Today did not quite go as planned. There was good news and bad news and a wee bit too much other stress. By the end of the day I was physically and emotionally exhausted. The bad news comes in the form of others trials. It kills me that people I care about are going through such a horrible experience. I cannot imagine what it feels like to lose a parent as a young adult but I do know that losing someone close is devastating. A parent has to be so much more painful.
The good news is my fish is showing improvement. She is swimming today, be it slowly and carefully. I know...you must be thinking "a fish?...silly girl". This is a very old, very smart, very special fish. I hope that she is just feeling off because it is just about egg laying time. We'll see. Oscar watches me teach all day long and always is excited to see me. It's nice to have an easy buddy in my chaotic workplace.
So instead of buying groceries today I came home and clipped all 3 horses and washed and scrubbed legs. And to finish off my evening I walked Prissy around the pasture once. This is our fourth ride back. She is still chomping at the bit (in her halter, haha!) and enjoying the ride. Each ride has taken on such importance. I can't help but think it may be the last one. And instead of worrying I just appreciate it. The feeling is wonderful.
This evening has put my mood back where it needs to be and given me the perspective I need. Appreciate the ones you love. You never know when they will be gone. My prayers go out to the Thwaites. Watching a loved one slip away and making the toughest of decisions requires such strength. My life is blessed.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Monday, April 25, 2011
Lessons from Prissy
My horse is special- as in speeeeshul. She's cranky and hot and she grunts and growls. To a stranger she might appear to be difficult. I like to think of it as character.
After 16 years obsessing over her every want and need I think I know her pretty darn well. The hot-ness is just her loving the ride and wanting to go. NOW. The grunts are in pleasure. The growls only happen when she is not ready to stop. Yet, she does, begrudgingly. Good girl.
Today I rode her around the pasture once again. She rode like a master...in a halter...did I mention she is the greatest horse in the world? Yep. She is dead broke but has get up and go that can't go. She is definitely just a walkable horse because of her physical limitations.
When we returned to the barn she tried to break into a trot. She slowed as I insisted with a slight tug to the lead rope and I walked her around the paddock a few times to reassert our need to be calm. She cooperated with a series of growls, of course. I dismounted and she stood quietly for me to remove her polos and halter.
And that was the end of my control! She ran off with a squeal of joy as I rolled my eyes at her. Today's lesson from the beast: You're only as old as you feel. And she feels 5, not almost 25.
My life is blessed.
After 16 years obsessing over her every want and need I think I know her pretty darn well. The hot-ness is just her loving the ride and wanting to go. NOW. The grunts are in pleasure. The growls only happen when she is not ready to stop. Yet, she does, begrudgingly. Good girl.
Today I rode her around the pasture once again. She rode like a master...in a halter...did I mention she is the greatest horse in the world? Yep. She is dead broke but has get up and go that can't go. She is definitely just a walkable horse because of her physical limitations.
When we returned to the barn she tried to break into a trot. She slowed as I insisted with a slight tug to the lead rope and I walked her around the paddock a few times to reassert our need to be calm. She cooperated with a series of growls, of course. I dismounted and she stood quietly for me to remove her polos and halter.
And that was the end of my control! She ran off with a squeal of joy as I rolled my eyes at her. Today's lesson from the beast: You're only as old as you feel. And she feels 5, not almost 25.
My life is blessed.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Greatest Moments
There are a few moments in my life that I know are milestones in the moment they are happening. Yesterday, I had one unforgettable experience. I wrapped up Prissy's legs, put a halter on her, and rode her around the pasture once. It felt like magic. She is the horse of a lifetime. She carried me around like we do it every day. I did not feel nervous. She felt solid. And I will admit I cried tears of joy the entire time. Why?
It has been 19 months since I've been on her. And I never thought I'd get to do it again. She moved well and did not feel like she was unsteady. I think I can do this again! Never take anything for granted. My life is blessed.
