Wild Nikki and the search for an illustrator for Suki's children's book

Saturday, January 18, 2014
If you can predict one thing about life with horses it would be that it is predictably unpredictable.  Once again I sit writing this in front of the window watching snow fly about as the birds and squirrels brave the elements to feast at the feeders.  Having been on a nice consistent roll in my riding an arctic blast (followed by a hock injury, sprung shoe and another arctic blast!)brought it to  a screeching halt. While I have no problem riding when the temperatures dip, I will not compromise my horses' legs on hard footing.  Many people will still hop on their horse and walk, but alas, Nikki is just not that type of horse.  Most days I lunge her with side reins prior to ring allowing her to stretch and move out before I mount.  During the warmer weather I abbreviate or eliminate this step, but on cold days this is not really an option.  Especially during extended periods of limited or no turnout.  Unfortunately Suki is just doing stretches and abbreviated in hand work.  Sadly, training has been somewhat crippled by the weather.

While I was able to get in a few consecutive days of lunging it unfortunately did not lead to riding. At least Nikki had some good workouts though.  I worked a lot on transitions and focus but also let her do some trot sets to expend some energy.
 Louise lunged Nikki yesterday but a few things set her off galloping around on the lunge line forcing Louise to make the (very wise) decision not to ride.  I will not have the opportunity to work Nikki again today because of Isaiah's hockey practice and frozen arena.  I have decided to cut Nikki's grain a bit because of the lack of work and turnout.  The muddy field will hopefully get hard enough to allow turnout beyond the paddocks over the next day or so.  That will help Nikki's need to expend energy but a snow event Tuesday and sub zero temperatures may lead to less time out again.  Of course!

Sunday, January 19, 2014
The fox hunting ladies were at the barn when I arrived, ever hopeful about getting in another day in the field before the next batch of bad weather.  It was nice to be in a busy barn among friends sharing our passion.  Yes, our passions differ regarding equestrian discipline, but the main part of our passion creates a common bond.  Love of our horses.  The insanely cold temperatures have presented difficulties for all of us.  Again, we have one common obstacle: frozen ground.  But J and R had not been hunting in awhile and were looking forward to their outing.  The ground was too frozen for me to consider lunging at that hour but both girls would receive a thorough grooming, and Suki moisturizer.

We needed to utilize all three sets of cross ties, which requires a bit of ingenuity because of horse size.  Well, primarily my large horses!  I had finished with Nikki by the time R and J were ready with their boys so Suki was next.  And as much as love the big girl she can be difficult at times with other horses. Mostly she makes mean faces and loud noises at them.  The only time she really bares her teeth is when she is in her stall and I am near.  Then look out horse next door!

J put Parker on the cross ties behind Suki.  He kept stretching forward to sniff her, making me a bit nervous!  Another example of underestimating my girls.  Suki did not even make a face, and after a few sniffs Parker relaxed in the cross ties and Suki stood like a rock for her spa treatment.  I was even able to have her do stretches and her partial bow.

Monday, January 20, 2014
Another sprung shoe for Nikki?  REALLY?  uggh!  This time I was a bit concerned about her even going outside on it, but I put a bell boot on her door for turnout.  The next few days promise snow and high wind, so there may only be brief periods in the paddock.

My awesome farrier came out tonight to put a new shoe on Nikki!! He wasn't sure if he would be able to get there Tuesday or Wednesday given the weather.  Thank you Josh!!!

Tuesday, January 21, 2014
An early trip to the barn this morning before dawn.  School has been cancelled due to the approaching snow followed by yet another arctic blast.  This necessitates an additional layer of clothing.  The blanket dance continues.  This snow event is a bit entertaining.  Initial forecasts predicted snow starting at 5 PM.  Then 3PM, then 1PM, then 9 AM.  At first I expected early dismissal for Isaiah, but by 6 AM school had been cancelled.  Snow started by 7:30 once again covering the Oley Valley in silent white.

I need an illustrator!
In no hurry to get Isaiah out of bed, I decide to conduct a bit of research, as I put the finishing touches on the first children's book about Suki. The process has not been so easy because I had some conflicting ideas about the theme.  At this point I am comfortable with the text, but am in need of an illustrator.  It is crucial for the illustrator to capture Suki's personality.  Illustrations prior to the fire, shortly after and recovered.  There are dressage show scenes and playing in the field.....  So I am starting here as i do my search.  Anyone interested can email me at fwadewhittaker@yahoo.com and I will send a few sentences of text for the artist to use as inspiration for illustration.  A photo of the sample can be sent to me at that same email address.

The remainder of the week consisted of navigating the driveways and roads, grooming and treats.  Please, someone smack me the next time I declare my love of winter!

Saturday, January 2014
As the gray light of a new day begins to overtake the woods behind my I notice a herd of deer making the first of two daily trips across the hill.  More snow is expected to begin in just a few hours so I suspect the return trip will be a bit earlier than usual.  Late yesterday afternoon a large buck ventured down the hill to the bird feeder below while Isaiah and I quietly watched him.  Fortunately Ripley was sleeping or he would have barked frantically at the window!

