Suki settles into a working routine

My original plan was to start this post sitting outside under the umbrella with a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc.  When I opened the umbrella there were about a million (okay, 20 or so) stink bugs clinging to it!
Sunday, May 25, 2014
The mounting block game.  I thought we had left it behind, but alas it reared its ugly head this morning.  I should have expected it though given Nikki's very S-L-O-W walk to the arena.  She stretched a few times, stopped, looked around, etc.  I kept reaching behind to swat her with the lunge whip to get the walk a bit more forward.  Lunging was slow so I watched carefully to look for unsoundness.  Everything else this morning was normal, so I urged Nikki on to make her free and loose.  Once she got motoring everything was fine.  Then, the mounting block....Nikki lined up to the mounting block fine but kept swinging her but away so that I could not reach the stirrup.  Three times then she she stood.  So I walked around the arena, got off then remounted.  By the third time Nikki let out a big sigh and we were fine.  The rest of the ride was lovely.  Nikki was forward, and I rode her through the ground poles several times.  I decided to keep the ride short and we finished with some very nice lengthenings.

I typically don't work Suki two days in a row but I wanted to see if she was stiff or sore so I did a 5 minute lunge to evaluate.  Starting off slightly stiff, Suki worked out of it quickly.  I asked for a bit of canter and finished.

I am noticing a change in Suki.  With regular work she seems to be not quite as impatient while being groomed, and even a bit more reasonable about waiting for turn out.  Walking out to the arena Suki marches with a purpose and sets right to work.  It may seem silly to say this, but I notice a spark in her eye as she gets back into regular work. While she has been happy and healthy all of this time I think the happiness quotient has kicked up a notch!


This weekend I have been thinking about Dressage at Saratoga.  I used to take Jenny to that show.  The first time that we competed the show was still a CDI and I remembered feeling somewhat overwhelmed.  Yes the footing is a bit deep, something to be considered when planning three days worth of tests.  The show has changed and become much smaller over the years....at the time I competed seven arenas ran simultaneously, while now it is 3-4.  But I do have some wonderful memories and experiences to last a lifetime!

Monday, May 26, 2014
Nikki had today off so I gave her a very thorough grooming and pampering session.  Her lip drooped while I massaged her with the buffing mitt, and she dropped her head while I rubbed it with a towel.  She definitely enjoyed that time and her day off!

Suki had a 15 minute lunge and 10 minutes of in hand work.  Most of the work on the lunge was transitions between and within the gaits.  Working on building fitness and sharpening transitions.  Suki's transitions are spot on, so that doesn't take much effort!  She doesn't really pay too much attention to what is going on around her, even when Nikki calls to her from the barn.  In hand I worked on a little piaffe, which was not as sharp today as it can be so I moved to leading exercises with many quick changes of direction.  I asked for some "mini piaffe" after that and it was a bit improved.

So much to do, but we just keep moving forward at a reasonably steady pace.  In my mind I have a time frame, which I have also committed to paper, but this remains flexible.  The most important thing is that Suki remain sound and healthy.  I am pleased to note that so far I have not noticed any respiratory issues.  My thought is that by taking the fitness level up gradually we will avoid problems.  Time will tell, but so far I am pleased with the progress!

Tuesday, May 27, 2014
Suki and Nikki were especially vocal when I entered the barn this morning!  It is my favorite morning greeting, especially when the child greeted me upon waking with: "It CANNOT be morning already!"  As a morning person I struggle with understanding the problem!

Nikki immediately starts to demand for treats while Suki gives me the evil eye from down at the end of the aisle.  I settled Suki in with a small amount of hay and got Nikki ready to work.
Because Nikki had yesterday off I gave her a slightly longer lunge warm up to loosen the muscles.  Nikki was relaxed and loose in her muscles, clearly benefiting from her day off.  I am a firm believer that horses sometimes just need to be horses.  Even the fabulous Lipizzaners in Vienna have the summer off and relax on the hills of Piber.  Just being horses.

Suki called to Nikki once as we left the barn.  Starting the ride with three loop serpentines I moved from posting trot to sitting asking for a bit more collection.  I was pleased with Nikki's response.  There wasn't any stiffness in her back as I moved from rising to sitting....and I actually felt her lift in the back.  Yay!  Canter transitions were less than brilliant, but I feel like this was my fault.  To remedy this I did my spiral in at the trot, leg yield out, with canter transition as I reach the 20m circle.  Next I did the "bow tie" exercise, asking for canter as I hit the track.  After success with those I exercises I finished with stretchy trot in both directions.

A day off for Suki so there was a full exfoliation and moisturizing session.  I also stretched each leg as I massaged her muscles.  Tomorrow will be a work day for her.  She was happy to go out, but did not get too crazed while I put Nikki out first!  Well, maybe a little.  But she does wait while I turn her around and unhook the lead rope.  I suspect that she is not this way for everyone, but I have certain expectations and she knows that.  Nikki is always polite about being turned out!