It has been 19 months since I've been on her. And I never thought I'd get to do it again. She moved well and did not feel like she was unsteady. I think I can do this again! Never take anything for granted. My life is blessed.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Greening up
The grass is just beginning to green up. Mostly, it is in my yard. So.....Miss Priss is in my yard. My girl gets whatever she wants (mostly :). What she needs is green grass to fatten her up after a long, cold winter. Next winter she will go on Senior feed. She turns 25 in May. That marks 16 years together. She's still a hot potato but now she's a naggish hot potato. More growl but the spunk is just under the surface. I can't wait for the wind to die down just a bit. This week I will wrap up those legs and ride around the yard. I can't wait. My life is blessed.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Peter
Peter is my little friend. He comes hopping at the first sign of horse work. Nothing attracts him faster than the sound of the hose being pulled across the parking lot to Prissy's day pasture. If I don't stop everything and feed him, he'll stomp his feet and act mad...and then chew on the hose. That works every time. Today, I threw out a handful of feed and just hunkered down. The rabbit came within 4 feet of me to eat. He was very wary but is too much of a glutton to run away. I'd be worried if he was "friendly" with anyone else. But, his instinct is intact with everyone else. What a neat experience!
Diesel has been good to me this week. I rode him Saturday for an hour. We walk-trotted up front and in the pasture. He gave me get up and go and slow when I asked for it. We both had a great time. He was solid and confident. The weather could not have been more perfect.
Today I rode for about 40 minutes. I tried my old, small saddle. I forgot how hard it is. It fits him better in his shoulders but I don't like how low the gullet sits. I'll stick to my big-butt-mushy close contact saddle. Today he got a bit pissy while trotting. I'm still not sure where his attitude comes from. He's so moody and lazy. We had a decent, short ride. The sun called it short. I could still use a few more hours of daylight.
I did not feel any anxiety today except for with his stomping head toss. Even that passed quickly. It feels great to be riding again.
My life is blessed.
Diesel has been good to me this week. I rode him Saturday for an hour. We walk-trotted up front and in the pasture. He gave me get up and go and slow when I asked for it. We both had a great time. He was solid and confident. The weather could not have been more perfect.
Today I rode for about 40 minutes. I tried my old, small saddle. I forgot how hard it is. It fits him better in his shoulders but I don't like how low the gullet sits. I'll stick to my big-butt-mushy close contact saddle. Today he got a bit pissy while trotting. I'm still not sure where his attitude comes from. He's so moody and lazy. We had a decent, short ride. The sun called it short. I could still use a few more hours of daylight.
I did not feel any anxiety today except for with his stomping head toss. Even that passed quickly. It feels great to be riding again.
My life is blessed.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Sunshine
It's not hard to let the sunshine in. With our first day of bright, warm weather I spent the day outside doing things that got postponed during our lengthy cold snap. (I moved to South Texas for a reason! Not my cup of tea.)
It was unofficially named Pedicure Day. Me first! Then horses and dogs. Afterwards, I worked out in the yard. It was so nice to leave the house. Of course, I didn't ride because Diesel is always a bit tender after a trim, no fault to my wonderful farrier.
I have happy news to report. I have successfully maintained my weight for over a month now. Final stats: size 6, 133 lbs, 54 lb loss. This is my 21 year old size (not quite the same shape...lol). I feel great. I have energy and I sleep through the night. And I LOOK great. Always nice.
Now for the biggest news. The farrier gave me the go ahead to ride Priss. Conditions: warm day, walk on level ground, legs wrapped. He is not a vet but has a lifetime of experience and I trust him. I have video of Prissy running around the pasture I am going to take to the vet. I can't wait to show her off. My girl is back. I will still get Doc's opinion before riding but I am thrilled that I may be able to sit on my girl again. It means so much. Who would have thought she'd live to ride again? My life is blessed.
It was unofficially named Pedicure Day. Me first! Then horses and dogs. Afterwards, I worked out in the yard. It was so nice to leave the house. Of course, I didn't ride because Diesel is always a bit tender after a trim, no fault to my wonderful farrier.
I have happy news to report. I have successfully maintained my weight for over a month now. Final stats: size 6, 133 lbs, 54 lb loss. This is my 21 year old size (not quite the same shape...lol). I feel great. I have energy and I sleep through the night. And I LOOK great. Always nice.
Now for the biggest news. The farrier gave me the go ahead to ride Priss. Conditions: warm day, walk on level ground, legs wrapped. He is not a vet but has a lifetime of experience and I trust him. I have video of Prissy running around the pasture I am going to take to the vet. I can't wait to show her off. My girl is back. I will still get Doc's opinion before riding but I am thrilled that I may be able to sit on my girl again. It means so much. Who would have thought she'd live to ride again? My life is blessed.
Friday, December 17, 2010
I'm there.
