Time off was harder on me

Blu had 6 days off during the holidays and while I worried about him I should have been more worried about me. Yesterday we went back to full work and while the ride was great, I paid dearly for it. I slept restlessly, could not find a comfortable spot for my aching body. After 4 ibuprofen I took myself to the barn and did not relish the prospect of riding. Linda came by to give me a lesson but I asked her to warm him up. It worked out very well in that she got to feel Blu from the start and she said he felt terrific and I had obviously done a good job the day before for him to feel so good from the get go. Yay me! Yay Blu!!!

After she rode, I got on and got to feel some pretty awesome stuff. After my body let go, we worked on the canter -- working pirouettes, up in the bridle, canter half-pass to some pretty good flying lead changes. He is getting stronger and instead of propping up behind when changing from right to left he is giving me a much cleaner change. Linda also gave me the very best of compliments... She said I was really following with my hands and not holding... AT LONG LAST!!! How many years have I been riding? Blu is such a gift... he allows me to let go!

Linda did some trot lengthenings on him that were the best I had ever seen. He really lifted in the front... He was just spectacular. I really think we are on the right track. You can see he feels good and he is very happy.

Finally, I was informed by several people who work at the barn that Blu was selected as "Best Horse" in the barn for his handsome face and his exceptional personality... They fight to take him in and out to the paddocks... He really is special!

When will I just learn to listen?

It has been a couple of weeks and there have definitely been lessons learned that I should have captured. First and foremost is never clinic with someone you do not know. EVER... While Blu and I did not enjoy the experience there was an even bigger price to pay and I am not talking about the hefty sum this individual collected. Poor Blu was out of sorts for a good 1-2 weeks after the ride. He reverted to some of the things we had not touched upon in awhile -- not reaching for the contact, not giving me the bend, rushing on his forehand... Ughhhh. He wanted me to know I went to places he was not ready to venture. Dr. Liz told me to be patient and this was outside the realm of reasonable for my blessed boy. Why did I not listen?

Sooo we went back to the basics and he eventually left behind his issues except he continued to look and feel a bit funky with the first canter. It wasn't a lameness per se, just a stiffness and unwillingness to swing through his hip/ stifle. The good news is that it would go away with some work and then the rides would be magnificent -- from canter half pass to canter pirouette he was awesome through his back.

Dr. Liz came to visit last night and said I was on the right track. She had not looked at him in a couple of months. As a matter of fact she did not feel any kind of issue in his back right under his saddle where in May by x-ray she found a couple of spines kissing and up around his wither where he was just plain sore. She felt his only limitation was in his very lower back around the hip region (hmmm, sounds like me...). She adjusted him and did shock wave and tomorrow I will see what we have. (tonight was too bloody cold to take his blankets off - -10 with a wind chill... brrrrrrrr) I lunged him for her and she and another trainer/ friend watched and jumped up and down like school girls who just won a jump roping contest with excitement at how sound he was. It was a beautiful thing -- it brought tears to my eyes to see how sound he has become.

So I have gone out to the USEF website and checked out all the shows I would like to do. So far I have 11 on my list. Ambitious? I think so. I will let Blu tell me what he wants to do. All I have to do listen.

Every ride a lesson... a recurring theme

Yes, a recurring theme with a schoolmaster -- always learning. Blu inspires great confidence in me -- so much so that I can let go and listen to what he is telling me. Here is his latest tale:

So we rode in clinic with this young Canadian-American who has been training in Germany the past few years with an individual I greatly admire. So when an open slot in her clinic at our farm opened I took it. Lesson 1: never put money out for a lesson unless you have seen the clinician teach. It just was not pretty. In fact, it was the most miserable ride I have had on Blu and I am including all those really tough rides we had while he was lame. I was pretty clear about our combined history but for some reason it did not seem to resonate with her. She pushed both of us to places we just should not have gone. She wanted more bend from Blu than his body is ready to give. He balked, he swapped his leads at the canter and he bucked every time I pushed at him! She even asked if he did this to me on a regular basis and when I laughed and replied "NO" she did not back off. So it was a very unproductive and expensive lesson from the standpoint that we really got nothing good done. I did learn lesson 2: it is OK to ask for more but do not ask for too much.