Wednesday, May 28, 2014
Today was lateral work day.  Following my regular warm up with Nikki I worked on transitions within the gaits to improve response time.  Then we moved on to leg yielding which worked well even off my bad leg....well I guess it is my less effective leg!  Even shoulder in was respectable...I like to ask for it on the quarter line and center line, not just on the rail.  It helps me to keep it straighter and teaches both of us to not depend on a barrier.  I asked for a few steps of shoulder in in both directions then finished once again with a stretchy trot.  We are a bit behind, but I am feeling a little more confidence as we move forward.  Nikki enjoys our post work out routine, waiting for the face massage!  Back in her stall with half flake of hay I moved on to Suki.

Suki came barging out of her stall ready for action.  She seemed anxious to work.  I love how she marches out to the arena, ignoring Nikki's calls from the barn!  Suki seems ready to get down to business as we move through the arena gate.  Occasionally there is a lapse where she tries to dive for a mouthful of grass just outside the arena, but responds promptly to my reprimand.  I started Suki with a warm up of trot and canter then did the lunge line version of the spiral-in-leg-yield-out exercise.  This worked better than expected, since I hadn't done it in awhile.  Not just for me, but for Suki as well.  The coordination of the aids is critical....like dancing a pas de deux.  We were both up for the challenge!  The minute we finished Suki looked to my pockets for sugar cubes.

Thursday, May 29, 2014
Mornings at the barn are peaceful and quiet.  Walking into the barn with greetings of nickers from the girls and the surrounding green fields and mountains reminds me of why I find the Oley Valley a beautiful place to live.
Nikki was so lovely this morning!  The air was cool and breezy, without sunshine.  But that's okay, because there is still such a calmness in the surroundings that I embrace.  We had a brief moment of mounting block indecision, but with one growl Nikki stepped back into place.  Her trot lengthnings were really beautiful today, and she came back into a more collected gait very easily.  I kept the work simple, and took a walk outside the arena to finish.

Jenn came over to take photos of Suki working.  But Suki was a little difficult about having the bridle put on today.  Yesterday I lunged her in a halter, but I went back to the bridle today.  Not sure if I am keeping the bridle that I bought for her.  It doesn't fit as well as I think it should.  So I used Nikki's, which needs to be adjusted once on.  I was finally successful in getting it on, but something seemed off.  When we approached the arena Suki did not want to go in, so I switched the lunge line to the halter instead.  She worked okay, but I felt there was some fussiness in the bridle, even without the lunge line attached.  Her teeth were done in April, so I think that perhaps I did not adjust the bridle appropriately.  I need to make a decision on her bridle and perhaps find a different one.  The bit is the same type that I have always used, so I don't think that was the problem.  She looked good at the trot, moving out nicely in her working trot.  Jenn commented on how nice Suki's extended trot is....but I told her that this was Suki's regular, working trot....her extended trot is a sight to behold!  Workout was shortened but Suki seemed happy and sound.

I'm struggling a bit with my competitive goals these days.  I've always enjoyed showing and am very competitive.  But I also enjoy bringing horses along through the levels, and yes, showing is a measurement of how well we are accomplishing that task.   I don't think that it is because I have lost a competitive edge.  I have always been quite successful with showing, but some spark has left.  While I am a spectator at Dressage at Devon I do feel the spark return, but honestly, the Andreas Hausberger clinic last summer drove me more.  Perhaps I am finally understanding and embracing Pierre de Coubertin's Olympic Creed:

"The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win but to take part, just as the most important thing in life is not the triumph but the struggle. The essential thing is not to have conquered but to have fought well." 

I think of the Spanish Riding School.  They do not compete, they perform.  But the focus is first, and foremost on the process of the training and the correctness.  While we all strive for success in life, perhaps this is what it is all about.  I feel that in Suki's survival and recovery that in our conquering we have also fought well.

Dancing into spring

The Oley Valley has finally unfolded into spring.  We have been enjoying bright blue sky and moderate temperatures, with a few exceptions.  The harsh and prolonged winter delayed spring, but finally we are surrounded by lush green fields and beautiful flowers.

The girls are back to work and that makes me smile.  Although I am a bit behind in training compared to where I had hoped to be, we are making progress!  Nikki came back to work nicely after her lengthy hiatus and continues to improve in fitness and technical effort.  Suki's work is at a slower pace, but that too is picking up.  And she seems to enjoy it, which is what matters most.

Sunrise is early now, so when I have the opportunity I ride at 6:30 or 7:00 in the morning on weekends.  I never sleep late anyway so I'm not missing a sleep-in on the weekend!  It is the perfect time of day to ride.  I love how quiet everything is, with only the sound of birds, an occasional whinny and my foot steps crunching in the gravel.  The mornings have been blissfully cool at 50'sF and I am going to appreciate that before the heat of the summer takes over!

Sunday, May 18, 2014
Nikki worked well this morning.  It was cool and breezy....my favorite type of riding weather!  Nikki was a little heavy in the canter transitions so I made big loops in the arena with multiple transitions.  While I succeeded in lightening her in my hand, she started to anticipate canter transitions during the trot work afterword.  To remedy that we went back to some walk trot transitions.  I felt a little tension but after just a few minutes Nikki began to relax underneath me and soften in the hand again.  In spite of that this was good energy and even when there was anticipation of a movement she waited to be asked before proceeding.  I finished with big loops in a stretchy trot getting nice suppleness in her back and relaxation in her neck.  Jen came out and took some photos, including some great candids!