It is official. There is only one chunk. I have lost 47 lbs. Only 3 to go. I look pretty good as a size 6. This is the me I see in my head, the person I feel I am. And now I am still there when I look in a mirror. It's time to celebrate a little bit. Tonight I am eating AND drinking the good stuff. Tomorrow I am fishing with great friends. After that I will ride Diesel. (And finish Christmas shopping!) Life is good.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Nutcase?
I will be the first to admit that I am overprotective with all of my animals. It comes from a good place, though. I am so attached that it is almost unbearable to lose one. And to see them hurting makes me physically ill. So what do I do that makes me a little bit of a crazy person?
I do not leave my dogs outside while I am gone. There is no fence that will keep them 100% safe. Scruffy can climb anything. If he gets out and heads to the neighbors where there are birds he will be shot and the birds will be lunch. Not good. As a result, my furniture and walls pay a price. Scruff vindictively pisses when he's left alone. He waits until he sees me come home to do it. If I sneak in and he doesn't see me he does not leave a mess. I've been told countless times that dogs do not have the capacity to be vindictive. I disagree. This dog is smart. He is also disturbed. He has major separation issues. And, because he makes messes and does not come when called unless it suits him I cannot take him with me. I miss having dog buddies that go-go. I also get majorly annoyed by the fact that my couch now stinks. I clean and clean and clean. It still has that distinctive odor.
The cats are now held captive in the house, too. Of course, most of the time they are perfectly happy with this. I do let them out during the day sometimes. Takes Blue about 5 minutes to howl to come in. Pumpkin will go exploring but will be at the door at dusk as if she knows how dangerous it is out there.
As for the horses, I rarely take them anywhere because I do not have a decent trailer. Mine has rusted to the point that I consider it dangerous. The frame is good but there are too many sharp edges up high. I put off taking the horses in for their annual as long as I could. Finally, a few weeks ago, my vet actually picked them up in his trailer and took them to the office for a float. Diesel's teeth were awful. I may get a much better result riding now that it is fixed. I feel bad that I let it go so long. The trip to the vet was successful with only a minor scrape on Becca from a little freak out when loaded.
I also have left Diesel out in the big pasture alone since Priss bowed tendons last winter. He is too rough and too playful and he kept pestering her. This means on nights like this where it is cold, wet, and windy he is miserable out without any shelter. I hope to build a shed for him next year. This year the priority is replacing the last section of fence. This will happen in the next month. But, tonight I caved. I let him in with the girls. Priss is in her stall and they all have a ton of hay to keep them occupied. This is a test to see if he can behave enough to let him into the barn in the future. As I type I hear the clang of his feet kicking at the stall. In addition to picking on Prissy, he bullies Becca out of the barn. Of course, everyone bullies Becca out of the barn. She is completely submissive.
Do I take it too far? My "rules" keep me grounded and unable to take off and go for fun. On holidays I have to leave early and get home to tend to my crew. I never get to have a weekend away. But, all these little friends are what makes my life blessed :)
I do not leave my dogs outside while I am gone. There is no fence that will keep them 100% safe. Scruffy can climb anything. If he gets out and heads to the neighbors where there are birds he will be shot and the birds will be lunch. Not good. As a result, my furniture and walls pay a price. Scruff vindictively pisses when he's left alone. He waits until he sees me come home to do it. If I sneak in and he doesn't see me he does not leave a mess. I've been told countless times that dogs do not have the capacity to be vindictive. I disagree. This dog is smart. He is also disturbed. He has major separation issues. And, because he makes messes and does not come when called unless it suits him I cannot take him with me. I miss having dog buddies that go-go. I also get majorly annoyed by the fact that my couch now stinks. I clean and clean and clean. It still has that distinctive odor.
The cats are now held captive in the house, too. Of course, most of the time they are perfectly happy with this. I do let them out during the day sometimes. Takes Blue about 5 minutes to howl to come in. Pumpkin will go exploring but will be at the door at dusk as if she knows how dangerous it is out there.
As for the horses, I rarely take them anywhere because I do not have a decent trailer. Mine has rusted to the point that I consider it dangerous. The frame is good but there are too many sharp edges up high. I put off taking the horses in for their annual as long as I could. Finally, a few weeks ago, my vet actually picked them up in his trailer and took them to the office for a float. Diesel's teeth were awful. I may get a much better result riding now that it is fixed. I feel bad that I let it go so long. The trip to the vet was successful with only a minor scrape on Becca from a little freak out when loaded.
