This entry will not be about my pets.
GASP!
This post will be about life in general.
RUN!
No really, hopefully it will be enlighting to see exactly what is going on in the real world life of me outside of my crazy animal friends.
Money:
Joe and I have had many money discussions and we alwasy end up with the same ideas. No debt. Not even our house. I have currently, since we got married, paid off: cc's - 7500 and student loans- 7000. We still have 17k in student loans to go. Our house is currently at a state of 105k. Here is our plan of action: kill the student loans within 10- 12 months. I know, do the math, this means that we need to be putting onto this student loan between 1300-1700k a month. We figured out we make about 50-60k a year and we can deal with living on 30k if it means we won't have debt. This not hanging over us like impending doom is awesome.
Then we attack the house. We have decided we'll probably take a vacation of sorts next year when the student loan is gone just for celebration purposes. (think Texas) Our house payment is about 600 a month. If we continue payments of 1300-1700k a month.... come on math majors... will tak us right around 6 years to pay off the house. Will we be in the same house that long? Probably not. If we live in it for 3 more years, pay half the mort off, and then use the equity in it to put a down payment on a new house..... the win is there.
Relationships:
What a funny topic to post about. Over the years I have realized what I like and what I don't like. What I want to share, what I don't want to share. I like cars with Joe, I just don't care about knowing the workings of it. I glaze over when Joe tries to give me a 20 minute conversation about how our friends Jeep is lifted like this. Or other related things.
Then I noticed I did it to him as well. I was talking to him about bits..... I saw his eyes glaze and he was gone. He cares about the basic mechanics of my hobby, not the interior workings. I'm the same way. Though we both make an effort to pay attention to each other and try to seem interested in each others hobby's. I want to kill him half the time for unrelated things but he has been making a geniune effort lately. More than I can say of anything he has done in the past.
Fights:
Awesome topic. We had a fight the other night that carried over into the next day. Yeah, one of those knock down dragout crazy fights where nothing really got resolved. We're good now, once we both calmed down and talked it through we figured out what the real reason for the fight was (mainly my stressed out state at the moment, thats a whole nother post) and then decided how to work from there.
I like talking to newlyweds or people in a fresh relationship, as they really haven't gotten the joy of having one of those fights. It's rare for me and Joe to fight like that, but it happens. It's ugly, hurtfull things can be said, and the like. Newb's in a relationship are all clouded up with blah blah blah happiness and say it could never happen to them. See if their still with the person after 10 years and then ask about if they've ever fought. There is no way they couldn't have. I also have a large inclining that a few of their fights were insane.
I've got so much more to type but really ahve to work. I need to make money to pay off debt. ;)
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Herd Bound issues... sigh
Dodge has become totally herdy. I am quite appalled by this new twist in her behavior. I saw it coming and kinda let it slide just because she is in a new place and wanted her to get comfortable before I really started doing anything with her. In reality I think what I have done is moved myself down on the ranking scale with her and let her horse buddy's move up.
JOY.
Last night she damn near ran me over once she was done eating. I was not amused and still am not amused. She didn't pay attention to me at all and completely ignored me when I asked her to move over because she was too busy paying attention to the horses on teh other side of the corral.
WORK.
My plan of action involves work. I am going to take her up to the roundpen tonight if I go or Friday night when I'm out there because of the vet. I will have a lunge whip and grooming supplies. I am not in the training for treats idea, I hate that crap, I hardly ever buy treats for my dogs even. My idea is this: if she doesn't want to listen to me, give her a reason to start.
I am going to let her go in the roundpen and ask simply for her to stand still for hoof picking (something she is getting horrible out). If she wants to prance around and act like a fool at the edge of the fence, fine, but she will be running that fence. The lunge whip will come out and she will be shuffling those feet faster than she thought. I fully expect a few good bucks out of her and total tantrum.
I'll then let her rest and try to pick her feet again. If she decides that once again she just must be with her friends then she will get worked again. We will work this over and over again till she stands quietely for me picking her feet. As soon as I can get all four feet picked, I will walk her back to her buddies and let her go.
I need her to understand that when she is with me I am the one that she needs to be paying attention to. If I don't do this now I have a feeling that riding her is not going to be pretty. It's like I'm redoing everything I've done thus far with her. I'm happy that this new place has an area for me to work her in though, so I am not having to use a lunge line right now. It's easier sticking her ina small enclosed area to work with her than having to hold onto a lead of some sort.
I want to work with the new bit and headstall but I know right now that is not going to move forward at all till I get her mind back onto me being the herd leader. That's not going to happen till I become a little more aggressive with my approach. Not this ooooooo you're so cute Dodge.