I was going to work Suki as well, but she the small chip in her left front foot had become larger so a thorough grooming was in order instead.  The skin on Suki's back appears to be quite strong, and even though it is scar tissue she can still feel a fly when it lands on her back!  Now that I have switched to fly sheets it is critical that I don't skip days of moisturizing.  The regular sheets and blankets seal in the moisture, but the open mesh of a fly sheet tends to encourage drying.  I have an outstanding skin care regimen that I use with Suki, developed after much trial and error.  Olay sensitive skin with sunscreen for the face and ears, and Aquafor petroleum based moisturizer for everywhere else.  I have tried more expensive products, but this system works well, and Suki's skin looks amazing.  (hmmm, perhaps I should use this regimen myself....)Exfoliation is performed almost every day.

Next up was to tackle Nikki's seriously over grown mane!  Unlike most horses she hates the lower half of her mane being pulled but is perfectly fine as you move up her neck.  So relaxed, Nikki is, that she actually drops her head and dozes off!  So instead of a stool for the 17.2h girl, I end up practically on my knees!  Jen was still there so she held Nikki and kept her occupied for the difficult part.

I wouldn't say I waited TOO long to do this....

Better, huh?  Not to worry, I fixed that part by her withers!

Suki will be next!

Tuesday, May 20, 2014
Nikki had the day off yesterday, after a productive three days of work.  I tend to do three on, on off with her as it seems to keep her happy.  Today after a brief lunge and a trot warm up on her back I decided to do a nice forward canter around the arena in two-point.  Well, as two-point as one can be in a fairly deep seated dressage saddle!  Ears forward and a twinkle in her eye, Nikki embraced my offer to go.  As she can be a little lazy at times I was surprised at how eagerly she moved on.  It felt great!  I am certain that we were both smiling just a bit!  I kept reaching forward to pat her neck, and she just seemed to be having a great time.  Given how Nikki was anticipatory following canter work on our previous ride, perhaps this was not my most brilliant idea,  but I wanted to give it a try.  I used to do it with Jenny all the time because after her trailer accident and subsequent hock surgery, it helped to loosen her up before performing the more collected work.

After a short walk break I moved on to trot work.  This time Nikki did not try to anticipate canter.  In fact she was quite ready to work, moving quickly off a light leg and softly into my hand.  I incorporated a bit of leg yielding and while Nikki was awesome moving off my left leg, I encountered a little bracing off my right leg.  This is more my issue than hers, so I dropped my irons and received a better response.      Changing the bend briefly in both directions I was able to get a few steps of half pass, something we had been working on prior to the ice age winter of 2013/14!  Nikki LOVES doing trot poles so I worked her through them a few times, finishing our ride with a big stretchy trot.  I believe she was quite pleased with herself!  Once dismounted I gave her big face rubs and an eagerly awaited sugar cube.

With the farrier due out on Thursday I elected to wait to lunge Suki.  That chip bothered me, and now that the chunk had come off I was not willing to worker.  In just two days time her feet had gone from reasonable to chipped.  Looks like we are back to a five week schedule!  That is pretty consistent for both girls...five weeks.  I am still hoping to avoid putting shoes on Suki, but we will see how that goes! Instead I chose to work stretches and a few leading exercises.  These are always helpful as they keep the horse's response time sharp.  Suki did well with her work but was more focused on going out than anything else.  To compensate for that I made frequent changes in my requests, forcing her to pay attention.  It worked, and when we were finished she let out a huge sigh!  So dramatic!

Wednesday, May 21, 2014
I managed to sneak in a ride on Nikki before the rain.  After a stretchy warm up and a bit of forward canter, I worked through transitions within the gaits.  Pleased with Nikki's response I kept the ride short.
In hand work with Suki included a few steps of piaffe, which she gave willingly.  I worked her in the paddock behind the barn, and she listened well in spite of Sammy the pony watching and calling to her!

Occasional showers were forecasted for the day but with temperatures warm enough I let the girls go out.  It s nice to not have to worry about a bandage on Suki's back, making turnout in light rain acceptable.  The wet fly sheet was removed when she came in for the night, so Suki got to be naked for a change!  That is only allowed while in her stall or being worked, but I know it must feel great to her!

Saturday, May 24, 2014
Beautiful morning!  Cool and breezy.  My favorite!  Arriving at the barn by 7:15 the girls called to me as I walked in.  I love hearing their voices in the morning.  My entire day is brighter!

Nikki first.  Clearly she was sleeping on a manure pile in her stall, given what was stuck to her.  With shavings in her mane and tail i knew that she had a good night's sleep.  My girls love their sleep time in their stalls.  Nikki was a little girthy this morning, which surprised me since she had yesterday off.  I am always very slow and careful with girthing, but perhaps she was not quite awake enough!  I lunged for just 8 minutes (4 minutes per direction) enough to get her stretching and loose.  Wonderful energy once I was in the saddle, and ready to work.  Today I did quite a bit of lateral work after a big trot in serpentines around the arena.  Shoulder in on the quarter line then shoulder in to a few steps of half pass.  Spiraling in at the trot and leg yielding out with a canter transition upon reaching the 20m circle.  I like this exercise and so does Nikki.  Once again I finished with a stretchy trot, and this time a walk up the driveway (I was SO brave today!  Oh, and Nikki was too!)

