[dreaminOTTB]

Opus - yay for a new lease! Let us know how the horse works out! I'm partial to greys, even though my guy is a copper-colored chestnut

WIExpat - Good luck on your show! I can't wait until I can do a three-phase event. Hoping for at least a CT in June. What level are you doing?

spacytracy - That's great that your horses get to come home! I would LOVE to have my own place with my guy at home. I do get what you're saying though about the camaraderie of the barn. There is something to be said of the friendships, support, and social aspect of a barn. That's great if you can keep taking lessons up there. And yay for feeling better!

HazelG - the other boarders and I don't typically ride the day of giving vaccines either. I've honestly never really looked that much into it, but my thought on the whole idea is if my horse had to go through a vet visit, including shots, I'm not going to push him that day. A day off to be safe certainly isn't going to hurt anything.

My update - Although I've "broken the rules" and visited Toby (my gelding) twice, I've been somewhat good and not entered the stall, arena, hay loft, etc. since I still have the staples/incisions from the surgery. I see the surgeon on Monday to have those removed on Monday, though, so I know they should be close to healed up by now. There is still quite a bit of inflammation and pain, but I'm hoping that with time, that will subside. I think getting to get back with my horse will help the mental/stress relief part of the recovery a lot!!

[Dewey]

Good luck with the lease, Opus! I'm keeping my fingers crossed! Let us know how the lesson goes.

SpacyTracy, hope the lease works out for your as well! I'm dying to know all about the horse!

[Dewey]

My update - Although I've "broken the rules" and visited Toby (my gelding) twice, I've been somewhat good and not entered the stall, arena, hay loft, etc. since I still have the staples/incisions from the surgery. I see the surgeon on Monday to have those removed on Monday, though, so I know they should be close to healed up by now. There is still quite a bit of inflammation and pain, but I'm hoping that with time, that will subside. I think getting to get back with my horse will help the mental/stress relief part of the recovery a lot!!

Glad you're doing so well, dreamin! I am sure you are right--a trip to the barn always heals whatever ails me!

[Opus1]

Strangles. And trainer said not to ride for 24 to 48 hours after it. She doesn't ride any of hers either so who am I to argue? Sounds reasonable to me.

Ah. Gotcha. I've rode before after our local vaccines (EEE, West Nile, etc.) and the vet said it was fine to ride, even immediately after.

I'm still learning about a lot of these things, so if I ask random questions, apologies. It's just me being curious.

[HazelG]

No need to apologize. I ask a lot of questions too. That's how one learns things!

[jaslyn1701]

Crazy day. We had the pony chiro coming to the barn at ten. So, I fed, got everybody turned out (even for just a little bit). The others in the group arrive, we catch the ponies and tack up and its off to ride.

Part of the stallion's pasture butts up against the riding ring. There is grass and trees. This morning he was happily grazing away.

Every time we approached that side of the ring, and it's a long side, Finn acted like there was some gigantic, drooling for horse flesh, but only his , monster in there. I felt him ready to do the dump mom and save yourself move a couple of times. Maybe the monster would be satisfied with a human, worth a shot!

The old me would have sucked up till I couldn't breathe and avoided that side of the ring completely. Not this girl and not this day. What did we do - we walked that side of the ring about 100 times (not really, but it seemed like it). If Finn's ears had been pointed any more forward, they would have looked like horns.

I talked to him, ears remained ever on the uber alert. As in, "shut up mom, I am trying to hear where the monster is, jeez." Meanwhile, I am just sitting, leg on, relaxed as possible, as loose a rein as possible. Every time we made it out alive, there were lot of good boy's and pats.

Finally, an ear flick. And then a swivel. Yes, he is now listening to me and we went past the monster one more time at a very relaxed walk!

So, maybe Finn learned to trust me in the saddle, just a bit - or maybe the monster just got bored and left. I like the trust story better!

Then the chiro came out to adjust horses. If you ever have the opportunity to have your horse worked on by Charles, Chuck, Charlie, Bailey, take it. He is wonderful and quite the character!

[stolen virtue]

So, I only have two weeks left to go until the baby comes home. The barn with the baby received over three inches of rain this week(first time all season) and had to move my horse and others into the stable. Glad we have had a very dry year !