I digress.
JOY.
Last night she damn near ran me over once she was done eating. I was not amused and still am not amused. She didn't pay attention to me at all and completely ignored me when I asked her to move over because she was too busy paying attention to the horses on teh other side of the corral.
WORK.
My plan of action involves work. I am going to take her up to the roundpen tonight if I go or Friday night when I'm out there because of the vet. I will have a lunge whip and grooming supplies. I am not in the training for treats idea, I hate that crap, I hardly ever buy treats for my dogs even. My idea is this: if she doesn't want to listen to me, give her a reason to start.
I am going to let her go in the roundpen and ask simply for her to stand still for hoof picking (something she is getting horrible out). If she wants to prance around and act like a fool at the edge of the fence, fine, but she will be running that fence. The lunge whip will come out and she will be shuffling those feet faster than she thought. I fully expect a few good bucks out of her and total tantrum.
I'll then let her rest and try to pick her feet again. If she decides that once again she just must be with her friends then she will get worked again. We will work this over and over again till she stands quietely for me picking her feet. As soon as I can get all four feet picked, I will walk her back to her buddies and let her go.
I need her to understand that when she is with me I am the one that she needs to be paying attention to. If I don't do this now I have a feeling that riding her is not going to be pretty. It's like I'm redoing everything I've done thus far with her. I'm happy that this new place has an area for me to work her in though, so I am not having to use a lunge line right now. It's easier sticking her ina small enclosed area to work with her than having to hold onto a lead of some sort.
I want to work with the new bit and headstall but I know right now that is not going to move forward at all till I get her mind back onto me being the herd leader. That's not going to happen till I become a little more aggressive with my approach. Not this ooooooo you're so cute Dodge.
I digress.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
I'm freaking busy people!
My life has been a stressed out mess lately. I feel every time I stop I am thinking of the next thing I need to do. My nights after work have been endlessly filled with running around town doing this or that. Last night I got to stay home! Well, I had to get dog food, but I actually made dinner and sat on the couch watching movies. I haven't done that in so long. I relish the day I quit moving for a bit.
In other news, I am going to act like every typical female and start a diet. Seriously, my weight is getting out of control. I'm a fatty fatterton. I think its stress doing it to me, but my fat ass needs to get to the gym and outside running. I'm trying to do all home bound meals and trying to remain basically healthy, but I am a snacker. I lost 70lbs before, you would think I can loose 30lbs with no problems. Sigh, here I go again.
I took Buck with me to the store last night to get dog food. He is such a ham! He "sweet talks" the clerks. He'll walk around to them behind the register and then sit down next to them and give them his sad puppy dog eyes. They quickly fall in love and then give him massive amounts of treats. He tries it at the vets office, but they have no treats so he is always a little let down. My stupid stupid dog.
In other news, I am going to act like every typical female and start a diet. Seriously, my weight is getting out of control. I'm a fatty fatterton. I think its stress doing it to me, but my fat ass needs to get to the gym and outside running. I'm trying to do all home bound meals and trying to remain basically healthy, but I am a snacker. I lost 70lbs before, you would think I can loose 30lbs with no problems. Sigh, here I go again.
I took Buck with me to the store last night to get dog food. He is such a ham! He "sweet talks" the clerks. He'll walk around to them behind the register and then sit down next to them and give them his sad puppy dog eyes. They quickly fall in love and then give him massive amounts of treats. He tries it at the vets office, but they have no treats so he is always a little let down. My stupid stupid dog.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Swelling? What swelling?
Yesterday I show up to to the barn duties. I first went to feed the dogs and cats. There is supposed to be 3 cats and I could only find 2. I looked everywhere for the third one and the only thing I can assume is that she went out the doggie door, couldn't figure out how to get back in, and then was scared of all the commotion.
Dodge is toooooooooo cute! I wish I had gotten video. I had gotten out the old mans beet pulp mash and his grain and set it out on the ground. Then got the other horses tiny amount of grain and medicine mixed together and wanted the horses to come in to get them fed. (only the ones that actually eat grain) I had taken the bucket with the medicine and grain in it and was shaking it in the field. Dodge was the only one to come barreling towards me.
She waited patiently for me to scoop out her grain and pellets (trying to get rid of them). I had Joe handle her to which he did very well. Dodge was so excited to eat, she acted like she's been eating nothing for days. Silly horse. Joe commented that she looks like she is gaining weight! Her hips really are starting to fill out some. I'll get some pictures up tonight or Monday (since I'm working all weekend) of her confirmation now that she's been eating grass for two weeks.