Feet done on Thursday, Suki was ready to be lunged.  She knows that when the polos go on there is lunging involved.....note the "game face"!

After a snort at the mat in front of the fox hunting ladies' trailer, we had an uneventful trip to the arena.  The breeze had picked up and Suki's ears were pricked forward as she marched to the arena......clearly ready to work!  Dapples shining in the sun, Suki walked quietly on the lunge to stretch, while Nikki called to her from the barn.  I find it amazing that Nikki misses her....Suki is really not always kind to her baby sister.  I worked a lot of "forward and back" at the trot and Suki was definitely up for it. That girl just takes my breath away.  It is heartwarming to see her so happy and healthy, doing what comes natural to her.  I laughed when she dug around for sugar cubes (yes, she and Nikki know the routine!) and love how proudly she walked back to the barn.

This July 9 marks 5 years since the fire.  Five years since the day when Dr. Kelly Kalf said "she lifted her head and we never looked back".  And every day, we continue to look forward.

Happy Birthday Suki!

Suki turned 14 today.  Since the fire, her birthday is a reminder of how close I came to losing her.  How she almost didn't reach 10, much less 14.  I think about it on the day that marks the fire.  I think about it when she looks into my eyes and I see her soul.  I think about it when I watch her gallop in the field and roll in the mud with the pure joy of loving life.  And today was no different.  I did try to put a birthday hat on her this morning, and while I did get it on her head once, it fell before I could take a picture.  After that she just snorted at it and was very clear that the birthday hat was not going anywhere near her head!  When I turned her out after her daily spa treatment she galloped across the field, slowed to a canter then trotted around a bit.  I had to catch my breath for a moment to watch the beauty and joy of my beloved Suki and the thought of what almost was.  As usual, Nikki was just casually strolling across the field, EXHAUSTED from our ride.  Suki chased her for a moment then trotted off again.  Their personalities are different in many ways but similar in the diva aspect.  I love my girls!!

It is so wonderful to be riding again.  Louise started her up for me again after I lunged Nikki in tack for a week prior.  Last week I rode for the first time since December, which seemed like an eternity!  Putting my foot in the stirrup and settling into the saddle I felt a calmness wash over me that I had not experienced since my mother went into the hospital.  Life has been crazy with business and worry, but those moments when we are with our horses it all goes away for awhile.

Friday, May 1 was my first day back in the saddle.  Louise had noted that Nikki has a softer look in her eye now, compared to December.  December was a rough month.  Nikki injured her hock, was on stall rest, sprung a shoe then was turned out in the paddock only due to weather conditions.  I mistakingly did not request that her grain be decreased so she became a bit wild.  Then the snow came and continued to fall.....we were finished for the season.  So perhaps that is the reason, or she is maturing.  Warmbloods take longer than other breeds to mature both physically and mentally, and Nikki turned seven in April.  Suki was seven when she finished growing in height (thankfully!).  Whatever the reason, Nikki appears to be happily back in work.  As am I!  I do agree with Louise.  Nikki does seem to have a softer look, and other than begging for sugars, is responsive.

Yesterday I added more sitting trot.  Nikki came softly into my hand and pushed nicely from behind.  Her down transitions are immediate but a little heavy in the hand, so I am working many transitions which lightens her up front.  Canter transitions have been remarkably smooth (thank you Louise!).  I know that she is behind in training for her age, but life has gotten in the way.  I hate to admit that, because i always said that it would never happen.  Hopefully this year will be a turning point.

Mother Nature appears to be softening bait, and although we have chilly nights (40F) the days warm nicely.  Spring was delayed but the grass is finally starting to get quite green and trees are budding nicely.  Soon we will complain about the heat, so I will enjoy the transition!

Today I did a bit of leg yield with Nikki and she was quick off my leg in both directions.  Next ride I will add the spiral exercise!

Suki lunged well, but I kept it pretty basic.  Nicely forward to loosen up (she starts stiff) then upward and downward transitions.  Just 15 minutes, but she worked quite well.  I am trying to decide when to add the surcingle.   Two weeks?  I think that she is ready for side reins, so I will need the surcingle to do that.  Stiffness appears to resolve after a few minutes so for now I think we are okay.  I know in my brain that it is time to stop babying Suki with regards to work.  My heart struggles a bit.  She has been through so much.  But she is strong and more confident now.  Will I be riding both mares by fall?  I certainly hope so.

But today we celebrate Suki's 14th birthday.  And her joy of life.  Floating across the field, daring anyone one to say that the triumph was not worth the struggle.

Hippity, hoppity, spring and training!!