I also have left Diesel out in the big pasture alone since Priss bowed tendons last winter. He is too rough and too playful and he kept pestering her. This means on nights like this where it is cold, wet, and windy he is miserable out without any shelter. I hope to build a shed for him next year. This year the priority is replacing the last section of fence. This will happen in the next month. But, tonight I caved. I let him in with the girls. Priss is in her stall and they all have a ton of hay to keep them occupied. This is a test to see if he can behave enough to let him into the barn in the future. As I type I hear the clang of his feet kicking at the stall. In addition to picking on Prissy, he bullies Becca out of the barn. Of course, everyone bullies Becca out of the barn. She is completely submissive.
Do I take it too far? My "rules" keep me grounded and unable to take off and go for fun. On holidays I have to leave early and get home to tend to my crew. I never get to have a weekend away. But, all these little friends are what makes my life blessed :)
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Thankful
The best life lesson I have learned is to be thankful. I am thankful that Diesel lunged perfectly yesterday. I am thankful Miss Priss is comfortable and happy and is still with me. I am thankful for such a kind, loving horse I have in Becca. I am thankful for a peaceful home with dogs and cats to keep me company. My life has always focused around my pets.
This holiday I am thankful for the people in my life. You are not forgotten. I don't say it very often...or at all. My people are really the most important. And Miss Priss :)-
This holiday I am thankful for the people in my life. You are not forgotten. I don't say it very often...or at all. My people are really the most important. And Miss Priss :)-
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Baby Steps
My fear has been simmering for several years now...5, actually. I love riding but have lost my nerve. This is not good with one rideable horse who has very little training. So far I haven't messed him up too much. I really do need to send him and myself off for training this spring.
In the meantime, I am working on my own chunky monkey-ness. I am officially down 30 pounds this morning. It is fun and exciting and I hope that I am strong enough to maintain the loss. I do feel much better now that I'm eating healthy. This is alot of incentive. And my saddles are much more comfy! Clothes shopping was actually fun last week. I am not completely done losing so I only bought one pair of jeans and one shirt. I will stop losing when I am happy with my shape. I think that will be about 15 pounds more. If only the good parts didn't shrink along with the rest of me :) Oh well.
I've reevaluated my personal relationships recently. Not that there was anything serious. But I am streamlining the not serious ones. With it comes a sense of loss and accomplishment. I'm proud of myself. I only miss the man I wished he was. Again, I hope I am strong enough to maintain. I feel very good about it.
So, yesterday after some strong words were said out loud I rode Diesel. With the frustration I pushed my limits. I rode him out in the big pasture again...all the way around. He was good. He picked his head up and listened for anything to send him into a frenzy...but he didn't. I need this horse to get my exercise. I need this horse for my sanity. Riding out is a big deal for me. It shouldn't be but it is. My life is blessed.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Live to Ride
Shoes and time off have helped. Now I must ride through the laziness. He did a few mean crow hops. I rode it but am not happy about it. I need to beat his butt instead of giving in. I did make him continue for a bit before asking for the stop. But we both know he needed a whoopin. Not good.
On the up side, I have lost 22 pounds and my lard butt fits in the western saddle much better. Still need to lose quite a bit. I didn't pinch the nerve in my hip/thigh until an hour into the ride. Usually it is instantaneous. This means my issues are weight related. Keep on pluggin.
Regardless, riding felt good. The sun was shining and the temps were perfect. My life is blessed.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Murder
The last week we've had at least 18.5 inches of rain. One morning the guage was full so it really was more than that. As a result we have had two mosquito outbreaks. We had 3 days of rest after the really hard downpour while they had to start over. My life has been revolving around murder.
My strategy: malathion twice a day around barn, deet-based aerosol spray for bodies with a gentle repellent for faces. The horses get sprayed down as often as I can. They tell me in no uncertain terms when they need it. Seems to be 2 am when they have a meltdown. They are miserable.
This weekend I am having a mosquito spray system installed. We can't wait. In the meantime, they use a mudbath for relief. And that causes their hair to fall off when it dries. Always something.
My life is blessed.
My strategy: malathion twice a day around barn, deet-based aerosol spray for bodies with a gentle repellent for faces. The horses get sprayed down as often as I can. They tell me in no uncertain terms when they need it. Seems to be 2 am when they have a meltdown. They are miserable.
This weekend I am having a mosquito spray system installed. We can't wait. In the meantime, they use a mudbath for relief. And that causes their hair to fall off when it dries. Always something.