Oh and the swollen leg thing, I didn't even have to wrap it! The swelling is almost completely gone. I was shocked, as it had stayed stagnant for days and then boom its gone. Not sure what happened there but I am so happy. I guess I need to call the vet and let her know whats going on so that she isn't worried either. The vet was planning to come out today to look at her leg since we were both kinda sure it wasn't going to go back down. She had suggested wrapping it until she could make it out, but I didn't have to!
Now if I could get the saddle thing figured out I am going to be good to go! I also wormed Dodge yesterday, well tried to. I did it without a halter on her and she spit most of it out. Oh Dodge. I need to get the Quest Plus and give that to her, as it will keep her good to go for a bit. (until her next worming)
Today is feeding them all againa nd then giving Dodge a groom. She rolled in the mud from the rain and is covered. I'd also like to get all the horse's hooves picked out since they all have mud in them. Maybe I can get Joe to help, he needs to learn anyway. I could have him do Dodge since she is my horse and the calmest of the bunch. Well actually there is calmer but there is liability with him touching the other horses if one kicks him in the head. Liability for me too, but I am willing to take that risk.
Oh and the internet is a glorious thing. I'm kinda happy that one saddle from Ebay didn't work out. I have learned more about saddles in the past week than I think I ever wanted to know. :)
Dodge is toooooooooo cute! I wish I had gotten video. I had gotten out the old mans beet pulp mash and his grain and set it out on the ground. Then got the other horses tiny amount of grain and medicine mixed together and wanted the horses to come in to get them fed. (only the ones that actually eat grain) I had taken the bucket with the medicine and grain in it and was shaking it in the field. Dodge was the only one to come barreling towards me.
She waited patiently for me to scoop out her grain and pellets (trying to get rid of them). I had Joe handle her to which he did very well. Dodge was so excited to eat, she acted like she's been eating nothing for days. Silly horse. Joe commented that she looks like she is gaining weight! Her hips really are starting to fill out some. I'll get some pictures up tonight or Monday (since I'm working all weekend) of her confirmation now that she's been eating grass for two weeks.
Oh and the swollen leg thing, I didn't even have to wrap it! The swelling is almost completely gone. I was shocked, as it had stayed stagnant for days and then boom its gone. Not sure what happened there but I am so happy. I guess I need to call the vet and let her know whats going on so that she isn't worried either. The vet was planning to come out today to look at her leg since we were both kinda sure it wasn't going to go back down. She had suggested wrapping it until she could make it out, but I didn't have to!
Now if I could get the saddle thing figured out I am going to be good to go! I also wormed Dodge yesterday, well tried to. I did it without a halter on her and she spit most of it out. Oh Dodge. I need to get the Quest Plus and give that to her, as it will keep her good to go for a bit. (until her next worming)
Today is feeding them all againa nd then giving Dodge a groom. She rolled in the mud from the rain and is covered. I'd also like to get all the horse's hooves picked out since they all have mud in them. Maybe I can get Joe to help, he needs to learn anyway. I could have him do Dodge since she is my horse and the calmest of the bunch. Well actually there is calmer but there is liability with him touching the other horses if one kicks him in the head. Liability for me too, but I am willing to take that risk.
Oh and the internet is a glorious thing. I'm kinda happy that one saddle from Ebay didn't work out. I have learned more about saddles in the past week than I think I ever wanted to know. :)
Sunday, July 19, 2009
I gave her a bath and took no pics...
I'm a horrible mother... Today I decided was the day to give Dodge a bath. If you can recall, I was going to do it on Monday last week after her move to make her all fresh and new. That didn't quite work out because Dodge was playing keep away last week and so it turned into a catching lesson more than a bath.
Today Dodge was perfect. I walked right up to her, put the halter on her, and walked her into the wash area. I gave her a scoop of grain for being so good and then a scoop of hay pellets. (which she doesn't need anymore, but I had a extra bag..) I waited for her to finish and then started to pick out her hooves. She still has a touch of thrush in two of her hooves but nothing like before. They are staying dry now, which is absolutely perfect. It is exactly what she needed on those things.
I then wet her down from feet to neck. No head, but we're working on that. She is a little head shy. I then shampoo'd her and another rinse. Then did her mane and tail.. the longest part of the whole thing. That is a shampoo and condition... I had never done that before so it took a bit but I got it done. Another rinse and she was good to go! I gave her about a half scoop of grain for that because she was such a good girl. Then unhaltered her and let her go.