Monday, April 14, 2013
Busy day.  Vet and dentist.  I have my horses checked by the dentist every 6 months.  Sean was here in October and Nikki was ready to have her teeth done again, after having them done in April.  Suki was checked and no work necessary.  Sean is very patient with the horses and takes time to explain to the owners what he is doing, and shows us what is going on in our horses' mouths.  Suki has to get worked on first because she gets nervous while other horses are being worked on.  The vet arrived at 10 and Suki was first up.  It is important to scratch her withers while the vet gives the injection in her chest.  This, we have discovered is the most successful route.  The girls received the first half of their spring shots a few weeks ago so were due for PHF and botulism this time.  I didn't really get a good scratching position because I felt like Suki was about to leap out of her stall (I had the lead rope with chain over her nose).  We got through it but she was tense.  Nikki barely acknowledges the situation.  Sean, the dentist arrived less than an hour later and once again, Suki was up first.  When he approached her in her stall, Suki actually reached toward him with her nose.  No anxiety.  Two previous visits with his calm, kind manner were enough for Suki to offer her trust.  Something she does not offer easily.  I was relieved.  She needed to have her teeth done this time and was relaxed (as relaxed as one can be at the dentist) and calm.  She has come so far since the fire.  Nikki also needed to be done (my every 6 months girl) and was less nervous this time.  She started to become somewhat unraveled near the end, but patience and kindness persevered!  Phew!  Due to warm temperatures I let Suki be naked in her stall while waiting for the vet and dentist, dressing her in a fly sheet prior to turnout.  She and Nikki were thrilled to be released into the sunshine.  Hello grass!

Having already lunged the girls prior to the day's events I headed home to work on my book for a couple of hours.  Sometimes I struggle with how to address the back story of Suki in my book.  In fact, I have a separate file with the back story and notes throughout the book as to where to interject the bits and pieces.  I don't want it to be choppy, but it is an important part of how we got to the point of our partnership at the time of the fire.....

April 15, 2014
Rain.  In spite of that I managed to get a 15minute lunge with Nikki while the rain took a break.  Snow/sleet was predicted for Tuesday night into Wednesday, so I wanted to get some work in.  I am anxious to ride!  Once again my concerns about Nikki being hyper were unfounded.  But just before we stopped working last December, she was being a little wild on the lunge.  Of course the stall rest and paddock turnout for 3 weeks due to mystery hock injury and onset of the winter from Hell certainly had something to do with that!!  But Nikki worked well and happily.  Her neck did not seem sore from the vaccinations on Monday, but I chose not to use side reins just in case.  I do like to give bute the day before and after vaccines, which does seem to help.  It was still quite warm so I had to leave Suki in her fly sheet and Nikki naked.  Toby changed the girls into mid weight blankets for me in anticipation of the plummeting temperatures and wintery precipitation.  Jack Frost needs to check the calendar!

April 16, 2014
Snow on the roof, ice on the deck.  Yuck.  My plan was to groom the girls and go home.  The arena had some frozen patches and it was damp and cold.  Suki and Nikki were happy to see me and toasty in their blankets....Thank you Toby!
When I returned home my mother, who has been staying with me since February, had fallen while I was gone.  I helped her up and moved her to the family room.  She said that her arm hurt but did not want to go to  the doctor.  Ultimately we ended up in the emergency room where we learned that she had a fracture in her right proximal humerus.  Ultimately she had to stay after 7 hours in the ER because her afib was not controlled, and her pain was extreme.  There will be a long recovery because of the fracture location and her age, but she is improving.

April 18, 2014
I admit, it is difficult to juggle everything.  But I managed to lunge Nikki and work Suki in hand.  My beautiful girls keep me sane.  Louise will get Nikki started being ridden for me early next week.  yes, I am being a weanie.  Many apologies.  But I am fortunate to have someone that I trust, who has the same training philosophies to help me with this.  I am doing the prep work by lunging.  Nikki is a good girl and I know she will be fine.

I am reading Netochka Nezvanova for balance.  Yes, I adore Russian literature.  I read War and Peace for fun, as I ador Tolstoy, but Dostoyevsky is really my favorite Russian author.  This is my first go at Netochka Nezvanova.  My dream is to read all of it in Russian......

Mom is improving but it is clear that she will have to move to a rehab facility before she can return to my house.  After working with the girls I spend a few hours at the hospital with mom, then back home. My wonderful husband visited her tonight to give me a breather and enable me to get "stuff" done.

April 19, 2014
Suki and Nikki were both WONDERFUL today!  Both focused on work and seemed relaxed and happy.  Nikki was in full equipment and I feel is now ready to be ridden.  I should probably just get on tomorrow.  Suki was sharp and attentive, working through transitions.  She seems so ready to move forward in her training.  Spring.  New beginnings, hopes for the future.  One day at a time.  I thought about that today....hope for the future.  When Suki arrived from Canada I had so many plans, hopes and dreams.  One day can change everything.  But I still hold onto those dreams with Suki and Nikki.  If you can dream it you can achieve it, right?

Tomorrow is Easter, so of course the bunny ears came out!  Nikki just wears the ears and tolerates it.  But as soon as I go to take a picture she puts her ears back!!

Then they flopped forward....still she does not care!

Suki is notoriously difficult about things around her head, but was quite cooperative this time.  I think she was a bit cocky after her work today!  She strutted back from the arena!

