Wow, I am EMBARRASSED that I haven't posted since early October. Excuse: Visit to Katie in CT, parents came for a stay, and two college visiting trips (with two more to go). Funny how when you think back it never seems as though you were really as busy as you thought you were at the time. But I'm pretty sure I've only been on our home computer once in October. Seems like I get home and crash.
The thing about the college trips is that the ponies go without my tender loving care for a day. But it is good to come home and see that they survived, and that maybe, just maybe, they CAN do without me for 24 hours. The barn friends were poking fun at me because I left three notes at the barn with emergency numbers when we went to visit Katie (two days, one night). I left one on the manager's desk, one on Dude's door and one on Bestie's door. They were like, "Did you leave ENOUGH notes?? We thought we'd find them all over the barn!" A little obsessive compulsiveness, what can I say.
After each of my absences I arrived at the barn on the following day to find both horses happy, healthy and very dirty. They always look up when I arrive like "Oh, there she is!" Dude does his low nicker and Bestie does her high pitched crazed-sounding whinny. It's a nice welcome, and one that I'll never get tired of. Today it is raining and cold, in the 40s, so I doubt they got turned out. I'm just hoping this isn't the beginning of the usual dreary claustrophobia-inducing weather we see in November. I'm not ready to ride/work them inside yet!
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Where did September go?
Fall always rushes along here. The leaves have been absolutely gorgeous--so if anyone reading this blog is thinking about a foliage visit to northern VT, you'd better get up here in the next week! We had rain last night, and that always seems to bring out all the colors. A couple of the local weather forecasters were saying that the stretch of sunny days in September, combined with cool nights and summer's rain, are what have made this an amazing fall for foliage. It's certainly one of the best that I can remember.
Ran over to visit the ponies this morning because we are hosting a couple of visitors from Nicaragua and I didn't think I'd have time to hit the barn this afternoon. The horses were inside because at turnout time it was pouring. There was a break in the rain while I was there, so I was able to graze them both for about 20 minutes and give them a little walk. Not sure when our guests are arriving, so I didn't want to linger too long at the barn.
When I first arrived, Bestie whinnied, and Kara commented that Bestie had been "telling them" all morning that they'd forgotten to turn her out. She is a very vocal horse. Last night I mucked her stall and then moved on to take care of Dude. Right as I was finishing up and about to leave, Bestie put her head into the hall and whinnied every time she saw me in the aisle. Her way of saying "Hey, you didn't get ME out!" Nothing gets by her. So of course I had to graze her for a few minutes. I'm a softie, I admit it.
Two new horses came in this morning while I was at the barn. New boarders. One is 31 YEARS OLD!!! And he looks pretty good! I always start to think about the "what ifs" if ours live that long. That would be 16 more years for Dude. I'd be 63. Yikes! Best not to think too long about that!
Ran over to visit the ponies this morning because we are hosting a couple of visitors from Nicaragua and I didn't think I'd have time to hit the barn this afternoon. The horses were inside because at turnout time it was pouring. There was a break in the rain while I was there, so I was able to graze them both for about 20 minutes and give them a little walk. Not sure when our guests are arriving, so I didn't want to linger too long at the barn.
When I first arrived, Bestie whinnied, and Kara commented that Bestie had been "telling them" all morning that they'd forgotten to turn her out. She is a very vocal horse. Last night I mucked her stall and then moved on to take care of Dude. Right as I was finishing up and about to leave, Bestie put her head into the hall and whinnied every time she saw me in the aisle. Her way of saying "Hey, you didn't get ME out!" Nothing gets by her. So of course I had to graze her for a few minutes. I'm a softie, I admit it.
Two new horses came in this morning while I was at the barn. New boarders. One is 31 YEARS OLD!!! And he looks pretty good! I always start to think about the "what ifs" if ours live that long. That would be 16 more years for Dude. I'd be 63. Yikes! Best not to think too long about that!
Thursday, September 25, 2008
The whirlwind week continues
On Tuesday I had some time after work so I lunged Bestie and rode Dude. Bestie had her angry eyes on because after standing in her stall since coming in around 11:30, she wanted to be OUT. So she whizzed around me a few times on the lunge line but then settled down. She's pretty smart; I'm sure she started to think, "You know, a little bit of cooperation might buy me a few minutes of handgrazing after this lunging thing." And it did.
