Puffy The Majik Pinto Pony

[pintopiaffe]

This isn't a horse training post... but rather a rider rant.  It's relevant, in the grand scheme of things.

I am absolutely horrified to find I have gained 10lbs.    In fact, the last 2 weeks have been on a slightly different diet per my Dr.  Still fairly low carb, but lots of fruit and some whole grain.  

I want to crawl into a hole.  I guess I have to start working out again, which I have neither the time nor energy for ATM.  I don't know if I have to go back to Atkins, which has made me really sick the last few times I've tried... or what.   I usually don't have to work out too much in winter, with lugging buckets, the cold etc.   Guess the old airwalker gets to be dusted off.  

But as far as what I put in my mouth, I'm just lost.     I FEEL great.  No night sweats.  Sleeping well.  Getting up refreshed without wanting a nap.  I FEEL terrific.  Better than I have in a while.  So why the gain?  

Weather's not cooperating.  Snow today, can't ride.  Tomorrow will bring Kat to the vet at 1300 hoping the roads cooperate.  

BLEH.

<now back to your regularly scheduled threads...  <_<   >

[pintopiaffe]

an emotionally fulfilling but completely useless 10 minutes tonight.  

 <_<

Not enough snow.  I can't believe I'm saying it, but we didn't get *enough* snow.  Just enough to HIDE the bad spots.

I hopped on bareback, at dusk... but it was just too slick.  At one point he hit an ice slick and almost went down!  :blink:   Poor boy.  

So we walked up and down the hill a handful of times and called it good.

Was still WUNNERFUL to commune with my fuzzy, fluffy warm pony.  But I really don't think 10 minutes is worth anything in the grand scheme of training.

Not sure if I'll ride on the road tomorrow or try some in-hand work.  Going to try the top arena, since it wasn't icy at all.  We'll see.

On the bright side, in just a few days, January will be half over.  Which means only six more weeks of really awful winter.  It's flying by this year so far... knocking wood furiously... hoping to start trailering in next week for a once-a-week-school in an indoor.  

[pintopiaffe]

some days you do it because you *have* to...

As it is clear and sunny, (though a mere 20 degrees with windchills in the low teens) I decided we'd go the 5 mile loop.  Mind you, I didn't entirely *want* to, but my other option was the short road ride, which really doesn't have much conditioning value these days, then a half-hour on the air-walker.

So, we went left.

Himself was wiggly and on his tippytoes almost the entire time.  Apparantly everything looks entirely different in THAT direction with snow.  (it's fine if we go right... ) Granted, it's been a long while since we took that loop.  I seem to recall only having done it once since my pavement-testing in the early summer.  So, OK, I'll grant him that.

It is EXHAUSTING to ride a wiggleworm on his tippytoes.  There were times I couldn't decide if he was legitimately scared, or just not paying attention.  He'll drift over to the ditch, and a couple of times I decided to see just where he'd go... once we ended up in a snowbank, the other time I chickened out because he was going to head right down the bank.  I've no idea what he's thinking when he does that!

My toes got quite cold and began to hurt in earnest.  To give an idea, it took an hour and a half to do the 5 miles.  We can do 8 miles in just over 2 hours--which means adding the actual 3 mile LOOP 2x.  Talk about pokey.  

I began to wonder a bit about his eyesight.  He was shying at the white lines in the road where the snow filled in the cracks in the pavement... but only when we went into shadow.  Granted, the snow and shadow are dramatic differences... but... I'll get the vet to really check his eyes next time he sees  him.    

He spooked dramatically at a poor guy coming out of his house.  Imagine that.  A person in a house.   :blink:   Oh, and Ducks.  There were Ducks playing in a big ditch of water... He hasn't ever SEEN ducks that I know of, that one was definitely legitimate.  Got a sugarcube for being brave and scooting past them.   We'll have to revisit them when I can dismount and lead him up.  I was afraid my feet would shatter if I tried to dismount onto the pavement right there.  

He cut himself on his RF.  I'm sure he caught himself with his hind foot.  Before he got chronic scratches, he ALWAYS wore bellboots when riding for just that reason.  Now I'll have to keep right on top of it so it doesn't become scratches.  I feel bad--if he got any salt in it it must've really stung.   :ouch:  Just a small nick... but :(

On the bright side, I did walk a mile.  A brisk one.  It was COLD.  And he was a perfect gentleman in hand that last mile.  We've had *discussions* about that before.    And the work was obviously good for him.  There are good hills, and he was puffing a bit even at the walk on them.  