My life is blessed.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Same Grind
We are still not ready to ride. It makes me sad that I only have one horse to discuss. I hope it stays that way. The girls are comfortable. There is no riding in the future. I feel like I lost my friends. Our relationship is special but different now that we can't move together. That's what riding is. We move as one. Non-horse people couldn't possibly understand. Horses have always given me the satisfaction that I could never find with another human. And that is as personal and deep as I care to get. This is not me. I deal in facts.
We are soaked after Tropical Storm Hermine dumped a ton of rain. I can prove 7 1/4 inches of rain today but the gauge was full and I suspect that is a very low estimate. The horses are living in slop. Even the stall in the barn is flooded. I pray that Diesel stays sound through the muck. I am ready to get back in the saddle.
I feel good on my diet. I have energy and determination. Losing 12 pounds so far is inspirational. I have a long way to go. Why did I let myself go like this? I can't wait to be thin(ish). I already feel better. It is hard work carrying this weight around. People change when they have to. I reached that point. But I'd kill for a piece of bread....with butter and roasted garlic. And a cheeseburger. Lord, give me strength. My life is blessed.
We are soaked after Tropical Storm Hermine dumped a ton of rain. I can prove 7 1/4 inches of rain today but the gauge was full and I suspect that is a very low estimate. The horses are living in slop. Even the stall in the barn is flooded. I pray that Diesel stays sound through the muck. I am ready to get back in the saddle.
I feel good on my diet. I have energy and determination. Losing 12 pounds so far is inspirational. I have a long way to go. Why did I let myself go like this? I can't wait to be thin(ish). I already feel better. It is hard work carrying this weight around. People change when they have to. I reached that point. But I'd kill for a piece of bread....with butter and roasted garlic. And a cheeseburger. Lord, give me strength. My life is blessed.
Friday, September 3, 2010
Relief
It hasn't taken long to feel comfortable again. After 1 week on Medifast I have lost 8 pounds. My clothes have stopped hurting me. How did I get so big?
I am now at my early summer weight. Oh goody. Now it really begins.
I am excited about losing weight. It is not as hard as I thought to stay on track. I'm learning to love veggies...very slowly. My weight loss is slowing down. This is normal and the safe way to do it.
I can't wait for Christmas. I'll be sporting a hot, new look. I can do this.
I am now at my early summer weight. Oh goody. Now it really begins.
I am excited about losing weight. It is not as hard as I thought to stay on track. I'm learning to love veggies...very slowly. My weight loss is slowing down. This is normal and the safe way to do it.
I can't wait for Christmas. I'll be sporting a hot, new look. I can do this.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Will it ever be NOchunkymonkies?
We have been 2chunkymonkies for quite some time. It's down to Becca and me. Bec has an excuse- Equine Metabolic Syndrome. She spends 24 hours in a small pen (~100 x 200ft). There is minimal grass and she eats hay and a low starch pellet specially designed for this disease. She is much more comfortable and the risk of founder is much decreased. As a result, she has lost a few pounds but is still much too heavy. Her shoulder and back injury from her accident is managed but prevents much exercise. We'll stick with this plan as long as she is comfortable.
That leaves me. I love food. And I love cooking. I love a good drink in the evening. All this adds up to an extremely high calorie diet, often more than 3500 calories a day. All these good times have packed on lots of pounds. For a long time my opinion was that good living was worth it. And thankfully, I carry my weight well. But, I went overboard. I started cutting back when it was convenient. I have NO willpower. It didn't work. I love food. I keep saying that. I love it. This past summer I started using restraunts as my social time. Almost every day I ate out with a friend. Good times. And now my clothes don't fit. I'm uncomfortable in my skin. I just don't fit. It's time to make a change.
I have a friend who is on a "health plan" that is very successful. She looks great. I'm finally at the point where I have to really put effort into doing something. So, last week I began Medifast. I feel very bad about tempting this friend with food all last summer. I do not have to give up meals with everyone. I do have to order a healthy salad. There will be no more cheeseburgers and chicken fried steak without guilt. It helps that half of my food buddies are now on this diet. I'm sorry, "health plan". Yeah right. It's a diet and the meals are snacks.