So while I am a bit fried with everything that is going on right now, my beautiful girls give me peace.  Mom continues to improve, Michael has been helping by visiting, Isaiah is the light of my life, and we will all get through it.
Off to read The Chronicle. Tom Selleck's daughter Hannah does an Ariat ad??

Training is finally underway! First step toward bringing Suki back under saddle

Well, I finally don't have to say "maybe next week" to start training.  The arena footing had finally improved enough but weather and mud kept Suki and Nikki either inside or in small paddocks for turnout.  While I am grateful that they can at least get outside for awhile, the paddock does not leave enough room to get out 1400 lbs of exuberance.  There was a bit of passaging and some jumping, but not enough wide open area to really let loose.  Of course this did not deter Suki from rolling.  The mornings were cold and crisp so one of my concerns with getting Nikki out for the first time in awhile was too much playing on the lunge line in only moderately good footing.

Earlier this week I decided to bite the bullet and get Nikki out.  Snorting a few times on the walk to the arena I expected an explosion once we got started.  She was a little lookie but not super high so I asked her for a quiet trot to loosen up.  For the first time out in 32F and breezy I kept the trot slow and even in both directions.  It was a good first outing.  I decided to wait with Suki.  Perhaps I am treating her too much like fine china, bringing her out only in the perfect moments of life. I am super protective of her, but I am with Nikki as well.  It is just who I am.  This could be due to having a horse injured in a trailer accident (Jenny), a horse critically injured in a barn fire and losing a horse to colic (Jenny, at age 20).

The next two sessions were similar but on Thursday we kicked it up a notch.  The geese on the far side of the creek apparently had the same idea.  Is it mating season for Canada geese?  There was certainly something going on.  Sometimes a few would open their wings really wide and puff up, honking loudly, while the sun hit their light chests giving off a glow.  Nikki looked up once or twice but was otherwise unmoved.  Urging Nikki into a more forward trot, she became more interested in her work, stretching down in her neck and lifting in the back.  The canter transitions were smooth, but I only asked for a good forward pace once in each direction at that gait.  Sadly out of shape after several months of snowy weather and no work, I was happy to see Nikki stretch out at the walk to cool down (after a big sigh, of course).

Both girls are shedding like mad so Suki is even MORE itchy than usual.  Most people assume that she is itchy due to the areas without hair, but that is where she is the least itchy because of her awesome skin regimen.  And she has always been an itchy girl, constantly scratching her sides on any surface that would accommodate!  With all of the mud I have had to contend with mud-caked legs and in Suki's case thick dried mud on her neck.

Friday, April 11, 2014
Today's the day!  Suki knew that something was askew this morning because I took her out of her stall first.  Typically I start with Nikki so that I can get out to the arena and back before feeding time.  There are fewer distractions early, so I thought it would be best to get Suki out before any festivities started!  As I carefully wrapped polos on her front legs, Suki snuffled my hair.  While wrapping her hind legs she kept turning around to look at me.  When we were just outside the barn door she stopped, lifted her head to calmly look around, then walked forward once again.  I thought she seemed a little tense as we walked to the arena, but she looked straight ahead to the gate.  Turning her around to latch the arena gate, she started to look around a bit.  As I moved her out the circle on the lunge, Suki tossed her head a few times then lifted her tail and started into a little bit of passage.  Quietly I asked her to move forward and she began to relax.  There was definitely some stiffness to start but within a couple of minutes she appeared to loosen and the stiffness subsided.  Remaining lookie for the first few times around I just continued to move her forward and stay focused.  Although Sammy the pony (who LOVES her) called to her for awhile she only called back once.  To me she seemed a bit tense, but responded to commands without hesitation.  Finally Suki dropped her head and relaxed.  That was a welcome sight!  Looking at her coppery coat shining in the sunlight I looked hopefully into the future.  Walking back to the barn Suki was visibly more relaxed, casually looking around and swinging her tail happily.  It was a wonderful first effort!

Saturday, April 12, 2014
Thick fog blanketed the Oley Valley this morning.  At 39F it was chilly, but the sun was struggling to push through, with the hope of a 70F day.  At the top of the driveway I couldn't see the barn or the arena through the fog.   Time constraints today left room to lunge only one horse if the fog did not lift in time, and that would have to be Nikki.  I started grooming Suki hoping that the fog would lift and I could get her out to the arena to work.  Unfortunately that was not the case so se worked on stretching and moving feet at the light tap of a dressage whip.  I only have to tap her foot the first time around.  After that I can just touch the floor to lift a foot.  It helps the in hand piaffe work.

By the time I finished grooming Nikki the sun had broken through so out we went to the arena. The geese were at it again, but this time Nikki didn't even look in their direction.  Today's work was wonderful!  Fluid transitions, nicely forward in all gaits and ready to work.  I worked more on transitions today for obedience, but increased the intervals of trot to start working on that fitness level!  A few more days of lunging and Nikki will be ready to be ridden again.  It sure has been a long winter!

After Isaiah's lesson (he's starting to get the hang of diagonals!) we headed to Oley Valley feed.  As a treat and a salute to the 67F temperature, I put the top down on my car.  Bright sunshine had the dairy cows sunbathing in their fields, clearly making up for lost time.  Even passing the former Pink Star Equestrian, I was able to smile.  Foals lying flat out soaking up the sun with moms standing nearby.