The only thing that really bothers me is her left hind leg if your facing her is swollen. Both hinds were swollen for a few days but one of them has gone down completely. Now it's just that one leg. It doesn't feel hot, I can't find a wound other than an old one, and she is bearing weight on it. I watched her for a bit seeing if she favors it, but does not appear to. She treats it like normal. I may lunge her on Tuesday just a tad to see how her movement is. If she is limping it may be time to get Dr. Richardson out there. Although, she does walk just fine.
When bathing I felt the entire leg, looking for something. Poking, prodding, and massaging the leg but nothing. A few days ago she acted like it hurt but today she really didn't care. Maybe it's healing? Whatever it is?
Oh and I'm having an issue with my ebay buy... I swore I would have this think by Thurs or Fri this week... oh no...... its not here. The seller won't answer my emails and I sent her almost 300 bucks! I have filed a complaint with PayPal and the seller has until next Sunday to respond. If she does not respond Paypal refunds my money. If the item was shipped but lets say the seller just sucks at communication I can cancel the request. Although, now I think I want a synthetic saddle. Big Horn, Abbeta, or Wintec (in that order) is what I'm thinking about. So if this saddle does show from the Ebay, then I may turn around and sell it to get a synthetic.
Who knows what I'm going to do...
Today Dodge was perfect. I walked right up to her, put the halter on her, and walked her into the wash area. I gave her a scoop of grain for being so good and then a scoop of hay pellets. (which she doesn't need anymore, but I had a extra bag..) I waited for her to finish and then started to pick out her hooves. She still has a touch of thrush in two of her hooves but nothing like before. They are staying dry now, which is absolutely perfect. It is exactly what she needed on those things.
I then wet her down from feet to neck. No head, but we're working on that. She is a little head shy. I then shampoo'd her and another rinse. Then did her mane and tail.. the longest part of the whole thing. That is a shampoo and condition... I had never done that before so it took a bit but I got it done. Another rinse and she was good to go! I gave her about a half scoop of grain for that because she was such a good girl. Then unhaltered her and let her go.
The only thing that really bothers me is her left hind leg if your facing her is swollen. Both hinds were swollen for a few days but one of them has gone down completely. Now it's just that one leg. It doesn't feel hot, I can't find a wound other than an old one, and she is bearing weight on it. I watched her for a bit seeing if she favors it, but does not appear to. She treats it like normal. I may lunge her on Tuesday just a tad to see how her movement is. If she is limping it may be time to get Dr. Richardson out there. Although, she does walk just fine.
When bathing I felt the entire leg, looking for something. Poking, prodding, and massaging the leg but nothing. A few days ago she acted like it hurt but today she really didn't care. Maybe it's healing? Whatever it is?
Oh and I'm having an issue with my ebay buy... I swore I would have this think by Thurs or Fri this week... oh no...... its not here. The seller won't answer my emails and I sent her almost 300 bucks! I have filed a complaint with PayPal and the seller has until next Sunday to respond. If she does not respond Paypal refunds my money. If the item was shipped but lets say the seller just sucks at communication I can cancel the request. Although, now I think I want a synthetic saddle. Big Horn, Abbeta, or Wintec (in that order) is what I'm thinking about. So if this saddle does show from the Ebay, then I may turn around and sell it to get a synthetic.
Who knows what I'm going to do...
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Friday, July 17, 2009
Pictures everywhere!!!!!
Why am I wearing this? Is this a joke?
Really? A pirate? This is so unbecoming..
Meet my friends... Me, Abbey (chestnut) and Dixie (black)
I love Pasture!!!!!!!
See how delicious this is!
I love running around!
Do not approve
Rollin in the flymasks...
Ok, so like I promised, new pictures of Dodge! And there is alot of them!
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
A Dodge update!
So I went back out there on Sunday, a little later in the day. Dodge was in the herd. Looks like she had picked out her pecking order and is now in right with them. I am so relieved at that. I really am. I was afraid it would take her days to become friends with everybody.
In her moving into the herd, she got the shit kicked out of her. Put a big old gash on her hind leg. The barn owner went ahead and dressed it then wrapped it for me. How nice of her! She also washed her off and brushed the mats out of her hair! I was totally not expecting any of that!
Yesterday when I showed up the B.O. had said there was some issues with my horse. Which of course makes my heart just drop because I really do love this place. The B.O said she was being hard to catch and has bonded really strongly to another horse. The horse she has bonded to is moving in about 3 weeks and the B.O. is afraid that it's going to mess my horse up when she leaves. Dodge will get over it. Dodge is also playing games.
I was kinda pissed because the barn owner said she used the stud chain on her as a stud chain yesterday when Dodge was being hard to control. I do actually have a chained lead rope. The only reason I got it is because it was how the old owner controlled her and I wasn't sure about Dodge in the begining. I then found out Dodge doesn't require the chain so quit using it. Dodge is actually really afraid of it, among other things.