I am so anxious to have a horse to ride on a regular basis. I really feel that I might be OK when I am riding again, I hope so. I'm not sure what else I can do besides horses....shopping is a total bust, I hate shopping, tried today came home with nothing, again. My only love is horses...I dream about them and think of them every minute...wish I was a runner, or swimmer....wish there was something that made me as happy as a great ride on my horse...Maybe someday they will invent a sport that has the same thing I love about riding and showing....but for now my TBs hold the keys to my heart.

[CVPeg]

Well, B and I had an event filled week. First NH trainer came on Thursday. I had observed her previously, and this stuff is just the target for giving him "something else to do", and not get so bored/annoyed/thinking-about-other-things during works, so that he can get that transition made from go-go-go to walk-trot-canter. Very intriguing. Hafta buy equipment (elsewhere), but this gal has not required me to give blood in order to join the club. Just trying to get the horse thinking. Was some fun - lots of work - and something I'm continuing. Not sure I can remember it all at once. She'll be back.

Then saddle fitting on Friday. Finally saddle newly purchased and first fitted in October, that began sitting up on him in December is back where it belongs. And, BT kept questioning my use of a full fleece pad, when they thought half pad would do, but saddle fitter agreed with me. B has kissing spine toward the middle of his back, I never thought the half pad did anything but make the saddle less stable frankly.

More barn nonsense. NH trainer was whisked away by BO ahead of the NH session, which was with BT & one of BO's horses, and me. Sure BO filled NH trainer with all kinds of comments as she has a tendency to prophesize in advance based on her own weird assumptions. Nevertheless, I merely moved ahead with our session. NH trainer can decide based on her own observations.

Then I found out last week that a boarder has a barn close by where she takes retirees, but has lots of pasture turn out. I did have a conversation with her, looks ideal on the web site. But drove by yesterday, and didn't see anyone turned out, the pastures need work, she is often gone during the week, board is the same with no indoor, plus she'd want me to pay them to "lease the outdoor ring". Plus she's still connected to this barn.
Very convenient driving wise, but think I'll pass. Will be further on the search to include comaraderie as well - something they've never heard of here!

Thanks y'all! Unless he's an absolute nightmare or he hates me, I think he'll be half leased by week's end. I have GOT to get more riding time. And to start cantering again on a regular basis. This walk-trot thing is grating.

spacytracy: I think the summer lease sounds great! I'm going into this possible half lease situation knowing that if I find something perfect for me, I can walk away from it with no hassles. You'll have to let us know how it goes!

HazelG: Y'all don't ride when the horses get vaccines? Is it a certain kind of vaccine, or just in general? Just curious.

Congrats on the lease, Opus! Have a great lesson today!

B got his shots last week. Had a welt 4" x 5" on his neck after his West Nile?!? But otherwise seems ok.

Finally, an ear flick. And then a swivel. Yes, he is now listening to me and we went past the monster one more time at a very relaxed walk!

Congrats, Jas! Just what we're always trying to see, too! Great!

So, I only have two weeks left to go until the baby comes home. The barn with the baby received over three inches of rain this week(first time all season) and had to move my horse and others into the stable. Glad we have had a very dry year !

I am so anxious to have a horse to ride on a regular basis. I really feel that I might be OK when I am riding again, I hope so. I'm not sure what else I can do besides horses....shopping is a total bust, I hate shopping, tried today came home with nothing, again. My only love is horses...I dream about them and think of them every minute...wish I was a runner, or swimmer....wish there was something that made me as happy as a great ride on my horse...Maybe someday they will invent a sport that has the same thing I love about riding and showing....but for now my TBs hold the keys to my heart.

I gave myself a day off yesterday from this crisis barn. Really missed B, however...

Heading back this morning for my fix!

[CVPeg]

Arrrrrgghhh.

Just when you think "finally" we'll be back to normal, turnout wise...

I've been in daily contact with BT for the past few days, and had asked if I could be there when B's finally turned out on Sat. OK, but ok if we could wait til Sunday. What time? 9am. Fine. Then as I'm leaving, "I wouldn't mind if you waited another day - but I'll be there if you want me to." Fine... I e-mailed her back that I was giving myself a day off from riding yesterday, but that I still would be there in the early morning to put on fly spray. (which they don't do...)

Today was finally it.


