Updates

I am not cut out to be a world traveler. It took the better part of a week to feel better and I am still dealing with some residual exhaustion. On top off everything else, Tristan's Camry (my old car) was diagnosed with terminal hybrid battery failure, which initiated a scramble to find him a reliable ride he could afford, while still going to school full time. And as much fun as car shopping is, it is also very stressful. My overall stress was added to by the political turmoil and triggering events of the Kavanaugh sessions, which has left me with a mix of anxiety and rage and depression.

T went with me to the barn one night and this is the sight I was treated to when I walked out.

Some men climb mountains . . . .

He is such a source of joy in my life.

None of that contributes to a calm. peaceful demeanor when riding my poneh. Last night's lesson debacle was no exception. Poneh did not want to horse, but rather wanted to spook (granted something did fall off the rail on the far side of the arena) at all the things, including the jump standards in the middle of the arena. I rode through it, because I do not have a submissive or obedient horse, especially when there is wind outside and rain on the roof. I figured it was good practice for our next show, which is in place we've never been before. We worked through it and had a productive ride in the end, but it was a good thing Amanda was in my ear, because she brings calm to the situation.

"He is looking for a fight with you up front, don't give it to him." 

"If he wants to be silly, ask for more work."

 "Push from your seat and legs, don't argue with your hands." 

T sitting in his first car.

Golf GTI 2.0T S

Black and Red.

This week might have been better if I could have ridden homeboy a little more. He is feeling pissed that his wife has left him (Ardee moved to a jumping barn where her rider could actually, you know, jump on the regular) and the boy who was moved in next to him has been removed due to excessive running, rearing, biting, and general mayhem. Maybe someday Ashke will be next to a gelding he won't want to mess with. He received his rabies vaccine on Friday morning last week and ended up with swollen hind legs. I couldn't ride on Saturday, but did put him in quick wraps for a couple of days. I rode Sunday, briefly, and then not again until Weds night. It's no wonder he was a bit put out by the expectation of good behavior last night.

 Not just swollen, but hot and swollen.

This leg tends to hold the swelling because of the scar tissue from his degloving incident in 2016.

Right hind.

Two of the horses that got rabies had a reaction.

Tuesday night the farrier reset his shoes. I am proud to announce there is no WLD at all on the right front. None. First time I can say that since I brought him home. The left has two very tiny spots on the upper quadrant, about an inch off the toe on either side. It is so minimal I have hopes that he will be completely done with it by our next shoeing. I figure this is the last of the damage he had when I brought him home. Now if I could just get him to grow in a soft luxurious mane and tail (instead of brittle and thin) the years of neglect wouldn't exist any more.

This dog brings me such joy. She loves finding a stuffy and carrying it around with her to irritate her sister.

This weekend marks our last show of the year. Tarrin is judging, so that will be a good indicator of how well he is doing and if we have improved this year. Amanda and I have been talking about what we can hope for next year and it will depend on how easily Ashke takes to proper lead changes. I expect that I will continue to show at L4 (Intermediate A) next year with the goal of doing so one handed. I think it would be a good thing to continue at this level until I am comfortable with the medium canter and medium trot (still wrapping my head around the difference). Now that he is moving so easily at the canter, we need to really put some canter miles on to increase both of our fitness levels and ability to maintain that gait without losing our balance or frame. We know how to plow around the arena on the forehand, but need to learn how to maintain the canter for a longer period of time. It's not that we aren't fit, because he is in good shape and can trot for days, we just both need to work on our stamina at the canter without either of us needing oxygen at the end.

Tuesday night when I was at the barn to meet the farrier, we had a visitor in our indoor. The barn owner wanted to keep it in the barn, but it found it's way out through the pigeon hole in the top rafters before Wednesday morning. It was doing a great job of terrorizing the pigeons.

 Pretty sure it was a juvenile Great Horned owl.

She was a little freaked to be stuck inside, but she spent most of Tuesday flying from beam to beam.

Wish me luck this weekend. I should have a write up and video next week.