I let the BO know this info to which she didn't seem suprised. She said Dodge FREAKED when she was popped with the chain. I kindly asked her to not use the chain on her ever again and that I figured out a way to not use it and she probably could too. Dodge is an interesting horse. Hehe. I may get another lead rope and swap them so there is no stud chain at the barn. I don't really want Dodge to be scared of anything.
So I wanted to give her a bath yesterday but it actually turned into a catching session more than a bath session. When I walked out Dodge she ran from me. It turned into a cat and mouse game. I stayed super calm and just walked behind Dodge following her. Eventually she quit running from me, let me halter her, and then let me lead her. To which I just let her to a fence post, tied her, checked her hooves, walked her back to the herd, and then let her go. I wanted her to see that it's not bad being caught and I am not going to give up.
I sat on a log for about 5 minutes watching Dodge and then went to just go pet her. She ran and once again we're walking around. Eventually she calmed down and this time I only pet her and then I walked away from her. Rinse repeat. Eventually I rehaltered her and walked her down to the wash area. I put her in the wash pen and she was freaked out. I calmly ignored this and just brushed her. I then opened the gate, unhaltered her, and made her come out when I said she could.
Then we went over our touching game again. Where I wait a little bit and then walk back up to her just to pet her. The BO at this point had come back around and was amazed. She is not a stupid lady, she just has a different approach to horses than I do. That may be just because I've worked with Dodge alone for so long that I have a totally different approach to her than most other horse people have to their horses. Who knows. I don't want my horse to fear the BO and so we slowly worked the BO over to Dodge. While I was petting Dodge the BO came over and started petting her as well.
The whole evening went over very well. I'm going to go back out on Thursday for a repeat lesson. I'd go tonight but I think my husband would kill me. I am so happy I chose this place for Dodge. It's a much more natural horse setting than stalls and a little turn out. It's allowing Dodge to just be a horse with a herd of horse buddies.
Her hooves are also looking great! Their staying dry which is a big thing for me, it means that thrush will finally clear up. I would have picked them out yesterday but well, you read the post. Her wound from Sunday is doing well enough there is no bandage on it! Her rear legs are a little swollen but both have injuries to them from horse fights. They aren't warm though and the BO has been watching them closely. As long as Dodge isn't limping I'm happy.
Ok and onto funner stuff! I got her a new fly mask that should be in this week or early next week. The BO gave me a loaner to use until mine gets her. Mine is a PIRATE fly mask! I was going to post pictures today but have decided to wait until the pirate gets here. If she loses this mask she is getting cheapies from here on out. Though, for her first one, it has to be something funny!
I'm trying to decide the headstall issue. Do I want a bitless or do I want a bit? I' m totally on the fence about it. What I may do is go ahead and get her a snaffle bit on a cheapie nylon headstall. Then buy a nylon bitless and see which one she likes better and listens to the best. Then get the leather option in whichever works. This may be the smartest idea.
I'm also looking for pads. I want to spend some money here as I feel this is one of the most important peices of equipment. She is old and I want her to be comfortable if I'll be riding her old butt. Oh well, I seem to have typed a novel! Pics to come when the pirate comes in!
In her moving into the herd, she got the shit kicked out of her. Put a big old gash on her hind leg. The barn owner went ahead and dressed it then wrapped it for me. How nice of her! She also washed her off and brushed the mats out of her hair! I was totally not expecting any of that!
Yesterday when I showed up the B.O. had said there was some issues with my horse. Which of course makes my heart just drop because I really do love this place. The B.O said she was being hard to catch and has bonded really strongly to another horse. The horse she has bonded to is moving in about 3 weeks and the B.O. is afraid that it's going to mess my horse up when she leaves. Dodge will get over it. Dodge is also playing games.
I was kinda pissed because the barn owner said she used the stud chain on her as a stud chain yesterday when Dodge was being hard to control. I do actually have a chained lead rope. The only reason I got it is because it was how the old owner controlled her and I wasn't sure about Dodge in the begining. I then found out Dodge doesn't require the chain so quit using it. Dodge is actually really afraid of it, among other things.
I let the BO know this info to which she didn't seem suprised. She said Dodge FREAKED when she was popped with the chain. I kindly asked her to not use the chain on her ever again and that I figured out a way to not use it and she probably could too. Dodge is an interesting horse. Hehe. I may get another lead rope and swap them so there is no stud chain at the barn. I don't really want Dodge to be scared of anything.