This morning I will go to the barn to once again feed nice warm bran mashes to Suki and Nikki and groom their legs and faces and pick their feet.  I have only been removing blankets to perform thorough grooming every other day due to the extreme cold.  But for now I sit before the fire observing nature.

Habit made me take my car this morning when the more obvious choice would have been the truck.  The driveway down to the barn has been plowed but the packed snow makes the journey back up the hill questionable.  So I put on my Yaktraks and made my way down the hill.  At 19F the air felt comfortable as the highest temperature that the Oley Valley has experienced in the past week.

The front door of the barn was frozen shut and although I can usually jiggle it open today I was unsuccessful.  I simply climbed the fence and went to the back door.  Entering through that door I met Suki's gaze first.  Her nostrils rumbled silently at first, followed by a low nicker.  Nikki's greeting was much louder followed by a kick to her stall door just to be sure that I heard her.  I hate that habit, but she is quite the impatient girl at times!
The girls happily gobbled their warm mashes, to which I added some carrots and applesauce.  Yes they are spooled.  But these temperatures are crazy!

On Sunday I went out to the barn a little later than usual and the girls were out in the big field.  I decided to just feed them treats and straighten blankets.  Finally out in the big field again was a treat that they needed to enjoy!

Suki's expression makes me feel like she is looking deep into my soul, as I look into hers.  

Nikki enjoys some peaceful hay eating time while Suki is otherwise occupied!

So back to reading and videos.  I think I am going to hunker down for a bit with some SRS footage and an old Reiner Klimke video for inspiration.  Maybe I can lunge the girls next week.....

Bringing Suki back under saddle: game plan

Extreme winter weather has put me into planning mode.  And reading, and videos.  I have started a few horses under saddle, but am by no means an expert.  I believe I was taught well, by people who took their time with the process.  Suki had a brief introduction to work prior to being shipped from her birth place of Capriole Farm in Vancouver, British Columbia to me in Unionville, Pennsylvania.  She was easy and uncomplicated, with a heavenly trot.  Our greatest issue early on was 3 year old Suki figuring out where to put all of those long legs!  Steering is always a challenge initially so I only cantered if there were fewer than two other horses in the arena.  As a 17 hand 3 year old it seemed as though it only took three or four canter strides for Suki to travel down the long side of the indoor arena.  The turns were perilous at times but Suki and I took care of one another.  I shifted my weight in the saddle to be as accommodating as possible.  She would tilt her right ear back toward me waiting for my next request.  I didn't notice this at first, but after a few days in the saddle I knew when she had a question.  We were dance partners.  I remembered this detail just recently, after I dreamed that I was riding her.

Here are a couple of very early rides:

In preparation of attempting to sit on Suki again I am thinking about the basics.  The weather has held us back for now, but once it breaks we are going full force.  Light lunges 4 days a week for 3 weeks, with increasing emphasis on fitness.  Trot sets; canter sets.  Suki executes transitions brilliantly which is why my focus will initially be on fitness.  Of course transitions will be part of each session, with me throwing in rapid transitions from time to time just to keep her sharp during fitness training. Then we add a surcingle with side reins to attain more collection. Once Suki is fit and I am assured of continued soundness I will move from lunging to long lining, as it is the closest in hand work simulating riding.  This will allow full control of the bridle.

Each day it will also be necessary to monitor the skin on Suki's back.  For the most part the skin is thick and tough, with the weakest area being the site of the graft which lies directly under the middle of where a saddle would sit.  The major concern is weight and friction of the saddle, then the added weight of a rider which could cause the skin to tear.  Suki wore the surcingle only once, with the Success Equestrian saddle pad and everything seemed fine.  Regular work will be the true test.  A few weeks of consistent work in the surcingle and long lines should provide me with assurance (or not) that Suki is ready for the saddle.  Because of Suki's prior back problem and lack of hair saddle type and fit is crucial.   Laser and Thin Line have joined forces with this saddle:
http://www.laserequestrian.com/?p=11
Thin Line incorporates no heat and non slip.

In addition I will continue the in hand work that I observed during the Andreas Hausberger clinic at Waltzing Horse Farm last summer which I will continue to learn in future workshops and clinics.  One plan is to travel to Vienna in 2014 to participate in one of the workshops offered by the Spanish Riding School.  There is always more to learn and I am an eager student!  All of this work will be incorporated into Nikki's training as well.  It is interesting that so many dressage riders seek the "perfect" piaffe in their horses but never really train their horses in hand.  The Lipizzaners (the majority) display very even, correct piaffe, which to me demonstrates its importance.

My plan is to write a daily journal enabling me to evaluate progress and set backs.  I have decided to do it the old fashioned way (at least to start)....hand written.   I have purchased two very lovely books (one for Nikki as well) for this purpose.

Weather has prevented Suki and Nikki from being turned out in their large field....freezing-mud-freeze-mud.  Crazy enough to limit the horses to paddocks, much to their dismay.  I am certain that they will appreciate the beautiful fields that they will have come spring though!  The importance of pasture maintenance!  Yesterday it rained all day so after squeaking in a lunge for Nikki, the girls were in for the day.  Today I put Nikki out in the paddock first where she proceeded to passage around a few times before settling down to munch on some lovely hay.  I watched her for a moment while "her majesty" whinnied in her stall impatiently waiting for her turn.  I turned out Suki next and she too passaged around the paddock, causing Nikki to start up again before both got down to serious hay munching.  WHY DID I NOT HAVE MY PHONE!!!  What an awesome video that would have been.