Dude was a good boy. I rode in in Katie's saddle but put Bestie's English snaffle on him. I still have to wrestle with his curb bit, so I'm not really using it at all. He's better in the English snaffle than he is in the Western snaffle. I guess there's just a few more attachments and more control. We rode around the field and the rings. He tried to get away with following another rider back to the barn, but gave in when I wouldn't. He can be a pill but his fits are usually not too long-lasting or dramatic.
Yesterday was a buzz-through-the-barn day, since I had to take Maddie to DMV, then to a quick dinner out and hockey for me right down the street from DMV. We basically ran into the barn and she pulled each horse out to graze while I mucked their stalls and refilled their water buckets. We were in and out in 40 minutes. What a team! And she got her license! Tonight will be another quick night because there's an open house at her school. Sigh.
Dude was a good boy. I rode in in Katie's saddle but put Bestie's English snaffle on him. I still have to wrestle with his curb bit, so I'm not really using it at all. He's better in the English snaffle than he is in the Western snaffle. I guess there's just a few more attachments and more control. We rode around the field and the rings. He tried to get away with following another rider back to the barn, but gave in when I wouldn't. He can be a pill but his fits are usually not too long-lasting or dramatic.
Yesterday was a buzz-through-the-barn day, since I had to take Maddie to DMV, then to a quick dinner out and hockey for me right down the street from DMV. We basically ran into the barn and she pulled each horse out to graze while I mucked their stalls and refilled their water buckets. We were in and out in 40 minutes. What a team! And she got her license! Tonight will be another quick night because there's an open house at her school. Sigh.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Whilrwind week with another to come
I absolutely hate it when I can't get on and post for a week or more. I've been pretty busy at work, and while I've made it to the barn every day, the hours at home have been just too short (or too late at night) to get on the computer.
No after effects from the vet's visit; that was a relief. We've had enough post-shot huge bumps on both horses for me to be a little worried. I don't know if the flu/rhino and Potomac don't usually produce reactions, or if the three days of bute kept a reaction beaten back.
Last week I felt like I really short-changed the ponies because I had to go to NYC for the day, then the next night was my book club, and then on Friday, my usual day off where I spend a lot of time at the barn, I had to go in to work. I squeezed in a couple of lunges, but no riding. On Saturday we decided to take advantage of the beautiful fall weather and hike Mount Mansfield, so I ran to the barn late and then went on to hockey. Sunday I filled in for an absent mucker and really didn't feel like working Dude or Bestie. They both went out in the morning, came in for a bran mash and their leftover hay, and hung out in their stalls the rest of the day. I felt bad.
This week's not looking much better, time-wise. Ugh. It's on these busy days that the half hour drive is painful. At least they are getting outside since the weather has been fabulous. I just always feel bad when I can't spend the time with them that I want to.
Good news: I was able to buy some excellent extra hay to keep on hand for munchie moments during the winter. I've got six bales and may pick up a few more. Usually we only feed about about a bale a month, since it's "snack hay" and the barn provides their main meals as part of board.
No after effects from the vet's visit; that was a relief. We've had enough post-shot huge bumps on both horses for me to be a little worried. I don't know if the flu/rhino and Potomac don't usually produce reactions, or if the three days of bute kept a reaction beaten back.
Last week I felt like I really short-changed the ponies because I had to go to NYC for the day, then the next night was my book club, and then on Friday, my usual day off where I spend a lot of time at the barn, I had to go in to work. I squeezed in a couple of lunges, but no riding. On Saturday we decided to take advantage of the beautiful fall weather and hike Mount Mansfield, so I ran to the barn late and then went on to hockey. Sunday I filled in for an absent mucker and really didn't feel like working Dude or Bestie. They both went out in the morning, came in for a bran mash and their leftover hay, and hung out in their stalls the rest of the day. I felt bad.
This week's not looking much better, time-wise. Ugh. It's on these busy days that the half hour drive is painful. At least they are getting outside since the weather has been fabulous. I just always feel bad when I can't spend the time with them that I want to.
Good news: I was able to buy some excellent extra hay to keep on hand for munchie moments during the winter. I've got six bales and may pick up a few more. Usually we only feed about about a bale a month, since it's "snack hay" and the barn provides their main meals as part of board.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Whew! An uneventful vet visit!
Dude and Bestie were the best I think they've ever been for the vet today. I was so proud! I got there about a half hour early and unloaded one bale of hay that I bought from a farmer near our house. $5 for second cut. It's expensive this year since it looks like only two cuts will be possible, and the first cut wasn't that good or plentiful. I'm hoping to get 5 more bales to supplement what the barn provides so that the ponies can have some extra to munch on in the winter.