So I wanted to give her a bath yesterday but it actually turned into a catching session more than a bath session. When I walked out Dodge she ran from me. It turned into a cat and mouse game. I stayed super calm and just walked behind Dodge following her. Eventually she quit running from me, let me halter her, and then let me lead her. To which I just let her to a fence post, tied her, checked her hooves, walked her back to the herd, and then let her go. I wanted her to see that it's not bad being caught and I am not going to give up.
I sat on a log for about 5 minutes watching Dodge and then went to just go pet her. She ran and once again we're walking around. Eventually she calmed down and this time I only pet her and then I walked away from her. Rinse repeat. Eventually I rehaltered her and walked her down to the wash area. I put her in the wash pen and she was freaked out. I calmly ignored this and just brushed her. I then opened the gate, unhaltered her, and made her come out when I said she could.
Then we went over our touching game again. Where I wait a little bit and then walk back up to her just to pet her. The BO at this point had come back around and was amazed. She is not a stupid lady, she just has a different approach to horses than I do. That may be just because I've worked with Dodge alone for so long that I have a totally different approach to her than most other horse people have to their horses. Who knows. I don't want my horse to fear the BO and so we slowly worked the BO over to Dodge. While I was petting Dodge the BO came over and started petting her as well.
The whole evening went over very well. I'm going to go back out on Thursday for a repeat lesson. I'd go tonight but I think my husband would kill me. I am so happy I chose this place for Dodge. It's a much more natural horse setting than stalls and a little turn out. It's allowing Dodge to just be a horse with a herd of horse buddies.
Her hooves are also looking great! Their staying dry which is a big thing for me, it means that thrush will finally clear up. I would have picked them out yesterday but well, you read the post. Her wound from Sunday is doing well enough there is no bandage on it! Her rear legs are a little swollen but both have injuries to them from horse fights. They aren't warm though and the BO has been watching them closely. As long as Dodge isn't limping I'm happy.
Ok and onto funner stuff! I got her a new fly mask that should be in this week or early next week. The BO gave me a loaner to use until mine gets her. Mine is a PIRATE fly mask! I was going to post pictures today but have decided to wait until the pirate gets here. If she loses this mask she is getting cheapies from here on out. Though, for her first one, it has to be something funny!
I'm trying to decide the headstall issue. Do I want a bitless or do I want a bit? I' m totally on the fence about it. What I may do is go ahead and get her a snaffle bit on a cheapie nylon headstall. Then buy a nylon bitless and see which one she likes better and listens to the best. Then get the leather option in whichever works. This may be the smartest idea.
I'm also looking for pads. I want to spend some money here as I feel this is one of the most important peices of equipment. She is old and I want her to be comfortable if I'll be riding her old butt. Oh well, I seem to have typed a novel! Pics to come when the pirate comes in!
Sunday, July 12, 2009
She is in a new home!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Got out there at 9am this morning to somewhat clean her up and get her ready for the move. I got one big mat out of her mane and will work more of them out tomm when I go. At 10am we headed to the trainers and we then went back down to the old home of Dodge's to move her. She loaded just fine, not a single head toss or anything.
Got her to the new stable without a problem. All the other horses ran up the fence to say hello. Dodge really didn't care and the second she was off the leadrope she took off to be by herself. I hope that she becomes friends with them and that all that time spent alone hasn't made her super anti-social.
Oh well I'll post more when I have more time!
Got her to the new stable without a problem. All the other horses ran up the fence to say hello. Dodge really didn't care and the second she was off the leadrope she took off to be by herself. I hope that she becomes friends with them and that all that time spent alone hasn't made her super anti-social.
Oh well I'll post more when I have more time!
Friday, July 10, 2009
First Ride with a Saddle!!!! And a mane clip
Yesterday I was going to saddle and ride her. It was destined to be a short one that turned into some lessons that she needed to be reminded of. First off there wasn't a way in hell I was going to hop on her without lunging her first. I mean that is asking for suicide. It really is. So lunging we go! Went fine until I asked her to change positions...... she then flipped out and bolted! I had two options, let my hands get ripped by the lunge line or let go. I let go. I should really start using gloves.
So I let her run off and then followed right behind her, picked up the lunge line, and made her work harder for that. Uh uh, you ain't getting one up on me to get what you want. I made her work the way she absolutely hates and made her do more canter work. It was a short session, maybe 5 minutes, I know it sounds soooo long when I type it out. I just wanted her to know that that shit doesn't fly with me. At all.
I then walked her out a little since she was breathing hard and tied her up for saddleing. I hate the tack she is using but I digress. I started to cinch her up and upon tightening she bit me!!! That bitch! I didn't even have to hit her, she immediatly recoiled when I yelled at her and shouted NO. It's like she was only doing it to see what she could get away with, knowing I was going to be super pissed or I would take it. Hell no I ain't gonna take that! The rest of saddeling went iwthout a hitch.