I received a lovely, thoughtful Christmas gift from R at the barn.  In September I had given my Dressage at Devon Freestyle box seats to her and her mother when I was unable to attend.  Such a beautiful gift...

Re-starting Suki under saddle will not be without complications.  I know this, and am prepared for it.  But it is time.  We may or may or not be successful, but it is time to go for it!!

Stay tuned......

More winter weather and extreme cold.....I just want to ride!

Thursday, January 2, 2014

I was ever so hopeful about riding before the snow which was to start tonight.  After putting the child on the school bus at 7:25 I headed to the barn, armed with Nikki's meds.  I was a little skeptical about the possibilities of riding at that time given the previous night's low temperatures, but planned to go back perhaps midday after running errands.  Heavy snowfall with moderate accumulation (5-7") was anticipated overnight into Friday accompanied by high winds and harsh temperatures.

Frozen ground remained in the early afternoon so I elected to just adjust the girls' clothing.  Aaah the blanket dance!   They were out in the field when I arrived and of course started to walk in the opposite direction when they saw my car.  Not too pleased about the early retrieval I assured them that I would put them back out after fixing their blankets.  I grabbed Suki first as per protocol, and when we had reached the midway point Nikki begrudgingly started to follow.  That was better than yesterday when she charged down the field past us.  "Careful on that hock!" I called to her as she flew by.  That made Suki start to passage next to me.  All of a sudden she rocked back on her hocks, but thankfully settled down when I growled at her before she had the chance to leap.   Temperatures were expected to plummet to 0F the next day and I had doubts as to my ability to make it out to the barn on Friday.  Currently wearing heavy Rambos with mid weight sheets on top I pulled everything off and started with a midweight blanket topped by the heavy Rambos.  If the timing of the storm occurs as predicted I anticipate a snow day for Isaiah's school.  Because of the harsh temperatures C at the barn was going to blanket her draft horses.  She didn't have anything large enough but after much effort found sizes 90 and 98 for Abe and Daphne to wear.  Yikes!  And I complain about the 84's for Suki and Nikki!

While waiting to pick up Isaiah at the bus stop the first flakes began to fall right on schedule: between 3 and 4 PM.  The snow picked up slightly as we went up the driveway and within 5 minutes the driveway showed a thin layer, becoming immediately slick!

It may not look like much, but this makes my driveway slick!

As the snow continued I watched my DVR'd Nature episode about the Spanish Riding School, dreaming about participating in the workshop in the spring, and attending the Andreas Hausberger clinic in summer.  Isaiah was drawing on his iPad and the animals slept peacefully around us.  I am anxious to learn more in a hands on situation to help me with Nikki's work, and getting Suki back under saddle.  This winter is certainly proving to be more challenging than last, but we will do what we can.  By March I expect to have all of the necessary equipment assembled.  Perhaps during january and February I can find a clinic to audit for in hand work.  Although I am well versed in the basics and a bit beyond, it would be nice to see some upper level work, though I know it will never equal the training that I observed with Andreas.

Friday, January 3, 2014
No school.  Last night SCS declared a 2 hour delay but at 5:30 AM it was changed to a closure.  Just as well.  I did not have to have the driveway cleared by 9 to take Isaiah to the bus!  Our street is always one of the last to be plowed...

Sunday, January 5, 2014
But in spite of my current inability to ride (warmer temps later this week yay!) I am plotting and planning my spring.  Hopefully I will be able to ride Nikki again by next weekend.  Even if the winter continues to be difficult we will work as we are able carefully preparing for an intense spring.  My goal is to get her to a show in late April or early May.  Nikki has been very willing during the uncertain weather, and now that her injury has appeared to resolve we are ready to get back to work (if only the weather were as cooperative as my beautiful girl is!).

I also found a new blog on the chronicle....

http://www.chronofhorse.com/article/embarking-amish-adventure
by a recent graduate of Penn vet school as she re-trains an Amish driving horse that she rescued.
While Suki's re-starting includes baggage, it is nothing compared to this horse's fear issues.  I look forward to following his progress as I embark on my journey to sit on Suki again.  Unless we hit some unforeseen snag, or the skin on Suki's back is unable to bear the weight and friction of a saddle, I am confident that I will ride her by autumn of 2014.  The process will be slow and careful, but that's fine.  There is no hurry.

Tomorrow I look forward to going to the barn after snow, bad roads and freezing rain on top of the snow.  No, there won't be any lunging or riding, but after a couple of days the girls need some loving and grooming, and I am in desperate need of my horse therapy!  But really....I JUST WANT TO RIDE!

Meanwhile, we dream of green grass and good footing.....

Winter weather, a swollen hock and a loose shoe

Life with horses.  Some days you just can't win!  I write this while facing my beautiful Christmas tree, lights twinkling, cozy and warm by the fire as the cold rain pours outside.  We had been without internet service since Christmas, restored finally last night after a very vague "widespread outage".  Well, at least it was restored before the original target date of December 31!  I don't like to blog or really do much on Facebook from my phone, and life's obligations kept me from hitting an internet cafe.  Unfortunately that restoration was short lived, but today, Jan1, 2014 we appear to be back in business!  (Fingers crossed that it lasts this time)So today I reflect on the past two weeks....