I'd much rather go for a nap right now than go to work though... <shrugs>  

I feel guilty for whining about riding.  I know I am blessed to GET to ride.  Both of us sound at the same time.  But some days it's just more work than others I guess.  

[pintopiaffe]

A very wonderful quiet ride today!

It was snowing... fairly steady, 'snowglobe' snow.  Little wind.  Himself had been in for his grain & supps, so his back was still dry.  I bundled up and off we went.

He carried the double--though I didn't have the curb for the weymouth.  I tied it up anyway, so no big deal.  The idea is to just get used to wearing it over the winter.

He loves it.  Almost as much as the pelham.  Used the HS Leine again, and resigned to the fact I'll have to shell out the $$ for a real bradoon tonight, because he goes really well in it, and it fits well even with the curb chain.  (which for some reason teh bauchers don't)

Very soft, suppling lateral work.  I didn't really press for tempo or any kind of 'forward' because the footing isn't quite enough snow--he'd hit a slick spot here or there.  I think you really have to be careful when working them in the snow that they are really through and not worried about where their feet are.  We've already established he doesn't worry abou where he's PUTTING them one bit, but he's very sensitive to footing...

Worked some SI--fresh snow is wonderful for checking 3 tracks!  HI.. voltes & demi-voltes... then into HP.   HP in both directions.  Much, MUCH better.  I don't know why it's such a brain block for me.  I wonder if it would be on a bigger horse, or one more normally coupled... It's getting there though.  Now we're getting it most of the time and just having to correct it, rather than struggling to GET it.  I'm hoping when we are able to trot and canter it's easier...

Only 25 minutes or so, and just walking, but it felt very productive.  Lovely.  I love the hush of snow.  It's very insular too, and you feel like you and the horse and the work are the only thing in the universe.  Like riding in fog.  (only colder    )

[pintopiaffe]

Day off yesterday and horrible migraine.    Still lingering today, but it was very, very mild out, and sunny, so I *had* to do something.

25 minutes of good walk work.  Still not enough snow for trotting or cantering.  But lots of good walk work.  

Wore the NS CC baucher.  He chews voluntarily and spontaneously... though certainly not to excess or in ANY way in nervousness.  Just a lovely soft occasional chew, which is SO an improvement for him!  

I'm exhausted, and would rather not, but I'm going to try to trailer into the indoor either tomorrow or Friday.

[pintopiaffe]

well, I just sucked it up and bought a dewsbury link bradoon.  He really likes the KK as a bradoon, but the Dewsbury is the same metal~I think the KK is *similar* enough I haven't been 'zapping' him while using it... but after waffling between getting a KK bradoon--same mouthpiece but smaller rings... or the Dewsbury link... well... found a dewsbury link on sale.

Now I'm just hoping it's the right size.  They are marked funny for the size.  Worst case scenario I'll ebay it and make back my money.  But I'm hoping it's the right size.   The KK measures either 5 or 5.5 depending on how you measure.   :blink:

I also booked the indoor arena for Friday.  Will be his first ride at an indoor other than my teacher's.  Will be interesting.  I cannot WAIT to trot and canter! Hopefully he's not too wound in the new environment.

But LORD, my bridle doesn't match.   <_<  :P  

[pintopiaffe]

Over 40 degrees today.  Global warming I guess.    

Pasture/riding areas were too slick.  So we went on the short road trip.

45 minutes, decent hills.  He was good... if a bit dull to head out.  It's so much WORK to push on a reluctant, wiggle-worm.  

Of course, I was crooked all the way out.  Halfway through dismounted and sure enough the saddle was crooked again.  Fixed it, and things were much better.  

I'm betting he'll have tomorrow off... forecast is for rain and more rain.  

Friday we go to the indoor.  

[Torsornin]

Just read your posts Luffly keep them coming... Glad you found a bit that your fuzzball likes (I want to wool him he's so cute!) Wish I could find a bit Dan likes *sigh* The weather here hasnt been conducive for riding...Mud mud mud...Funny I dont mind the rain, but I *HATE* The mud that it brings.

