We're both a little more gray. We're both a little less fit. We're both a little more wise. We are both a little more careful. Today, this mare will cart around anyone, safely. She rarely bucks. Today I appreciate how lucky I am to have this little, Appy QH mutt. She will always be the one. She is that one great horse that I will always talk about. I wonder if most people ever find that kind of gem. Miss Priss is a once in a lifetime horse. It took alot of years and a few extra horses for me to realize that. My life is blessed.

Everyone Needs Friends

After my nervous ride on Wednesday I was relieved to find myself with no jitters today. And, of course, another great ride. What was the difference? I think the main thing is having someone to ride with. I was pleased to have a friend come by to ride. It makes such a difference. Thank you, friend (wasn't sure if you'd want your name blasted on the internet).

Once again, I feel the momentum of riding. And it is a nice change. Even if we are limited to a walk. My life is blessed.

I asked for it....

This morning I rode Diesel. We walked around the arena. We walked around cones. We walked in circles and figure eights. We walked stirrup-less. We trotted for about 10 strides :) I rode with my leg on him the ENTIRE time. I rode with my heel on him half of the time! We stopped and watched a friend ride Prissy. He almost fell asleep. I wanted a laid back, lazy horse. I asked for it.....



This evening I rode Priss bareback in a halter. She is the best. We did walk/trot while watching the sun go down. Between no stirrups this morning and bareback this evening my legs are screaming at me. I asked for it...

What's that noise?

Holy moly! I hear something banging hard and fast. What ever could it be?

I'm such a wuss. How long has it been since I rode last? 23 days!!!!!! And it's like I haven't ridden in decades. Why am I nervous? Why is my heart beating so fast? That fall has made me crazy. I don't think I relaxed completely the entire ride.

Diesel got his first ride in a very long time. I rode for 20 minutes at a walk with only 50 feet of trotting as per the chiropractor's instructions. I had to have my leg on him the entire time, he was so lazy. Stopped the instant I asked every time. Not that it is hard to stop from a crawl.

Every 4-wheeler within a 5 mile radius rode by. That is the only thing his former owners told me he was afraid of. Of course, since here, he has not spooked at them under saddle at all. Today, he was an angel. Very forgiving of my tenseness.

Why am I afraid of Diesel but not the girls? Here's my thoughts:

1). He's big. Really, really big. (Translation: Power. His spook is incredibly scary.)

2). He's young with very little experience.

3). He's headstrong with a really tough mouth. (Translation: If he decides not to do what I ask, there is no stopping him.)

4). He hasn't been ridden regularly since coming to me last July.

5). I don't know him well under saddle.

6). I was riding without a buddy and no one was around. Flashback to evil fall (my arm aches just thinking about it).

But why, why, why be afraid? We have great rides consistently. Even with months in between rides. He's my dream horse. We get done with a ride and I am IN LOVE with him. Every time. Every single time. Tonight was no exception. I want to ride again. This is one fine animal.

I know the only way to get over my fear is to ride. Just ride. I can't wait to have my arena. Next year it will happen. It will just be a fenced area with grass, but it will have clear boundaries. Not just riding out in the open. I can't wait. For now, I will sneak rides whenever I can. Early morning or late evening, of course:) Dang heat.

The Beginning of the Road

I bet you were expecting a beautiful, philosophical discussion. Ha! Today they started building my road. It is the first of the construction. Exciting times. The barn may start next week. Even more exciting. So exciting that I am ready for a nap. This is getting to be a regular occurrence. Afternoon naps....way underrated.

She Loves Me

She loves me. This is wonderful since she has 'loved me not' for almost a week. Becca is finally beginning to feel better. She is a long way from sound but we are making progress. She's enjoying her massage, now. She tolerates her stretches. She stands quietly for me to massage her scar from the biopsy. She will still not stand with her front legs even. She's sore.


I hate to see her hurting but the alternative is not pretty. The fall she took last March could easily have killed her. She did a complete flip. A somersault. Ground-shaking fall. All because she tripped at a high speed. If I hadn't seen it happen I would not have believed it. That day my threesome came running up to the barn for breakfast. I thank god she was at the back of the herd. They could have plowed into her while she was down.


The official diagnosis was subluxation with a hot spot of the T5 and T6 vertebrae. And, she has a nasty tear in her gluts. Wow, what the neighbors must think of me standing behind her rubbing her butt! I am in love with this horse. She is so kind and willing. And a joy to ride.


I do not blame her a bit for my fall a year and a half ago. My crooked and tempermental arm is a reminder that I am not invincible. But, it is not her fault. I knew better than to ride bareback, in a halter, in a new place, away from her buddy, on a herd-bound mare. Too much for her all at once. She has made progress on the herd-bound issues. And I no longer ride her bareback outside of her comfort zone. Of course, I can't ride her at all right now. I just dream about it. And get hugs and kisses from her. She is truly the most affectionate horse I have ever known. Heart of gold.


It is getting late and the neighbors are shooting off fireworks, of course. I hope my crew is being as sensible about it as they were before the sun went down. They were completely ignoring the noise. I think I'll go check on them. The dogs are in the house having a fit, as usual.

Rain, Rain

Yep, that's it. Just rain, rain. We need it so bad. We've gotten our first good shower of the summer. We'll take more. The farmers are cursing me...it is harvest time. But, the pasture is desperate. My ponies are desperate....or will be by winter. They are still chunky enough to not want hay. Grass, please.

My new place has incredibly thick grass. It is in the way of our tree removal. The snakies live there and the thought alone makes me get the crazies. Yesterday, we stopped at the neighbor's and asked if she knew anyone that would want to bale it for free. Ranchers will be desperate for hay this winter and I have tons that need to go away. What we can't pawn off will just get shredded. Might as well put it to use. Hope we can find a taker.

Hope your Independence Day is filled with fun, family, and ponies. Mine is. And now it is nap time. Living the good life.

Ouch, Ouch, Grouch

Funny how the chiropractor made Diesel feel much better and Bec feel much worse. Of course, the nature of their injuries is very different. Today, Diesel was happy to get his exercises and massage done. Bec hurt. This is normal after adjustment. But, she is a downright grouch today. Which means she hurts. She is yelling at me in horse language. There is no denying that she is in pain. We will keep on plugging and it will make her better. I look forward to riding Diesel later this week. Hope you and your four-leggers are all fine. My life is blessed.