December 19 showed some riding potential in the days to come.  Nikki had not been ridden in nearly a week so I was anxious to get back to work.  The arena was still not quite ready for anything more than walking, but the path from barn to arena remained a bit treacherous.  There's always tomorrow, I thought.  Temperatures were expected to be ridiculously high in the coming days so the ice was sure to give way to improved footing!  The girls came galloping down the paddock today, nearly giving me a heart attack as I pleaded with them to be careful.  The bad weather hindered my efforts with maintaining Suki's skin, although covered by a blanket it does fare better than one would expect.  The girls were in a happy mood having spent most of the day in the sunshine out in their field.

December 20, 2013
The footing in the arena was definitely suitable for at least some work, but I questioned the safety of the driveway between barn and ring.  Walking back and forth a few times I tried t determine my course of action.  I know that it seems like a lot of indecision but appropriate footing conditions is something that has been hammered into my brain since the start of my riding career.  Having witnessed a variety of unnecessary injuries to other people's horses from riding on hard, dry footing, frozen footing, super deep footing, etc I tend to weigh the consequences obsessively.  After a week of no riding and no show, clinic etc looming, why risk it?  Still pondering this with my desire to ride I walked through the barn to collect the girls.  They were in the paddock behind the barn so I grabbed Banker first, followed by Suki and Nikki.  Giving Suki a proper grooming and moisturizing, she once again allowed me to massage her face with the towel.  The long scrape on her right hind white sock is finally filling in with hair.  It is a very superficial scrape, but that hair is taking its time growing back!
Moving on to groom Nikki I began with her face.  As I moved hands and brush over the legs that I know so well I came to her Left hock.  "Whoa", I thought.  That is not normal.  I knotted her tail and looked at her from behind.  Left hock definitely larger than the right.  Uggh.  A little warm, but not hot.  I looked around for a wound and found a small cut.  Nothing major, and appearing superficial.  Temperature, appetite, behavior all normal.  I couldn't really jog her due to the icy conditions, either.  What happened?  A kick?  I called the vet and set up an appointment for the morning.  I quietly, in my mind hoped that in the morning I would find a normal-looking leg.

December 21, 2013
Down the driveway to the barn at 7:30 AM.  The arena was still partially snow covered, but definitely looking better.  I hoped that I would see improvement in Nikki's hock.  Jiggling the frozen door of the barn I could hear the horse inside talking to me, clearly hoping that it was John or Rob to feed.  The lights take a bit of time to warm up and come to full strength in the cold and dampness so after a quick hello t and treat for Suki I pulled Nikki out of her stall.  She snatched her first carrot out of my pocket as I slipped on her halter!  All signs in her stall exhibited normal behavior over night.  Hay and grain eaten, normal amount of manure and two nearly empty water buckets.  Nikki walked out of her stall without any evidence of discomfort, but as I turned her to attach the cross ties it was obvious that the left hock was indeed still enlarged.

The vet arrived around 8:30 as expected.  Initial exam did not show anything.  Dr X clipped the entire fetlock looking for the little cut that I had seen the night before or any other sign of a puncture wound.  Nothing.  Not even the little thing that I had seen the night before.  Body temp normal still.  Dr X really needed to see her jog so tentatively we made our way out to the arena.  The arena itself was not SO bad but the walk from the barn was a bit scary, although better than the day before.  Nikki carefully walked beside me.  I put her out on the lunge and she trotted well.  Not too forward...she was definitely being careful with the footing.  In both directions she was only very slightly off and i believe it was primarily to the swelling hindering full movement and not actual discomfort.  Back in the barn the vet looked over every inch of the are and behind, still not finding any type of wound.  She scrubbed it just in case and put Nikki on two types of antibiotics.  SMZ's for 14 days, and injectable gentocin for 3 days.  Then she applied a sweat and a wrap followed by standing wraps.  It would be my responsibility to change the sweat each day and re-wrap both hind legs with standing wraps.  Miss Nicolette does not have a good history with wearing bandages.....she tries to remove them immediately upon release into her stall.  This of course, had me a bit uneasy.  I was comforted by the fact that when we put her in her stall she did not make any attempt to chew on them!  I would be back later in the day to check her.  Off to the tack store I went to pick up additional wrapping supplies.
Suki was probably relieved that she was not the one requiring veterinary attention!  I made sure to give her a thorough spa treatment and plenty of treats.  She was only going to be out in the paddock because of the footing conditions.

I called the insurance company to report the injury.  All bases covered.

Returning to the barn at 4 PM with treats and bandage supplies I was pleasantly surprised to see that Nikki had not touched her wraps or hock bandage and was happily munching hay!

Sunday, December 22, 2013
All was well upon my arrival, much to my relief.  Nikki had kept all of wraps intact.  Perhaps the baby girl is growing up!  As per Dr. X's instructions I removed the hock bandage.  Although still enlarged, it was definitely smaller than it had been the day before.  After hand walking and cold hosing I wrapped it again...