I feel for those xtra 10lbs...I feel like a fat cow right now and have been faffing about avoiding working out and eating right :( I just gotta do it...Lets be a support group lol.

What type of work do you do? Your odd shifts etc reminds me of nursing, Which is what I do...I mean don't they know that your HORSES are more important and that you have to get up and RIDE and stuff, and that that ALWAYS comes first...Puh on the bills

[pintopiaffe]

Holy COW it was warm today.  Like, *scary* warm.  Like, late April warm.   I wasted FAR too much time hemming and hawing about what Himself should WEAR for a blanket--there's still some water on the road so he needed waterproof but more than a sheet because it's still winter and the wind is cold and I don't want his back chilled but his real waterproof sheet is too heavy for the weather...  

At the last minute I remembered his BMB blanket he arrived in.  A heavy sheet really, not sure if there's any actual insulation.  Best of all--it's purple.  B)   (it actually started me on the whole kick--he arrived in it because it's all his owner had to send with him from the very temperate Texarkansas when he made the trip to ever-so-chilly Maine in November--but looked very 'royal'... hence the fetish began!  It's ALL Gayle's fault!)

I did up his polos here, (purple, of course) put the shipping boots over.  I actually did it because I expected to be tacking up in their 'prep room', but they are like wash stalls, only set apart from the other barns in a breezeway between barns, and they have solid walls; so I suspected Himself would really be worried and a PITA to wrap.  Was  good choice--as we ended up tacking up *in* the trailer.  The whole front parking lot was quite literally a skating rink.  Several inches of solid ice.   Parked on the (clear) paved driveway, tacked up in the trailer and snuck around to a side door to bring him in.

He was very 'looky' at everything, he's not a very brave soul at first glance.  Stepped on my foot on the way in when he had to spook at a *tack truck*.   :ouch:  

Into the indoor... there was a horse-eating blue barrel, jump standards that must've been cougars in a previous life, and OBVIOUSLY trolls in the one corner.  BUT, I have to say, other than looking and snorting, he was a gem.  Truly.  I hand walked him around... thought I heard someone with the four-wheeler ATV they use for chores spinning the tires--realized it was the snow/ice sliding off the metal roof.  Bless him, Majikjaz didn't blink an eyelash at THAT.  Nope.  The trotting poles were much scarier.  That, and the PERSON throwing HAY BALES!  

He worked really, really well early.  VERY even, HUUUUUGE trot.  Immediately stretching round into contact.  (he wore the double, after much debate.  I wanted the enticement of the curb if needed, rather than waste the whole hour fighting his jaw/poll.  Turned out I probably didn't need it.)  He was WAY forward.  Got some pretty big medium.  

But, he either got really fatigued, or the pad I'd used bothered his back, or the LH was bothering, or the wraps... or all of the above.  Backtrack to this morning, I hit the snooze button 3x which was 2x too many.  (good arrest last night, got to bed about 2 hours later than planned!) Chores all went well, but then I started the blanket dithering.  When I finally FOUND the purple BMB, was running a bit behind as I had to stop for my Chiro appt on the way--as it's directly on the way.  

So I came in to gather tack, had a nice clean saddlepad (purple with a subtle pattern) but could not, for the LIFE of me find my Stephen's half-pad.  How does one loose a half-pad?  It's here, in the house.  SOMEWHERE.  The problem is I cleaned a few weeks ago when the girl came to meet Malakai.  I *cleaned* and haven't been able to find anything since.   So I grabbed the wool *knit* pad, thinking, no big deal.  But, it may've been.  The back edge was far too close to the back edge of the panels for my preference.  So his back might've been sore.

What he began doing--and this was after the one and only real spook-n-spin--was moving very laterally.  Pacing in and out of transitions.  I *tried* to canter, but we completely lost the canter button today.  It was all wrong behind and really inverted.   This was about 1/2 hour in though, so it could well have been fatigue.  I wasn't necessarily overworking him for his condition--but with the weather being SO warm, *and* the "nerves", he might've just washed early.  I don't think so though.  I really think it was something physical.  He would relax quite nicely into free walk, but even the walk got tense.  