(To reiterate, BO has chosen to put B in a tiny mud laden paddock during the day since December, when he was injured twice in 2 weeks when turned out in the fields with more than one horse, one known aggressor being in the pasture both times.

As weather was supposed to dictate, and they went back to normal turnouts, he was to be included. I was bucked off in Jan & Feb, and 2 visiting trainers and the vet said he needed to be turned out.

As others began to get turned out in March, B was left in his tiny paddock. According to BT, he'd get turned out when 1) Miles was healed from a hoof abcess, then 2) when Miles gets reshod, then 3)with Frank, then 4) last weekend, then 5) I'm (BO) leaving him in the barn this week he'll get turned out Friday, then 6) this Saturday, then 7) Sunday, now 8) today...)


Get to the barn at 8:30 to ride a few minutes before he's turned out. I'm going to make it short anyway as it's getting warm, and have the dog in the car.

B's not in his little paddock - didn't expect him to be. Then, he's not in his stall. OK, it's blacksmith day when they sometimes play musical stalls. No, not in anyone's stall in his barn. OK, so sometimes they've turned him out in the indoor. No, he's not there, nor in any of the indoor barn stalls. I look at the little magnetic "turn out" board. DAMN!!! He's listed as already being turned out with old Ben. Even after all the arrangements I've made with BT, the BO has decided she's going to do what she wants to do anyway and this will teach me to ask to be present when he gets turnout! Look towards the indicated field. No sign of any horse. OK, I'll drive up and look across the fields.

Get in the car, drive to the top of the road. Look in the indicated fields, and all the other ones. No sign of my horse...anywhere.

I start falling apart. This is why I wanted to be around. Even though, he took down the tapes around his little paddock once before, he's at least stayed around. Has my horse taken off??!!!??? I call the BT on my cell in tears and tell her he's on the board for being out in the field. I've driven to the top of the hill and don't see him anywhere. He's not in the indoor or any stall adjacent to the indoor, not in anyone else's stall in his barn.

She immediately hangs up and calls me right back after speaking to the BO. "Did I look in the outdoor stalls? (Where they put the ponies and the little guys - B is 16.3) B is there with PJ (15.2) as PJ is waiting for the vet & blacksmith." To keep PJ company. HUHHHHH????

Sure enough - and it's right when you drive in, but with his head down to the hay, I hadn't seen him...there's B. I bring him in to the barn, and put him on the crossties. I am so upset, I cry into his mane. Throw on the saddle. Hop on, knowing I forgot something. Get into the ring, and on him, and yup, I don't have my chaps on - so we'll work on the walk.

BT shows up, glowering... Ammmmm I ready yet?!? I tell her a minute, finish up the ride and hop off. She comes back, "Didn't I notice the message board (with message for the help) that asked to please bring PJ in from the outdoor stalls after the blacksmith has left?!?

I think, 'Er, no...but since my horse ISN'T PJ, what difference would that make?!?'


Bottom line, it's my fault. I've screwed up. My fault.

Anyway, I take his tack off, put his boots and fly spray on. We walk to the gate, where he stands like a puppy dog eating the carrots I give him. Looking in my other hand for the other. Yes, this is the mean, wild horse they have to be so careful with. I take off the lead rope. Close the gate behind me. He looks around like, "You're kidding!!!!!!!" Walks over to old Ben. Does the usual grunts and squeals. Rolls, both sides. Runs around. Rolls again, and again, and again! Trots around. EATS GRASS!! Flirts with the mares next door. Trots back and forth some more. Now, this is in the paddock at the bottom of the big field. He still hasn't realized he can go past that fence and to the top of the hill...

Say, goodbye to the BT. She says, "We'll try not to kill your horse." I have no idea where that attitude is coming from. They agreed when he was hurt twice in two weeks with several horses, that he's best with just one other horse. Which they do for several other horses....

I get in the car, drive up to the pasture in tears and scratch my dogs ears. Go home and cry.

Finally.

[HazelG]

Way to go Jaslyn. Celebrating your victory (both your victories, actually).

SV counting down days with you. You'll have to post some photos when baby is home.

CVPeg it all sounds like it's going in the right direction. I am staying tuned!