Spring is definitely in the air, with the appearance of tiny buds on some trees, and fields of daffodils saluting the sun.  After this snowy, cold winter I finally truly feel the lightness of spring and new beginnings.

Is spring really here? We are ready to train!

March 30, 2014.  34F.  REALLY???  Rainy, dreary and damp.  Suki and Nikki are back in their Rambo heavies, which have received quite a workout this winter!  Every weight of sheet and blanket is dirty and disgusting, but I am afraid to send anything to be cleaned because I may need them soon.  I also think that almost every one of them needs some minor repair work.  Except the Rambos.  But shhh!  Hope I didn't speak too soon.....

Other years by this time crocuses have begun to make an appearance, and in some places, daffodils.  Not at my house, because our daffodils are in the front of our house which faces north.  They don't appear until later.  But not one brave crocus has dared to poke its green up through the earth.  Of course the soil had been frozen pretty deep up until very recently.  

I keep looking at the weather and saying "next week we will get to start work".  But we have yet to have weather consistent enough to render the arena suitable for work.  It has improved, but the soaking rain over the past few days has kept us from working.  Remaining optimistic, I think beginning Tuesday we may actually have a chance to get it started!  So bridles are cleaned and ready to go, polos, boots, saddle pads.  Saddle needs to be cleaned again (from sitting for the past few months) but I will be starting with a surcingle any way.

I continue to read and watch videos.....this is Bentley watching video of Andreas Hausberger teaching.

I have a new book to read: Ridden: Dressage from the Horse's Point of View, by Ulrike Thiel
Should be interesting.

April 1, 2014
A post on Suki's Facebook page made me take a step back mentally and think about a potential problem with Suki's training.  The comment was regarding the poster's respiratory (sinus) challenges in the rain, asking if the girls experience this at all.  It suddenly reminded me that in addition to Suki's physical scars she may have hidden respiratory issues.  Although Suki did not have any complications with pneumonia, etc. after the fire, the doctors were not sure just how much damage there was to the upper airway or lungs.  There was some concern that during humid weather Suki might have some labored breathing, but this has yet to occur after almost 5 years post fire.  Veterinarians also said that if Suki were back in work heavy exercise may be difficult if severe lung damage had occurred.  I have not noticed any problems in the past few years when Suki has been lunged, but they have been short sessions.  This year will be the true test, but I will take it slow to gradually build stamina.  True, she may never have the lung capacity to be an event horse (which is moot), but I have to consider the possibility of stamina to perform 3rd and 4th level tests, if that were to become a possibility.  Honestly, I don't care if she ever sets foot in the show ring again.  And if I never sit on her again that is fine too.  I knew from the beginning that it was unlikely that Suki would be able to be ridden again due the extent of the burns on her back.  I accepted that.  My main concern has always been that Suki live a happy and healthy life.  Which she does.....I consider her fully recovered.    However, as time marches forward and Suki has been doing some lunging and in-hand work, I see how much she enjoys it.  If physically she is able to work and can hold up both physically and mentally then she should do it.  Ultimately I may find that her capacity is limited to light lunging a couple of times a week.  That would enable her to use her mind and body and give us additional time together.  But my plan is to gradually increase the work, add the surcingle and side reins, long lines and hopefully a saddle.  Suki will tell me how much she can handle.  Together we will go forward with the ultimate goal of me sitting on her back.  We'll see.  The process will be slow because I have seen first hand what can happen when people rush training and push the horse physically past what it can handle leading to mental anguish and meltdown.

I will have a busy time working both Suki and Nikki, but won't that be fun!  I can't wait to get back on Nikki, as I anticipate putting my foot in the stirrup in just a couple of weeks.   I had hoped to get started again today but the horses have been in for a few days due to rain and muddy fields.  So the girls are out today in the paddocks (fields still very muddy) and wearing only light sheets.  There was a bit of leaping and passaging when they first went out then Suki, of course, had to drop and roll.  Did I mention that I had just finished grooming her?  Yes, tomorrow morning's grooming will require a bit of time.  But they needed to get out a bit of that energy so that we can start working.  I brought home Nikki's bridle to clean it again for tomorrow.  It is still in the trunk of my car, so hopefully I will be able to get to it today!

I was contacted a month or so ago by the editor of Andalusian World Magazine who was preparing an article about barn fires, preparedness and plans.  He wanted to include a reference to Suki.  I agreed and requested that he include a photo of how she looks today, so that readers are able see that she is indeed happy and healthy.  Take a look at the magazine.... and what a BEAUTIFUL cover!!

http://www.andalusianworld.com/magazine.html


The weather is supposed to remain somewhat consistently in the 50'sF.  I am quite hopeful that I will get to lunge tomorrow morning.......

Spring is in the air, and mud is under foot, but winter refuses to give up!

Friday, 07 March, 2014
Friday morning I made my usual morning trek to the barn just after putting Isaiah on the school bus.  It was still quite cold out but I was finally going to rearrange some clothing layers on Suki and Nikki.  For the most part the girls have been living in a medium weight blanket, followed by a Rambo heavy and topped off with a mid weight sheet.  On slightly warmer days the sheet was removed, but they rarely wore just one garment at a time.  Friday the top layer came off.  Not much, but it was a start!