Now, here I'll admit I wrapped his legs not only to *protect* the scratches, but also, quite frankly, to hide them.  He's only got two areas, and they do (knock wood!) seem to be healing, but I've clipped them, and they look like hell.  Being open somewhat too, I REALLY didn't want that arena dirt getting in them.  There are a TON of horses in and out of that farm, and while I wouldn't bring my horses there if I didn't feel it was safe, I also think that arena dirt--with ground up poop, I'm sure--where they also let the horses out to play in the arena--I just didn't think it would be so great.  And it WAS all OVER his legs, wraps, even some on the saddle pad!  So while I think that was wise, I'm not sure if the polos didn't bother his legs too...

I just don't know.  

But rather than fight, or push him any further, we just walked 10 mins or so more, made for a 45 minute ride alltogether.  I hand walked him a few minutes, but he wasn't breathing or hot at all, just sweaty from the winter coat and the temps.   By the time I untacked though, he was almost completely dry.  He stood munching hay in the trailer like the perfect gentleman he is while I visisted the twin Fjord babies (you've never SEEN anything so ADOREABLE!!)

He saw llamas for the first time on the way back to the trailer.  I thought he was going to jump in my lap for a minute, but he screwed up his courage (he's very much the Cowardly Lion from the Wizard of Oz.  A big fraidy in most cases, but heart as deep as the ocean when it comes down to the wire) and sort of invesigated.  

It was WELL worth the trip.  There's always lots going on, and that's part of the reason for going.  Mileage.  If we can find some focus there, shows should be cake.    

Next week I *will* spend the time to move the cavaletti and trotting poles which I didn't this time.  It's a pain to move them then replace them, but it did hinder circling correctly and taking the diagonal right.  

Lots of long-low,  some lateral work.  Some trotting just straight-even-forward.  Was a really, really lovely feeling when we'd go straight down the long side... Big, booming trot with metronome cadence.  Now, if we can supple that a bit, collect it some... we've got our homework, that's for sure!

As always, it's just a joy to travel with him.  He's such a trooper about trailering, being tacked up, booted & rugged in the trailer... He's so simple to travel with myself... I'm spoiled rotten by him and I know it.  

Now I'm off for a nap, have to go into work tonight for at least 4 hours or so.   <_<   Four months of background checks to catch up on for the gal whose been out at my job number 2.  (T, I am a full time Emergeny Comm Dispatcher: Police, Fire & EMS for 87 agencies as well as 9-1-1 operator;  Part-time Admin Assist at a Police Dept, and a Police Officer for a small, historic coastal town.  I'd dump the Admin job, but I hope to get on there as an Officer some day, and it's a foot-in-the-door.  I do a lot of work for them on Search Warrants, which I love, too.  I'm working too much right now because the FT person I fill in for has been on medical since October.  We kept thinking she'd be back, so there's WAY too much to catch up on.   )  allright.  Off to NAP!

I loff my pony, so, SO much.  

[pintopiaffe]

<_<  

It appears as if the saddle pad might've been a big part of the culprit.  

Just came in from night feed... his back is fine as far as when I put pressure, but when you just run your hand, there is definitely more heat at the back where the back of the saddle/pad were, and I *think* some edema too.  That's hard to tell because of the winter coat and where he sweated...

I feel awful.  THAT is completely my fault and avoidable.  

We'll have the next few days off as we've a heck of a storm rolling in.  Will definitely see how the back feels tomorrow.    

[Torsornin]

Hope he feels better!!!!

[pintopiaffe]

Thanks T!

he definitely had some edema there.   But no soreness or sensitivity that I could find.  Days off right now due to weather...  

Hopefully will find the Stephen's pad before Friday.    

[pintopiaffe]

we've seen Armageddon, and we are not pleased.    

Weather here has been bizarre and incredibly destructive.  More than 50 degree (f) temperature changes in less than 24 hours, TWICE IN A WEEK.  It was fifty degrees on Saturday, then 5 on Sunday, with windchills -5 to -15.   Winds were SUSTAINED at 60mph with stronger gusts.  I lost the roof off both barns, and the back wall off the front barn.   :ouch:     Had a break today--30's and sunny, but far, far too windy to be trying to put a canvas roof up by oneself--heck, even with help, the wind just snatches away such a big 'sail.'   <_<  

At any rate, got to ride today, on the road.  The short road trip.  45 minutes and he was great.  Me... ug.  Going to post separately, but I started out completely crooked feeling.  Felt better with stirrups a hole uneven, eventually evened them, and finally on the way home felt much better.