Not too much riding on the weekend. Too much work and too much rain. My son announced he didn't feel ready to show. Which was funny since he's done so well and has been so excited about it. I told him if he wasn't ready he could be 100% sure that our trainer wouldn't take him. He thought about that for a while. He asked a few more questions and I tried to tell him in more detail what it would be like, that he was starting with just schooling classes, no jump off etc. He seemed a bit less stressed. Then he asked if he got to miss school for the shows. I said yes (schooling jumpers and pony classes for my daughter are Fridays). He perked right up and said "okay I'm showing for sure!!". 12-year-olds priorities!

WIE how was the show yesterday?

[HazelG]

Oh CVPeg I posted at the same time you did so it came out sounding awful. I'm so sorry this is happening. Those people sound at best a bit messed up in the head and at worst really dysfunctional and disrespectful. I want to march right down there and go barn shopping with you! It is SO stressful when you feel they aren't being cared for properly. Can you look around, maybe a bit further of a drive would be worth it for peace of mind for his safety? I totally get the crying into his mane thing, but that's not how it's supposed to be!!!
{} hugs (I think this is the symbol the kids use for that but I'm too old so if it's the wrong thing you get the general sentiment).

[spacytracy]

CV - what is WRONG with these people? They are totally pushing you around and its making me so ANGRY!

[HazelG]

Well said Spacytracy

[iechris]

CV- I am SO sorry about all the barn drama, hope you find someplace good and safe for your horse soon.

Opus and ST- exciting about the leases! I part lease and love it.

I'm been about 1/2 dead with allergies. Saturday go to Lowes and as I'm walking in someone is saying hi to me. I say hi trying to figure out WHO this person is that knows me. Finally hits me... it's my trainer! I told her, this is how bad I've been! She was buying spring plants for the barn.

Finally made it to the barn on Sunday (spring plants look great, love the ferns my trainer puts across the front of the barn). Got to ride with my friend. We walked the one trail, then went to the jump field. It was really windy and I wasn't the most balanced. Tried to get horsie to trot. He was like "no, I want to be lazy and with the wind and not riding I KNOW that crop is only decorative." We walked around the field and watched my friend practice a dressage test. Then we went to the ring, where I got horsie to do his thing. Had that awful moment where I forgot how to ride the canter! Worked through that and cantered some cavelleti (yes, is there is a pole on the ground I WILL go over it) and trotted in and cantered out over a 1/2 cross rail.

Hopefully back to lessons and more riding this week!

BTW, anyone in the Princeton NJ area? I'm headed up that way the first week in May for a dog show.

[stolen virtue]

CV-Peg- that is the same attitude I get from the baby's barn. Everything is my fault-his weight loss is my fault for not putting him on grain-even though they keep moving the poor guy and finally isolated him. He was pacing when i saw him, no wonder he is losing weight.

I gave my notice and I cannot wait to have him home in a barn where my voice is heard. I'm too old to be treated like a moron around horses and the turnout schedule the BO promised me never materialized just more BS. You will never win around that fundamental attitude of "We know best" and that was the final straw for me. You know the barn prior was problematic but I was never greeted with the "We know best attitude" such as with the current barn.

[jaslyn1701]

Dreamin, don't feel bad about breaking the rules. Last year I re-injured my previously torn achilles. No riding for 6 to 8 weeks. Walking with no stirrups isn't really riding, is it?????

CVPeg, you are much nicer than I am - I am afraid I would have had to sit several people down and ask WTF are you people doing with MY horse. RE-Rider posse in order???

I sometimes forget just how lucky I am to have a great BO/Trainer/Coach/Friend. "Our" farm is 23 acres total - Finn gets turned out all day every day and boy is he happy. LOL - one of our most recent boarders even said her horse is happier than he has ever been. And it's nothing special - they just get to be horses.

Opus - great news about the lease, next to bays, I love grey horses!

CVPeg - thanks for knowing the significance of that ear flick! I get so tired of my "civilian" friends looking at me seriously askance when I am excited about something like that! This whole thread rocks!

SV - congrats in the impending move!

WIEexpat - tell about your show!

ST - looks like you are about to lease too - congrats!

PS - as of today I am a grandmother x2!

[dreaminOTTB]

Just popping in quick to say that I got cleared by the surgeon today. So what did I do? Head straight to the barn so I could meet the farrier, then hop on for a lazy ride. Toby was great and we pretty much just ambled along. Knee is still pretty sore, so it's going to be another tough road back into condition.