Nikki, who is usually quite good about eating oral meds would not eat the SMZ's no matter what we did to it.  Apple sauce, molasses, sweet feed..... no go.  So now it would be oral gavage twice a day.  Delightful!

Suki, no doubt was feeling a bit out of sorts so I did a little in hand work with her.  She would likely be a bit wiggy if I walked her out to the arena to lunge (Because of course now it was all fine for footing!) given the short periods of paddock turnout only!

Monday brought still further improvement to Nikki's hock, but again not quite normal.  The routine continued.  By mid week I was no longer wrapping the hock, and Nikki was allowed in the paddock for an hour at a time.  Saturday we were ready to start back to light work so I put her on the lunge to walk and for a light jog.  BIG circles and straight lines, so I was doing a lot of walking to give her more straight than curves.  She seemed sound and happy.  I planned to ride on Sunday.

Sunday, December 29, 2013
The best laid plans....
Reasonable temperatures and good footing.  I was looking forward to getting on Nikki again.  After passing out carrots to all of the horses I gathered my equipment.  Grooming Nikki's shiny bay coat, I went on to pick her feet.  THEN I got to the right front foot.....A SPRUNG SHOE!!!! AAAAHHHH!!!  Head hanging I put the equipment away, groomed and moisturized Suki, then did a bit of in hand work.  She was very responsive and sensitive, offering a few steps of piaffe as I thought about asking her for it.  (Hmmm....obviously I am doing something with my body indicating that I will be asking for it!)

New shoes on December 30 for Nikki.  I am usually not at the barn for this.  Nikki used to be somewhat difficult, but now dozes while her feet are being done, the cross ties clearly holding up her head.  I took a photo, but for some reason it was all dark when I went to transfer it?   Suki also bad after a terrible farrier beat on her now stands quietly to have her feet done.  Okay, she tries to nibble on the farrier's but sometimes, but is no longer panicked!

Patience and kindness go a long way!  She is not even nervous when brought out of her stall for him.  In the second photo I have just reprimanded her for grabbing his shirt!

So now today, January 1, 2014.  The girls were happy to finally get back out in their pasture.  This will be short lived.  Tomorrow evening is expected to bring heavy snow again.  But both girls worked today.  Nikki was a little wild yesterday for Louise, but was declared sound by the vet.  This is good news.  I am hopeful about riding tomorrow before the snow comes.....

This is why people take their horses to Florida in the winter!

Friday, December 13, 2013
Perhaps Mother Nature should take a quick look at the calendar.  December 21 may still be eight days away but cold winter weather has settled in the Oley Valley.  Sunday's snow, sleet and freezing rain was followed by another winter storm on Tuesday.  Monday's delayed school opening due to icy conditions led to a suitable day of working in the arena, surprisingly!  Nikki's work has been less consistent, but we are still going strong.  I underestimate her at times though.  On the coldest days she has demonstrated sensibility and a good work ethic under not so perfect conditions.  Her one departure was when the porto potty truck came roaring over the hill down the driveway.  There was a bit of leaping on the end of the lunge line but then she relaxed again.  No further outbursts while the driver was working or when he drove away.  The truck has arrived on other occasions and Nikki has not even looked at it, but this time there were other potties on the truck and they were rattling and bouncing.  Perhaps that was the difference.  I am certainly glad that I was not on her back during the outburst though!  The rest of the time she worked quietly as though the incident never occurred.

Unfortunately Suki will probably just be worked in hand when able but hopefully a lunge session can be thrown in here and there as well.  The weather is supposed to warm up over freezing again by the middle of next week so we should be good to go!

Bone chilling dampness can be discouraging, but you really just need to embrace it.  Dressing appropriately and acceptance of the conditions with a positive attitude makes the difference.  Easier said than done sometimes.  Yesterday (Thursday) I went to the barn dressed to ride only to find that unlike Wednesday, the footing was not suitable.  It was frozen and bumpy in many spots.  It was 25 F with a stiff wind, so I will admit that I was not totally disappointed not to ride! Most days I do find that I actually enjoy being out in the cold.  I enjoy the silence of the cold air, the snap of the gravel under my feet and the cold on my cheeks.  Admittedly this joy goes away below 15F!  But even then some outside time does feel good.
Due to the conditions the horses were in paddocks not in their fields.  Suki and Nikki were joined by Banker in the paddock behind the barn.  This is a very interesting dynamic.  Prior to Nikki's return to Thistledew Suki and Banker were turned out together.  In fact, initially that remained the routine while Nikki was paired with another horse.  I decided to have the girls put back together to make it easier when I wanted them kept in for riding, vet, farrier, etc.

When I opened the back door Suki stuck her face in to greet me.  Nikki was off to one side and Banker behind Suki.  There were three piles of nice hay and it seemed like they were all quite happy.  That is until Suki saw me!  Then it became necessary not only to keep the others from me, but also to prevent Nikki and Banker from standing together!  How exhausting!  Rob held Banker while I brought the girls into the barn fr grooming.  Nikki was first, surprisingly and while I closed the door she sucked two carrots off of the stall door!