I then lunged her again with the full package on becuse I wanted to see if she was going to have saddle issues. I didn't want to hop on her and have her pissed because something was hurting her when I was already on. Everything went fine and to hop on I go! She was a dream! I am so happy I have her!
So Sunday is her move! I'm so flipping excited! Tomorrow morning I am going out to give her a full groom complete with a bath. I gave her a semi bridle clip yesterday and I will finish it tomm. I'm also going to work the mats out of her hair. I want her to be pretty for the move. I had to cut one mat out yesterday though. She is going to look stupid for a bit, but that mat was a dreadlock. It was not coming out. The rest of them I'm fairly certain that some shampoo, baby oil, and a comb will be able to free them.
So now I'm looking at saddles. I'm looking at something cheap for one year and then after that get something really nice, but start out I want it to be something I won't cry too hard over if it goes away. So this is what I'm thinking of buying
http://www.saddleonline.com/Western-Saddles-Pleasure/Trail-Saddles/c2_23/p4661/Comfortable-Western-Pleasure-Trail-Horse-Saddle-15-16-17-18/product_info.html
I would still need to get a bit, pad, and girth, but I am 100% certain I am going to order that set next week after I get paid. A few more items and I'll be set to ride! I really am not 100% interested in riding her till fall when the heat quits, so she may be "safe" until then.
And I'm also a bad horse mom.... I got no pics of her or me yesterday..... shame on me!
So I let her run off and then followed right behind her, picked up the lunge line, and made her work harder for that. Uh uh, you ain't getting one up on me to get what you want. I made her work the way she absolutely hates and made her do more canter work. It was a short session, maybe 5 minutes, I know it sounds soooo long when I type it out. I just wanted her to know that that shit doesn't fly with me. At all.
I then walked her out a little since she was breathing hard and tied her up for saddleing. I hate the tack she is using but I digress. I started to cinch her up and upon tightening she bit me!!! That bitch! I didn't even have to hit her, she immediatly recoiled when I yelled at her and shouted NO. It's like she was only doing it to see what she could get away with, knowing I was going to be super pissed or I would take it. Hell no I ain't gonna take that! The rest of saddeling went iwthout a hitch.
I then lunged her again with the full package on becuse I wanted to see if she was going to have saddle issues. I didn't want to hop on her and have her pissed because something was hurting her when I was already on. Everything went fine and to hop on I go! She was a dream! I am so happy I have her!
So Sunday is her move! I'm so flipping excited! Tomorrow morning I am going out to give her a full groom complete with a bath. I gave her a semi bridle clip yesterday and I will finish it tomm. I'm also going to work the mats out of her hair. I want her to be pretty for the move. I had to cut one mat out yesterday though. She is going to look stupid for a bit, but that mat was a dreadlock. It was not coming out. The rest of them I'm fairly certain that some shampoo, baby oil, and a comb will be able to free them.
So now I'm looking at saddles. I'm looking at something cheap for one year and then after that get something really nice, but start out I want it to be something I won't cry too hard over if it goes away. So this is what I'm thinking of buying
http://www.saddleonline.com/Western-Saddles-Pleasure/Trail-Saddles/c2_23/p4661/Comfortable-Western-Pleasure-Trail-Horse-Saddle-15-16-17-18/product_info.html
I would still need to get a bit, pad, and girth, but I am 100% certain I am going to order that set next week after I get paid. A few more items and I'll be set to ride! I really am not 100% interested in riding her till fall when the heat quits, so she may be "safe" until then.
And I'm also a bad horse mom.... I got no pics of her or me yesterday..... shame on me!
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
So the farrier came out again yesterday. I'm going to be sad to lose him but his area does not include Shelby County. :( Her hoove's look amazing! I am going to ride her tomorrow. Like ride ride. She is ready. While she still needs about 100lbs, she is definately to the point where I can hop on and take a go. Nothing strenuous, I don't want to hurt her. But I do want to see what she can do. I wish I had a bitless bridle and I am pretty sure that will be the direction I take with her later on.
I've found a saddle I like that is used and I will probably buy it next week. So that part is down. I will take pics tomm of the riding for all to see and ga ga over. Joe will be there so he will be my camera man.
Let's see nothing else really. Oh! Want some pictures?
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Neglect
No, not animal neglect you silly people! Blog neglect! It's been horrid! I've been busy! And I don't have a single picture to show for it!!!!
Lets run down a list of stuff I've got going on.....