The plan calls for a meal every 3 hours with 5 of those being prepackaged powdered "meals". They are suprisingly very good and filling. Once a day you get a Lean and Green meal of fresh food- a good portion of lean meat with 3 portions of lean veggies. Since you eat every 3 hours and drink large amounts of water you do not ever get really hungry. My stomach tells me when 3 hours is up but I can say I'm no more hungry than before. The big difference is calorie intake. I'm down to 800-900 calories a day with limited carbs. I feel good. I'm 5'7" tall and 187lbs. This is the worst I have ever been. I weigh in every Tuesday. I'm not supposed to weigh myself constantly. I have not cheated with food but I have cheated on the scale. I started this diet 5 days ago. I've lost 6 pounds. The weight loss will slow down very soon. The program claims 2-5 pounds lost the first week with 1-2 pounds loss every week after that. I can do this. I hope to lose enough that my butt fits into my western saddle again. I like that saddle. Instead of replacing it with an enormous saddle I am going to spend the money and get me healthy.
My life is blessed.
That leaves me. I love food. And I love cooking. I love a good drink in the evening. All this adds up to an extremely high calorie diet, often more than 3500 calories a day. All these good times have packed on lots of pounds. For a long time my opinion was that good living was worth it. And thankfully, I carry my weight well. But, I went overboard. I started cutting back when it was convenient. I have NO willpower. It didn't work. I love food. I keep saying that. I love it. This past summer I started using restraunts as my social time. Almost every day I ate out with a friend. Good times. And now my clothes don't fit. I'm uncomfortable in my skin. I just don't fit. It's time to make a change.
I have a friend who is on a "health plan" that is very successful. She looks great. I'm finally at the point where I have to really put effort into doing something. So, last week I began Medifast. I feel very bad about tempting this friend with food all last summer. I do not have to give up meals with everyone. I do have to order a healthy salad. There will be no more cheeseburgers and chicken fried steak without guilt. It helps that half of my food buddies are now on this diet. I'm sorry, "health plan". Yeah right. It's a diet and the meals are snacks.
The plan calls for a meal every 3 hours with 5 of those being prepackaged powdered "meals". They are suprisingly very good and filling. Once a day you get a Lean and Green meal of fresh food- a good portion of lean meat with 3 portions of lean veggies. Since you eat every 3 hours and drink large amounts of water you do not ever get really hungry. My stomach tells me when 3 hours is up but I can say I'm no more hungry than before. The big difference is calorie intake. I'm down to 800-900 calories a day with limited carbs. I feel good. I'm 5'7" tall and 187lbs. This is the worst I have ever been. I weigh in every Tuesday. I'm not supposed to weigh myself constantly. I have not cheated with food but I have cheated on the scale. I started this diet 5 days ago. I've lost 6 pounds. The weight loss will slow down very soon. The program claims 2-5 pounds lost the first week with 1-2 pounds loss every week after that. I can do this. I hope to lose enough that my butt fits into my western saddle again. I like that saddle. Instead of replacing it with an enormous saddle I am going to spend the money and get me healthy.
My life is blessed.
Friday, August 27, 2010
Luck Turn
With horses it is always something. It doesn't matter how many you have, there will always be times when there is not one that is rideable. Priss is doing very well. She is pasture sound and happily cranky. Becca is improving but I really think she fractured her spine in that fall way back. I fear she is a beautiful pasture ornament along with Prissy.
This week the farrier put front shoes on Diesel. He thinks our lameness is leg related. He said there are mild navicular changes on the outside and that this is fairly normal in a very large horse. This is not really good news. We are not dealing with just tenderfootedness. To add insult to injury, we get to add an injury this evening. Diesel's hind legs are stocked up quite severely. There is not external sign of trauma. His legs are hot. So tonight he got the works- lengthy hydro-ing, bute, and a DMSO sweat. We'll see how it looks tomorrow. I think this will pass quickly. And I think he will still be lame on his front end. I'm ready for my luck to turn.
Regardless, my life is blessed.
This week the farrier put front shoes on Diesel. He thinks our lameness is leg related. He said there are mild navicular changes on the outside and that this is fairly normal in a very large horse. This is not really good news. We are not dealing with just tenderfootedness. To add insult to injury, we get to add an injury this evening. Diesel's hind legs are stocked up quite severely. There is not external sign of trauma. His legs are hot. So tonight he got the works- lengthy hydro-ing, bute, and a DMSO sweat. We'll see how it looks tomorrow. I think this will pass quickly. And I think he will still be lame on his front end. I'm ready for my luck to turn.
Regardless, my life is blessed.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Long Time...