Was excited to see a package when I arrived home from hay-run--his bradoon... only it's the wrong one.  I ordered a Dewsbury link.  Got a single joing.   :(   More time, more waiting.  GRrr.

Not sure if I'll trailer in tomorrow or not.  Several factors, including the trailer brakes turned on with nothing plugged in the past few days.   :blink:   Short of some sort.  Plus I have to work in the morning, unscheduled call-in.  

Sigh.

We'll see.  
 

[pintopiaffe]

what can I say?

A really wonderful school today that almost *wasn't*.

He was tense through the back and poll--I wished for the pelham--but was very good.  He's very UP at the indoor, and has MUCH more forward.  It seems we've found yet another trot--this one has much more air time and I can't really sit it.   Medium perhaps??    

We've lost the lovely round-through collected trot at the moment, but that's ok.

We had really GOOD HI at trot!  Hooray!  

We had half-pass at the trot... with cadence and throughness and beginning--dare I say it?--to develop *sweep.*

It's not perfect.  It's definitely a work in progress.  But we had BEND and LATERAL movement.  At the same time.  The biggest pleasure was the cadence.  

A trick I've found to help me with the bend and not get all pretzeled (is that a verb?) is to turn my 'inside' hand so the nails are facing upward (as Nuno advocates--) but *exaggerated*.  It draws your elbow to your side, and keeps you from crossing over.  I hope eventually I'll be able to do it more subtly, or even go to the slight opening rein you see.  Hm.  Maybe I need to try the slight opening rein more.  

Canter was... odd.   :ouch:   Not sure what's going on with it, except back too tight.   We *had* really slow, but incredibly uphill canter up until the indoor, and now we've lost our canter buttion.  Both transitions, and purity of the gait.  He was cross cantering behind quite a bit.  Tension still, and a bit of claustrophobia?  We did finally end up with some nice transitions, and some very good strides.  UP and UP and UP with the center, rather than rock, or back, or the old ideas.

He got really fizzy afterwards though.     Took some tact to come back 'down.'  Got some VERY cool self-carriage work after canter.

Did something I try not to, and I'm not entirely proud of, but showed off a bit at the end when the farmowner came in.  She loffs him anyway, but we really were finishing up.  I still asked for a bit more trot, some SI, some HI and then... drumroll... some HP.  He did it brilliantly, and I was tickled to death.  We even did it in the 'hard' direction.  

Will have to get the canter *back* before we try HP at the canter.   His feet are long, and he's out of shape somewhat.  He and Rain have been playing hard.  His back doesn't palp sore, but he *definitely* was tense today.  Fighting collected walk at all.  

We'll wear the pelham next week I do believe.  

I'm SO glad I made the extra effort to go.  It was quite the spiritual experience today.   :blush:  

[pintopiaffe]

Argh.

An entire 8 minutes or so today of bareback.  

I did his front feet... how exactly does one loose one's nippers?  Rasp, check.  Holey hoof gloves, check.  Nippers... nowhere to be found.   <_<

So I rasped ALOT.  He's much easier to nip off the wall, as it's only his outer wall which grows neatly up just like a shoe.  Then rasp a bit for balance and mustang roll.. .voila.  But noooooo.... he's overdue and I have to bloody rasp the whole thing.  

At any rate.  I got on to attempt hillwork, but the footing is just frozen, pockmarked concrete again. Not enough time to go on the road... I don't ride on the road bareback.  I remember too well what the pavement felt like this summer.  No need to test it again.   :ouch:

So, took a quick stroll around the back pasture to inspect storm damage... and hopped off.  

I DID find out something very interesting. The only reason I can ride him bareback more comfortably is because I have his back now.  Well--I should say I *usually* do.  Today I did NOT.  He was mincing steps and hollow... and I was almost as tippy as I used to be!  Pretty dramatic.  I'd thought it was mostly muscle development and the fact he's gained quite a bit of weight mass that made it more comfortable--it's not.  It's simply having a back to SIT on.  The last bareback ride I could've sat his trot forever, and even cantered... today I could barely keep from tipping off in walk.

So.  Not an entirely lost ride, at least I learned something!