Buck:
He is the wonder dog. I mean really. How a 3 year old mutt gets so many issues while our 13 year old hasn't been to the vet at all outside of yearly shots is beyond me. So, Buck had this spot on the side of his face which I assumed was a hot spot. Mkay. I was going to shave it and then put cortisone cream on it. Buck would not let me shave it at all. So all I could do was wash it really well and then put the cream on it. 4 days later it wasn't any better and was actually getting worse.
The the vet! The vet told me he would like to put him to sleep, shave his whole head, work the infection out, and then give him back. But since I took Buck in on Friday and the vet wouldn't be back till Tuesday (holiday), we would take a different approach....
2 BIG shots of cortisone, 1 package of prednisone, and 1 package of antibiotics to fight the infection later, Bucks head is FINALLY looking better. He's on the medicine for another week and I will have to say he doesn't look like a zombie anymore. The peeling flesh has stopped. The doctor said it looked like a bug bite gone horribly wrong. Oh Buck.
Poison Ivy:
Joe and I both have a case of the ivy..... and it itches.... holy shit. His is much worse than mine, covering almost every limb, ok every limb. He doesn't have that many you know. I woke up last night in an itching fit. Sigh. My problem is I will itch it till I bleed.......
Dodge:
My sweet sweet Dodge. I think, no I know, she is going to be moved on Saturday. It is my only day off and so that is move day for her. I've already let the boarding stable know and I am so relieved to move her! The farrier is going to come out today to give her her final trim before she is moved.
I need to get her one more bath and either completely do a short clip on her mane or try to work the gross out. I think I'm just going to do a short clip. Her mane is soooooo matted. I mean, I tried to pick at it yesterday, but gave up. She almost has dreadlocks it's so bad.
I got her a new halter and also a lunge line since I won't be taking the old owners with me. I need to get a lunge whip as well. I guess soon I'll be looking at ebay for saddles and saddle pads. I was checking CraigsList the other day and will continue to do that. I think i will try her in a bitless bridle as well until I can get her teeth done and in good order.
I like bitless bridles anyway and from what I've seen of them in use, they are similar in reactions to a bitted one. I can't believe I am going to ride her! Probably not until fall though... I want her to fatten up on pasture and then worked alot on the lunge to listening before I try to ride. EEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!
Lets run down a list of stuff I've got going on.....
Buck:
He is the wonder dog. I mean really. How a 3 year old mutt gets so many issues while our 13 year old hasn't been to the vet at all outside of yearly shots is beyond me. So, Buck had this spot on the side of his face which I assumed was a hot spot. Mkay. I was going to shave it and then put cortisone cream on it. Buck would not let me shave it at all. So all I could do was wash it really well and then put the cream on it. 4 days later it wasn't any better and was actually getting worse.
The the vet! The vet told me he would like to put him to sleep, shave his whole head, work the infection out, and then give him back. But since I took Buck in on Friday and the vet wouldn't be back till Tuesday (holiday), we would take a different approach....
2 BIG shots of cortisone, 1 package of prednisone, and 1 package of antibiotics to fight the infection later, Bucks head is FINALLY looking better. He's on the medicine for another week and I will have to say he doesn't look like a zombie anymore. The peeling flesh has stopped. The doctor said it looked like a bug bite gone horribly wrong. Oh Buck.
Poison Ivy:
Joe and I both have a case of the ivy..... and it itches.... holy shit. His is much worse than mine, covering almost every limb, ok every limb. He doesn't have that many you know. I woke up last night in an itching fit. Sigh. My problem is I will itch it till I bleed.......
Dodge:
My sweet sweet Dodge. I think, no I know, she is going to be moved on Saturday. It is my only day off and so that is move day for her. I've already let the boarding stable know and I am so relieved to move her! The farrier is going to come out today to give her her final trim before she is moved.
I need to get her one more bath and either completely do a short clip on her mane or try to work the gross out. I think I'm just going to do a short clip. Her mane is soooooo matted. I mean, I tried to pick at it yesterday, but gave up. She almost has dreadlocks it's so bad.
I got her a new halter and also a lunge line since I won't be taking the old owners with me. I need to get a lunge whip as well. I guess soon I'll be looking at ebay for saddles and saddle pads. I was checking CraigsList the other day and will continue to do that. I think i will try her in a bitless bridle as well until I can get her teeth done and in good order.
I like bitless bridles anyway and from what I've seen of them in use, they are similar in reactions to a bitted one. I can't believe I am going to ride her! Probably not until fall though... I want her to fatten up on pasture and then worked alot on the lunge to listening before I try to ride. EEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!
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