This summer I have made major progress. I got tons of fencework done. I have 4 pastures with lovely horse safe fence. I have plans to do more. Of course! I plan to run water lines and add a wash rack later this year. And I plan to finish the last 1700 feet of fencing.
Riding has been sporadic. I have come to terms with the loss of riding Prissy. I have come to terms with the loss of riding Becca. That was hard to say. I've lost my two favorite mounts. Priss is very comfortably pasture sound. She only requires restriction when it is muddy. Becca's metabolic syndrome is managed by keeping her in a dry lot with only hay and starch controlled feed. She is much more comfortable. There is no turnout in her future. Her shoulder injury is tempermental but managed. Stretching for a trim is tough but otherwise she, too, is pasture sound.
Diesel lives alone in the main pasture. He is lonely. He grooms Bec over the fence in the mornings. They love each other. Priss loves him, too but she doesn't have the patience to stand there for lovin. She's not the sentimental sort. I've ridden Diesel several times lately. He is confused and lazy with a little pain thrown in for fun. His cut on the heel of his right foreleg is still not healed completely. And he's sore on his left foreleg from the mystery injury. And he's tenderfooted. I've given him time off and he gets shoes on the front this week. I hope this gives him some relief. I am itching to ride, baby ride.
And the biggest news...instead of buying a bigger western saddle I plan to shrink my butt. My diet starts next Tuesday or Wednesday. I signed up for Medifast. I've never dieted before but I've got the support of great friends and a tough coach. I want to feel pretty. I'm ready for this. Wish me luck, say a prayer!
My life is blessed.
Riding has been sporadic. I have come to terms with the loss of riding Prissy. I have come to terms with the loss of riding Becca. That was hard to say. I've lost my two favorite mounts. Priss is very comfortably pasture sound. She only requires restriction when it is muddy. Becca's metabolic syndrome is managed by keeping her in a dry lot with only hay and starch controlled feed. She is much more comfortable. There is no turnout in her future. Her shoulder injury is tempermental but managed. Stretching for a trim is tough but otherwise she, too, is pasture sound.
Diesel lives alone in the main pasture. He is lonely. He grooms Bec over the fence in the mornings. They love each other. Priss loves him, too but she doesn't have the patience to stand there for lovin. She's not the sentimental sort. I've ridden Diesel several times lately. He is confused and lazy with a little pain thrown in for fun. His cut on the heel of his right foreleg is still not healed completely. And he's sore on his left foreleg from the mystery injury. And he's tenderfooted. I've given him time off and he gets shoes on the front this week. I hope this gives him some relief. I am itching to ride, baby ride.
And the biggest news...instead of buying a bigger western saddle I plan to shrink my butt. My diet starts next Tuesday or Wednesday. I signed up for Medifast. I've never dieted before but I've got the support of great friends and a tough coach. I want to feel pretty. I'm ready for this. Wish me luck, say a prayer!
My life is blessed.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Goals...
I did not meet my goal of opening up Bubba by the end of June. The weather has not cooperated. However, I did something I never thought I would be ready for. I rode him bareback this evening and watched the sun go down. He is such a sweetheart. He was clearly confused but played along well. This is only the second time we've gone bareback. I miss those frequent bareback rides on Miss Priss. I miss Priss. Hah! He's a long way from filling her shoes but with time it will happen!
My life is blessed.
My life is blessed.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Good Times
I rode Diesel late this evening. It is still hot, hot, hot. He was a bit lazy but not as bad as normal after so much time off. And he was cranky on his left lead. Lots of head tossing and stiff movement. OK to the right. We laid off of it and had a very slow, easy ride. He's an amazing beast. My life is blessed.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Frustration
Tonight Becca did not come up for dinner. No biggie, not unusual. She gets almost no cardboard-tasting-diet pony food and there is lots of grass out there. But, she acted interested. Uh oh. Now I see the characteristic hop of lameness.
I fear tendon involvement. It is on her right foreleg near the pastern. I have her hydro-ed and wrapped. She is now in the stall. You know she is hurt when she relaxes in isolation. I am praying for lots of dry weather. This mud is deadly.
I really wish I had more facilities. I really need to get a horse barn built...and paddocks.
I fear tendon involvement. It is on her right foreleg near the pastern. I have her hydro-ed and wrapped. She is now in the stall. You know she is hurt when she relaxes in isolation. I am praying for lots of dry weather. This mud is deadly.
I really wish I had more facilities. I really need to get a horse barn built...and paddocks.
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