It was so cold that I decided to just add another layer of clothing rather than groom.  I moisturized Suki's neck and face and picked the feet of both horses.  Suki charged over to the other side of the paddock when I turned her back out because Banker was caught "talking" to another horse over the fence.

Sunday, December 15, 2013
We have received a 1-2-3 punch of winter weather.  Sunday, Tuesday and Saturday.  The precipitation arrived later than expected on Saturday, but nursing a sore throat and fever I was in no shape to step out to the barn in damp, cold air and light snow.  Plus, the husband was not home which would have meant taking Isaiah to the barn with me.  This is fine if I am just going to groom, but at age 7 I would prefer to not try to ride while he wanders about.  Isaiah also missed his lesson which of course disappointed him as his new winter riding boots had just arrived.  We tried the Mountain Horse lace ups, but they came up too high on his legs and were not comfortable.  I ordered the Tuff Rider zip up winter paddock boots instead, and after reading reviews ordered TWO sizes larger than his regular shoe size.  They fit well and appear to be comfortable, but I guess the true test will be when Isaiah rides!

I have not used this brand before other than a pair of full seat breeches that I purchased several months ago for myself.  They fit well and are good for colder weather. So far these breeches have also washed well and lasted under hard use!

The snow started to fall at a greater rate by mid afternoon quickly covering my driveway and the road below.  By early evening the snow swirled about.  As a silent, snowy world descended upon the Oley Valley we cozied together by the fire with smores and hot chocolate.

From the door of my garage....

Unfortunately a few hours (and inches of snow) later sleet and freezing rain added a treacherous icy layer, continuing through the night.

Sunday, December 15, 2013

I stuck my head out the door early this morning staring at the state of my snow/ice covered driveway and trees coated in an icy shell.  A lone pair of Canada geese flew overhead under a gray sky calling out in their passage.  I translated this too "Why have we not headed south yet!", echoing in the sentiment that grips me in moments like this:  This is why people take their horses to Florida for the winter!!  Huddled under my ski jacket I pulled on a pair of boots to emerge into the snowy world and feed the birds.  Clearly it would be a few hours before I would be able to get to the barn.  My hilly driveway would need to be cleared.  This was irrelevant given that our street had not seen a plow since the snow began.
By late morning the temperature had warmed to a balmy 33F and was nearly 36F when I went over to the barn a couple of hours later.  The local roads were well cleared except for occasional slush.  I drove past the snow-covered fields and down to the barn.

I walked out to the arena, and for one brief moment of insanity considered riding.  That was before I actually walked INTO the ring!

The arena

Slick and icy in spite of the "warm" temperature.  The girls were in the paddock with Banker and would only get a short time outside so I decided to just check their clothing, feed them treats and head back home to the task of scarf knitting for Isaiah's teachers' Christmas gifts.
With temperatures dipping into the low teens tonight tomorrow I will surely see a skating rink.  Riding will be put off for a few more days.  After knitting I decide to read a few training articles to keep me focused.  I'm disappointed because I feel like I am finally getting back into the groove of riding again.  The end of the week is expected to bring temperatures in the 40sF so at least I have something to look forward to!

Monday, December 16, 2013
Oh yes, icy it is!  I walk across the ice crusted snow out to the bird feeders.  Isaiah was off to school looking forward to an afternoon of wrapping Christmas gifts for a family in need.  Each class "adopts" a family and we send gifts according to the family's wish list.  It is a good lesson in giving.

I waited until noon for the day to "warm up" to 25F then head to the barn.  The slush in the driveway at the farm is now solid ice so I park by the house and walk down.  Lucky for me I have my Yak Trax for my boots or I would have been slipping and sliding all the way down!

https://www.yaktrax.com/product/walk
Yak Trax work surprisingly well!  Confidently and steady as a Yak I walked down the driveway, checking the arena for giggles as I walked by.  Needless to say it was all ice!  The horses were not even able to go out in the paddocks, so I spent some time grooming and spoiling them.  Oh, and dressing up Nikki!

Suki wouldn't even let me put it NEAR her head!

Suki's skin was a little drier than usual even under her blankets, but not bad considering it had been a few days since her last full spa treatment.  Oil of Olay freezes while in the tack room (unheated, obviously) but I keep it in my car along with wound ointment and body moisturizer to keep her everyone happy!  She enjoyed her time with me and loved being fussed over by the fox hunting ladies. They had never seen her on cross ties and without clothing and were surprised at how tall she is.  It was also their first opportunity to see the naked area across her back.  Suki loves when people tell how brave and beautiful she is!

In addition to playing dress up, Nikki received a face massage with a towel.  This is one of her favorite things!!

With more snow on the way tonight I will have to be satisfied with grooming Suki and Nikki and reading training articles.......
That is why people take their horses to Florida for the winter!
But I will bravely continue to embrace the elements and ride on!

The mystery of pasture injuries

Friday, December 6, 2013

The past few days have been dark and gray.  With temperatures moderate I manage to ride even if it is a bit misty or drizzly which I do willingly given the upcoming wintery conditions predicted.  A bit of snow no longer phases me but after adventures in the sleet last week I really have to draw the line.  That was an odd day though.  The quiet snowflakes that tumbled down at the start of my ride suddenly switched to sleet!