The horses were on a quick rotation outside because the forecasters were calling for heavy rain and possible thunderstorms today. Bestie was already in and Dude was out, so I took Bestie out and gave her about 20 minutes of handgrazing before Dr. Emily arrived. Managed to also get Dude out of his pasture and graze him for about 5-10 minutes as the rain started to get heavier and heavier.
Both were excellent for the vet. Bestie was amazingly good; she just stood quietly for the shots and only tossed her head a little for the wormer. Dude did pretty well. Right as Dr. Emily got one needle in he shifted quickly, so that first shot was a little hairy. He's always perfectly fine once the needle goes in; it's all about the anticipation with him. Because all the horses had a short day of turnout, they all got a "lunchtime" flake of hay, so everyone was eating happily when I left around 12:15 to meet a friend.
We had a good lunch, and actually quite by surprise met another "horse mom" that was in our co-op group several years ago, so it was good to get caught up. My friend's daughter has been on the Mount Holyoke hunter team, and this year made the dressage team. She's got one show in our area early in October, so I'm hoping to be able to see her. We went through a lot of drama together between barn changes and trainer changes and horse issues. THey too have a cute paint mare with strong opinions. She's boarded about a half hour from their house; so my friend is doing the commuting thing and is also riding. These horses certainly have a way of becoming part of the family.
After lunch I ran back to the barn to quickly graze them again since it had stopped raining. I also wanted to check to see if there was any swelling from the shots. They both looked fine. Tomorrow we've got to do a day trip to New Hampshire so I'm not sure I'll make it to the barn unless I go pretty early. I always feel a little "off" when I don't see them.
The horses were on a quick rotation outside because the forecasters were calling for heavy rain and possible thunderstorms today. Bestie was already in and Dude was out, so I took Bestie out and gave her about 20 minutes of handgrazing before Dr. Emily arrived. Managed to also get Dude out of his pasture and graze him for about 5-10 minutes as the rain started to get heavier and heavier.
Both were excellent for the vet. Bestie was amazingly good; she just stood quietly for the shots and only tossed her head a little for the wormer. Dude did pretty well. Right as Dr. Emily got one needle in he shifted quickly, so that first shot was a little hairy. He's always perfectly fine once the needle goes in; it's all about the anticipation with him. Because all the horses had a short day of turnout, they all got a "lunchtime" flake of hay, so everyone was eating happily when I left around 12:15 to meet a friend.
We had a good lunch, and actually quite by surprise met another "horse mom" that was in our co-op group several years ago, so it was good to get caught up. My friend's daughter has been on the Mount Holyoke hunter team, and this year made the dressage team. She's got one show in our area early in October, so I'm hoping to be able to see her. We went through a lot of drama together between barn changes and trainer changes and horse issues. THey too have a cute paint mare with strong opinions. She's boarded about a half hour from their house; so my friend is doing the commuting thing and is also riding. These horses certainly have a way of becoming part of the family.
After lunch I ran back to the barn to quickly graze them again since it had stopped raining. I also wanted to check to see if there was any swelling from the shots. They both looked fine. Tomorrow we've got to do a day trip to New Hampshire so I'm not sure I'll make it to the barn unless I go pretty early. I always feel a little "off" when I don't see them.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Doctor's appointment coming up
Tomorrow Dude and Bestie are getting their fall shots, flu/rhino and Potomac. There are usually a few cases of Potomac in our area at some point in the fall so we vaccinate to be safe. And they'll get a once-over by the vet for their Preventicare exams. We're on Pfizer's Preventicare program, which involves an annual reenrollment, hence the physical, and the dosage by the vet of wormer once a year (and once more by us), and daily Strongid. Successful enrollment in the plan means that Pfizer will reimburse us up to $5000 for costs related to colic surgery and up to 3 days of post-op care. We've been on the plan for a number of years now. Again, the ol' better safe than sorry approach!
A visit from the vet is always cause for much excitement. Most of the time neither horse is a good patient. Bestie does the head tossing, semi-rearing thing. Dr. Emily plies her with a few treats, which sometimes buys a bit of reluctant cooperation. Other times there's a jointly made decision to hold off on that procedure until she's tranquilized for her teeth cleaning. Dude's modus operandi is to menacingly snort and back away. He usually gets his large rump backed right into the corner, where he also reluctantly submits to whatever "horrible treatment" he's scheduled for.