As I brought Nikki out of her stall I could hear the tell tale sound of a missing shoe.....uggh!  Picking up her right front foot my suspicions were confirmed; no shoe.  Fortunately it looked like it came off cleanly without taking chunks of hoof with it.  But that meant no turnout for Nikki, much to her dismay.  Overall she does handle staying in better than Suki, except when it comes time to work again! But if she has hay and a friend for company Nikki will quietly relax in her stall.  Suki, on the other hand paces, paws whinnies....anything to grab attention and hopefully get turned out.  If everyone is in she is a little better because she doesn't feel like she is missing anything.

It was cold in the barn but peaceful and I warmed quickly between horse body heat and the thorough grooming that I was doing!  The snowy fields have kept the girls pretty clean, but this morning there was a small amount of  mud on legs and tips of tails as the paddocks have been getting soft when the days are warmer (35F).

The snow is decreasing bit by bit, but some areas (like the arena, pastures and my front lawn) seem to be reluctant to give up their white blanket.  And while everything once looked beautiful, glistening in the sun, the piles of snow by the roads' edge are now dirty and far less appealing.

On the warmer days everything is a muddy mess and the princesses are big rollers.  Suki is worse than Nikki, but both always have muddy legs that need to be tended to.

Saturday, 08 March, 2014
Stripping the girls down to one layer today!  Temperatures up to 50F!  Unfortunately Nikki will be in again today since the farrier was not able to make it out last night.  Suki managed well outside by herself, because she was able to see other horses.  It's funny.  She used to be turned out alone all of the time and appeared to prefer it that way. She would graze happily for about an hour then want to come in.  One of the reasons she was turned out alone was because at Blue Hill that was standard for all of the show horses, so we just continued that way.  The first time she was turned out with another horse since she came to me was after the fire when she and Nikki were put together.  Nikki needed to be with another horse so it made sense for the two mares to go out in the same pasture.  Now she prefers to be with a friend, and to stay outside for as long as possible!

I went out in the field to see if I could find Nikki's missing shoe.  The areas along the fence line are muddy so I thought that would be a good place to start.  My walk around the field's perimeter proved unsuccessful.  Moving back and forth across the field I looked in obvious holes....no luck.  Guess I should have brought along Isaiah's metal detector!

Nikki had her shoe put back on but must wear bell boots at all times for turnout.  However, she has, in the past, chewed off her bell boots while wearing them over night.  Granted she was only 4 1/2 at the time.  I had the same concern when Nikki had to wear standing wraps while recovering from her hock injury and she was quite a good girl, not even trying to remove them.  Now they were on hind legs, but she is a crafty, flexible girl and could have chewed on them.  So there is hope.  I only have one bell boot so Nikki will wear that one on the right front which is the problem foot.  I have to buy a new pair (or 3!) but will not be able to get to the tack store until Monday.

I think we are all tired of not working and sometimes I stare longingly at the arena....

Monday, 10 March, 2014
Even warmer today so the Suki and Nikki are wearing a lighter layer!  Suki did well with her stretching exercises and gave me nice lift in her back.  Massaging her back and shoulders has her grooming me in return.  I didn't feel teeth so that was okay!  Nikki gets distracted during stretching exercises, always looking for something interesting hanging on a nearby door or in my pockets!  But she did some lovely arabesques on her own, and lifted each foot when tapped lightly with a whip.

Nikki is wearing her one bell boot and I headed to Leid's for new bell boots.   I found just one pair of extra large pull ons, so I bought them.  They also had a pair of $40 velcro boots, but I was not going to spend that much given her history!  She will wear that one boot over night tonight, so let's see what happens!!  They also had Ariat paddock boots for a great price, and mine were in desperate need of replacement!  So pretty and shiny...

Tuesday, 11 March, 2014
Success!  Nikki did NOT chew off her bell boot!  I gave her an extra long session of face and ear massage, which practically hypnotizes her!  Then I set out to pull on the new bell boots.  Seriously, I have forgotten what a chore this can be.  The boots were very inexpensive, so I wonder if that is part of the reason that I had such difficulty.  Cold hands and Nikki nibbling on my butt the entire time certainly did not help.  Finally I admitted defeat, which is something I VERY RARELY do!  I think I pulled a pectoral muscle in the process!  The one bell boot was put back on the right front and home I went to order some hardy velcro bell boots!  Two pair in black and one pair in pink.....I just couldn't resist!

On Thursday winter reared its ugly head once again (for the last time, I hope!!).  So it was back to two blanket layers while the wind whipped around with 40MPH gusts and a -8F windchill.  Forgetting to put the Olay, Aquaphor and tail spray in my car yesterday led to frozen products.  The girls were muddy from the previous day so in spite of my frozen toes and fingers they both had a thorough spa day.  I was happy to get home and have Belgian hot chocolate while I settled down to write.

Spring is on its way in spite of all evidence to the contrary.  Time to get the trailer ready and practice loading.  I am so looking forward to getting the girls back to work.  It will be a busy time, but those long lines are burning a hole in my trunk in anticipation!