Yesterday I managed to fit in a ride on Nikki and a brief lunge for Suki but it came later in the day than usual due to thick morning fog.  Nikki seemed tense under me, as though the snap of a branch would set her off.  I overcame my own anxiety at this feeling by keeping her occupied in work.  She settled quickly.  

While grooming Suki I noticed a long scrape on her left hind white sock, down the front.  I always marvel at how horses manage to obtain these injuries.  The location suggests that a scuffle with Nikki was not the cause, and nothing in her pasture could really do it either.  Yesterday when I was leaving I did see her perform several hardy rolls, back and forth again and again.  I guess it is possible that she caught it with her foot during that roll.... It appeared to be superficial but in the past such an abrasion would cause her to be a slightly off.  Okay, sometimes she would actually appear 3-legged lame with a lesser scrape!  I always thought that it was her way of trying to get out of having to work.  Ever the drama queen and diva!  Following her brave recovery from burn injuries I do believe that she was exaggerating! Suki had come in from her field fine with no evidence of lameness, so I proceeded to prepare her to lunge.  Cleaning the wound, it was indeed superficial but I added some wound ointment under her boots.

Suki was also somewhat tense so I wonder if the start of hunting season has them on high alert.  After a buck and a snort she also settled into work but I kept it short anyway.  And she was 100% sound. Following the work I cleaned the abrasion again, added some ointment, gauze squares and standing wraps behind for over night.  Suki tends to stock up when in for extended periods and this would be exacerbated by a cut on the sensitive white sock/pink skin.

Knowing that today would be completely unsuitable for riding outside I was happy to get in that ride.  Three days in a row for Nikki then a day off works fine.  

This morning I awoke to the sound of rain on the skylights.  The Suki and Nikki would be in today.  Temperature was in the 40sF but expected to fall during the day.  Needless to say the girls were happy to see me. I spent time with each of them, grooming Nikki (who pulled my hat off while I was brushing her front legs).

Suki's mystery wound looked fine but after cleaning it and applying ointment I once again wrapped her hind legs for the night.  The barn was cozy and peaceful with the sound of horses contentedly munching on hay.  The heavy rain continued through the night so arena condition tomorrow is questionable.

Saturday, December 7, 2013
Another cold and gray start to the day, but i think that I am getting used to it.  I dress warmly in layers and hope for the best.  The sharp air slaps my cheeks as I fill the bird feeders, while my regular squirrel visitors watch me from not too far away, waiting for their first opportunity to snag some yummy nuts from the ground.

Driving to the barn a flock of geese flies overhead in formation, honking loudly as they pass.  Everything about the morning offers the feeling of impending wintery weather, but I am looking forward to my ride nonetheless.   Coming down the drive to the barn I can see some puddles in the arena, but upon further inspection it is not so bad.  Nikki worked well, lifting her knees and hocks when we passed through the occasional puddle.

Suki was impatient to get out of her stall as usual, and the scrape looked fine when I removed the wraps.  One thing about these winter blankets....they hold the moisturizer nicely underneath so I decided not to add more.  Just the exposed areas were moisturized today.  A thick layer of ointment on the scrape, and I was confident that it would be fine for turnout.  Cloudy, windy and cold I added a layer to both horses.

Tonight temperatures will dip far below freezing, so without much sun today I expect a frozen tundra for an arena tomorrow morning.  Sunday afternoon and evening going into Monday Snow, sleet and freezing rain is expected, so Nikki really needs to work tomorrow.  If the footing is too hard early it may be okay later in the morning before the bad weather starts.  Suki will probably not work in the arena.  I can probably take her out back to do some in hand work.  Might be a good piaffe day!
 

Riding requires acceptance of the elements

Thursday, November 21, 2013
It's cold this morning.  The thermometer on my car says 23F while waiting to put Isaiah on the school bus.  The barn is down in a hollow causing the temperatures to dip 3-4 degrees. Obsessively I watch the numbers drop as I head down the driveway toward the barn.  19F. I think I can, I think I can......My first thought of an "out" was frozen footing.  I marched into the arena to test it.  Footing fine.  Looking up to the sky the clouds cleared a bit and the sun warmed my face.  Maybe it wouldn't be so bad after all!

Of course once I start to set up my equipment I begin to warm, knowing that riding will not be so bad.  The winds are low and being greeted by those heartwarming nickers of my girls I set to work.  Yesterday I made cookie dough for 6 different types of cookies.  The Christmas Boutique at the church is this weekend and for once I actually have time to contribute!    Today I will bake and Friday I will finish cookie prep to deliver Friday afternoon.

In spite of the cold temperature I had a delightful ride.  I was sure to warm up Nikki carefully on the lunge allowing her to really stretch and get her muscles moving and warm.  The sun felt warm and the breeze was light so I peeled off my coat before mounting.  I have never really been able to ride in a winter coat, plus I begin to sweat after just a few minutes in the saddle.  But that was always in an indoor school.  When I was riding with jess she always scolded me as I peeled the layers during my ride, then thrust my coat at me once I dismounted so that I would not "catch a chill".  I always marveled at her ability to ride in snow pants and parka.  For me, it is impossible to feel the horse when I am too bulked up in clothing.  But when you are JR and ride as though you are one with the horse, the feeling is evident through all of that clothing!  I do miss that part of boarding at BHF.  Most days I ride alone with only my own motivation to train well.  Riding at BHF there was almost always someone else in the arena, and on early weekend mornings it was often just me and Jess.  She did not miss a trick so I was always on top of my game, welcoming her casual tidbits of advice as we rode side by side.  Seems like a lifetime ago....  But I have always put plenty of pressure on myself to not just succeed but excel.  Now that I am riding more that feeling is returning and I love it!