It's best for the vet to mosey into the stall like they are just there for a friendly visit. Dr. Phil is a very tall guy, so I think it is hard for him to do a casual mosey. Under no circumstances should a syringe be visible. My role is to hold the lead, rub their ears (horse's, not vet's), and croon soothingly, "Who's the BEST horse for the doctor?" This has worked like a charm on some visits, but on others it's like the horses have a sudden flash of "I know what this person did to me LAST time and I want NO PART of this!"
Given this behavior, I'm always amazed that Dr. Emily and Dr. Phil never fail to greet me with a smile and my naughty equine kids with a pat. I always want to say to the horses, "Look, this is for your own good. And these are really nice people. It'll only take a minute. Just be cooperative!"
A visit from the vet is always cause for much excitement. Most of the time neither horse is a good patient. Bestie does the head tossing, semi-rearing thing. Dr. Emily plies her with a few treats, which sometimes buys a bit of reluctant cooperation. Other times there's a jointly made decision to hold off on that procedure until she's tranquilized for her teeth cleaning. Dude's modus operandi is to menacingly snort and back away. He usually gets his large rump backed right into the corner, where he also reluctantly submits to whatever "horrible treatment" he's scheduled for.
It's best for the vet to mosey into the stall like they are just there for a friendly visit. Dr. Phil is a very tall guy, so I think it is hard for him to do a casual mosey. Under no circumstances should a syringe be visible. My role is to hold the lead, rub their ears (horse's, not vet's), and croon soothingly, "Who's the BEST horse for the doctor?" This has worked like a charm on some visits, but on others it's like the horses have a sudden flash of "I know what this person did to me LAST time and I want NO PART of this!"
Given this behavior, I'm always amazed that Dr. Emily and Dr. Phil never fail to greet me with a smile and my naughty equine kids with a pat. I always want to say to the horses, "Look, this is for your own good. And these are really nice people. It'll only take a minute. Just be cooperative!"
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
September!
Yikes, how did it get to be fall??? We've had a perfectly lovely stretch of two weeks, scheduled to end on Saturday with incoming rain as the hurricane leftovers move up the East Coast. Oh well. The stretch gave everyone a chance to get some hay in. I priced hay in Jericho yesterday: $4 for a bale of first cut, $5 for a bale of second cut. I plan on buying at least three to start feeding out to Dude and Bestie as the cold weather comes in. Here a flake, there a flake, when they're looking bored and grumpy on cold winter days.
I rode Dude around the field yesterday. I used Bestie's Western snaffle, which Dude loves, but really doesn't have enough "influence" on him when I'm riding. It's a fight to get his curb bit in his mouth, at least when I'm doing it, so I decided to use the snaffle yesterday. Slipped it in with no problem.
He seems to like going around the field much better than being inside or in the ring. His ears were perked and he was looking all around. The only time he got a little bouncy was as we went by the horse graveyard. He's always a little jumpy there. There's a cross in the pines where our barn manager's horse is buried. Funny how he's always a little goofy there.
They didn't mow the side part of the field in between the pines and the trail this year so the grass is really high, belly high on Dude. Great for birds and deer to lurk, but since I wanted no critters making a sudden appearance, I sang down that sretch. A couple renditions of "Red River Valley" and Brookes and Dunn's "Only in America" served as fair warning that we were coming. Good country songs to serenade Dude the Western pony with!
I rode Dude around the field yesterday. I used Bestie's Western snaffle, which Dude loves, but really doesn't have enough "influence" on him when I'm riding. It's a fight to get his curb bit in his mouth, at least when I'm doing it, so I decided to use the snaffle yesterday. Slipped it in with no problem.
He seems to like going around the field much better than being inside or in the ring. His ears were perked and he was looking all around. The only time he got a little bouncy was as we went by the horse graveyard. He's always a little jumpy there. There's a cross in the pines where our barn manager's horse is buried. Funny how he's always a little goofy there.
They didn't mow the side part of the field in between the pines and the trail this year so the grass is really high, belly high on Dude. Great for birds and deer to lurk, but since I wanted no critters making a sudden appearance, I sang down that sretch. A couple renditions of "Red River Valley" and Brookes and Dunn's "Only in America" served as fair warning that we were coming. Good country songs to serenade Dude the Western pony with!
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