Hope everyone's Monday is going well!

[pony4me]

Glad you are back in the saddle, DOTTB! Riding is very good medicine for the body and the soul.

And, drum roll please....after 124 days of stall rest, my horse trotted sound for the vet! He is cleared for a month of walk/trot under saddle. Straight lines only, no corners or circles. Turnout stays the same, which is maybe three hours a day out in the round pen, which probably needs to be repositioned over some fresh grass, but at least he gets to go out.

Sunday I scattered a bag a mini carrots throughout his turnout and he got to hunt for them. It was cute. A big old TB sniffing around for carrots!

[abv1269]

CVPeg -- if you need help with that ARR posse, count me in. I wanted to open a can of whoop A$$ on those crazy whackadoos when I read that. Crossing my fingers that a new place comes your way.

DOTTB-- YIPPEE!!!!!!!!!!!!! So happy for you!

Pony4me - loved the post, and the carrot hunt. Am gonna try that with my girls, they'd love that. So glad he's sound. Know that feeling REAL well.

OPUS & ST -- congrats! many hours of horsie heaven await you

Jaslyn -- way to push through -- i vote for the trust option too.

Got injections so the back is feeling better, however now i have a fever and sinus infection. I am a little black raincloud.
Hoping when i can ride again that I will actually be able to be effective.

My DD had her first show of the season. Pony was not her typical saintly self, and tested the child. No worries, we all have off days, and kid responded to the test admirably, never getting mad at the pony, so I'm happier with that than any amount of colorful nylon we might bring home. More about that here if you're interested.

Was sick as dog today so spent it on the coach watching Spruce Meadows Tv and FEItv. Addicted much? Guilty!

[CVPeg]

Hi, everyone. Am checking in tonight as I crawl out from under the rock by my barn, and wondering how you're all doing as well.

All is quiet... B has now been on turn outs, eating GRASS for 3 days!! I've been riding in the morning, mostly avoiding 2 legged creatures. However, one was skulking around today. As usual, I said "hi". No response. Said it again. Then said, "Did I do something wrong. Is there some reason that you're not saying, 'hi'?" She then flipped around, and over enthusiastically said that she hadn't heard me because she was worried about having lost her cell phone. (Yup - their 007 secret weapons, that they use to text back and forth about me, in front of me. Uncanny how any time I walk in, the phones get flipped open and it begins...)

Hafta say, since the NH trainer was here last week, and saddle fitter the following day, and B is being so good, it may sound a little crazy, but I am now struttin' around the barn. Because you know what? I am back on this side of the looking glass. I've just interacted with knowledgeable professionals, who live in the real world, and who agreed with me on issues with my horse that the BT & BO disagreed with, suggesting I had no clue.

And, I've spoken with some this week, who the second I say I'm looking to move, and what can they suggest, understand immediately. Have really been too close to home this winter - I do love getting out in the spring!!

I checked out a couple nearby places this weekend, but it is tough - not many others around here are in great shape either. Long conversation with racehorse owning friend today, who just bought a rundown farm nearby, and had from the beginning offered me free board, but he is a NY City boy with not the best common sense, and listening to his plans, I'm going to pass. Going to nearby Big City tomorrow to consider some places that are similar to what I've boarded at in years' past, seeking the comaraderie I had in so many places before. Most will probably be an hour commute. For now I am still riding 5-6 times a day, but as B is improving, I can cut that back - 'long as I can trust the people, and he is getting decent turn-out. I'll move when confident I have a good, sensible place - don't wish to jump from the frying pan into the fire. No one at the barn is standing there with a pitch fork asking me to go. I expect my board is still appreciated, especially as I pay on time, and take good care of my horse, and how well I leave things.

But, yes, when it is time to go, I'll extend an ARR posse invitation, where as I'm loading him in the trailer, we can all step out of our vehicles and go !! (If I'm stuck here until July, we can then go to Saratoga!!)

abv1269- LOVE your blog. Good for your daughter! Even though under the weather (and great therapy, by the way!), you must still be grinning with pride.

pony - Yahoo!!! Congrats! And love the mini carrot game!

dreamin' - glad you're cleared. take care of that knee & have fun!

I so appreciate all the support, while I've been dealing with the Mad Hatter, the White Rabbit, The Queen of Hearts, and the Cheshire Cat...