During my ride the fox hunting ladies came down the driveway.  This was later than their usual preparation time to leave, and the wrong day.  My car was parked in a spot not amenable to J hitching up her trailer, but they were at the barn to trace clip their horses and pull manes (Nikki needs to have hers done again....maybe I can sneak her onto the cross ties!)  Walking into the barn I laughed....they picked the coldest morning thus far to perform their clipping!  But they were riding as guests with the Radnor Hunt on Saturday, so their boys were to be spiffy and ready!

Friday, November 22, 2013
I woke to rain hitting the skylights in my bathroom...not the start I was looking for since I wanted to ride!  Optimistically dressing to ride, I drove Isaiah to his school bus stop.  The rain stopped and started with temperatures in the low 40's which seemed somewhat chilly for Nikki to get wet.  I too, need to invest in good, full wet weather gear, since there are no dressage barns with indoors closer than 45 minutes away from my house. Arriving at the barn the rain had stopped once again, so I prepared to ride.  While tacking up Nikki it started to rain hard again, but I had already committed and figured the rain would stop, which it did.  An occasional soft drizzle did not dampen the spirits of our ride.  Nikki worked happily, but I kept making absurd accuracy errors.  Coming down the center line I thought I was turning at the normal spot, but kept narrowly missing the mounting block.  Same with when I put Nikki through the trot poles.  Very strange!

Continuing my ride I was pleased with Nikki's lightness, and did my "bow tie" exercise with some slight variations.  I honestly don't remember if I created this exercise or just modified it.  On the long side I ride straight, then perform a volte back to the track.  Going straight for 10 trot sides I do the volte back.  Sometimes instead of straight back to the track I leg yield.  Other times I ask for canter transition at the track, do another 10 meter half circle back to the track and either do a simple change, counter canter or back to trot.

Nikki finished nicely with a good stretchy trot in both directions.  Gathering my lunging equipment I noticed that the mounting block had been moved from the grassy edge of the arena to the track.  I was not crazy!  The arena had been slightly cut off, affecting my space coming down the centerline onto the track as well as my turn after trot poles.  I promptly moved it back....

Back to the cookies....successfully completed and dropped off at church social hall.

Saturday, November 23, 2013
A chilly start with winds expected to pick up by late morning.  But Sunday would bring 35 mile an hour winds and a high of 25F, so that was the day slated for no riding!  I like to ride Nikki 3-4 days in a row hen give her a day off.  That seems to keep her happy and in good work.  Today is day 4, so the timing is right!
Another lovely ride.  Nikki was light in the bridle and worked nicely through lateral work.  The mornings are so peaceful, so I am able to focus.  Today Nikki's canter work felt rushed to me so I asked for transitions on the 20m circle to adjust balance.  The arena had been dragged so the entire space was empty, enabling me to work through a variety of figures.

Checking my time (Isaiah's riding lesson at 10) I decided to work with Suki in hand behind the barn so that I would have time to do a full moisturizing session. That is especially crucial  in the cold weather, most importantly her neck and face.  Heavy blankets keep the skin on her back moist.  I think she really needed a lunging session, because she seemed a little stiff to me.  Moving on to stretches instead, I could see her loosen up a bit.

Isaiah is progressing nicely in his lessons and has now moved from 30 to 45 minute lesson.  The wind had picked up a bit for his ride, so we need to make some clothing adjustments for next week!

I went back to Suki and Nikki around 4 PM to add a layer for the cold night ahead and a Sunday of fierce wind and low day time temperatures.  The fox hunting ladies returned from their day with the Radnor Hunt, having been gone since 7:30 in the morning.  I give them credit!  J is in her 70's, and Reggie a bit younger.  But they go twice a week, enjoying every moment.  Sometimes it is a bit of a comedy routine to watch them hitch up the gooseneck, or back it in, but I mean that with full respect....

Sunday, November 24, 2013
As I write this morning it is 6 AM.  The wind is whipping around the corners of the house as I sit in the family room by the fire.  Quiet and peaceful.  No riding this morning so I will pick up my knitting to work on the scarves that I will give to Isaiah's teachers as Christmas gifts.  How I cherish the early morning hours and the silence.  Alone with my thoughts.  Well, Ripley has gone back up to join my husband in bed and the cats have settled in spots near the fire......

My only plan for going to the barn today was to check the girls to be sure they were warm enough and give them kisses and treats.

Peacefully they grazed, having finished the big piles of hay placed in their field this morning.  It was almost 3:00 but I decided not to bring them in.  A quick check to make sure they were warm enough, plus some hugs and treats!  They are both wearing Rambo heavy blankets with a medium sheet on top!

My beautiful girls......