Every ride I learn something new

What a terrific ride last night. I took a lesson and got my butt kicked ... in a good way. Blu is feeling oh so good and we did a lot of work on developing the quality of the trot... asking for more lift ... the feeling of passage without passaging. My warm up was very good and by the time Linda arrived we were ready to go. He was loose and fairly supple. I have a hard time judging how straight he is behind so with her guidance I was able to ride him straight and really concentrated on keeping the bend around my inside leg... this is the toughest thing for me to do. By the end of the trot tour Linda said we were really dancing together -- half passing, leg yielding, shoulder-in. What a nice thought ... wish I could have seen it. I did not look in the mirrors... I was too busy concentrating :-)

We then went to work at the canter. While I have always thought of this canter as my "go-to" gait it is now not his best. I do not mean to make it sound like a train wreck. It is still very good it is just that his trot has come such a long way. So my job is to get that suppleness, straightness and lift at the canter. We worked at it and it improved dramatically soooooooo..... we then worked on quarter turns at the canter placing Blu back on his haunches, canter/ walk transitions and then... drum roll ..... working canter pirouettes!!! I felt my first real canter pirouette!!!! WOW... It was awesome. When Linda asked me to do it I was dumbfounded. My mind went blank and I thought "Is she talking to me???" She definitely does not let you move ahead until you are ready so off we went to give it our best. The first one was a bit all over the place but the second was spot on! It was like Blu was saying to me, "Finally she got it right"... He is such a hoot. After that he got lots of praise and hugs but all he really wanted was the sugar in my pocket!!! Several people were in the ring and watched the scene unfold. All stopped to say how wonderful he was... Linda piped in that she thought I gave him a wonderful ride :-) It was a shadbelly ride for sure!

Making strides...

Everyday is a new day and it is better than the last. Big Blu is having some fun with his new feet, swinging happy back, loads of treats and a as much second cut as he can eat. His muscling has changed dramatically... I have to take a picture soon and according to the experts -- my vet, farrier and trainer... there is more to come.

Last Saturday on a cold and blustery day after two days off due to some of my business travel, I took Blu out for a hack with my friend Sandra and her amazing mare Flaine. They got along famously. She did not mind him walking in close proximity either by her side or up her rear end. She watched him as he piaffed and passaged in the fields and when she did not feel quite secure passing something she let him go first. Such a smart mare and such a brave Blu! Never once did he tell me "no" or not listen to me. He crossed small foot bridges, passed by horses in open fields, circumvented large cross country obstacles and walked up and down some pretty good size hills.

The day after a hack is always the best day because he is so up and forward. I had beautiful work in all gaits -- swinging, forward and just plain fun.

We also took another lesson and he was even better than the last. My trainer got on him to feel his ride and she proclaimed him to be a $1m horse. I already knew that :-)

Dressage = patience

Patience has never been one of my virtues. While I am an equal opportunity impatient person being the most impatient with myself, I have learned through animals (especially horses) and dressage if I just wait a moment the most wonderful opportunities and progress can be witnessed.

Just yesterday Blu schooled me yet again in sitting still in the moment. During a lesson our job was to just canter straight down the center line without changing leads. Sounds easy and on any given day we can do it but last night -- not so much. I spent my day sitting at my desk and got up at 4;30 pm to head for the barn. My left hip was aching so dropping my weight into it was not happening. Blu took this as his signal to swap leads. ARGHHHH.... I finally settled my mind and concentrated on distributing my weight so lead swapping was not an option. I rose above the discomfort, found a zen moment and voila it worked!

We had a great lesson. We worked on refining the canter/ walk transition since this will be the key to truly great changes -- we did have some very good ones tonight :-) We also worked on some quarter canter pirouettes all from the seat... he was awesome and as a result so was I! The end was long and low and we were once again FABULOUS!

My hips have been really sore and tight. I hate this cold weather... Yet despite it all Blu still tries his hardest and teaches me the very best lessons with his confident manner and his ever so kind demeanor. He is a true school master and I just have to stop and listen.

Old man winter ... take that!

Winter is around the corner and it showed itself through Blu's shaggy winter coat. It got to a point that he was soaked after a ride so with my trusty clippers I gave him his winter hair cut. As I did with the girls when they were little, I gave him the most unique look. I think racing stripes could look good on a gray Oldenburg. He was quite good for his right side taking it all in stride and standing very still. When I moved to his left he became quite ticklish and had trouble standing still... His tail swished and he twitched all over.Never did he put a foot wrong but he let me know I was driving him crazy. Must be like having your feet tickled. I bribed him with treats and took a couple of breaks and before you know it I was wearing more fur than him! I got him another light weight blanket insulator and on warm days he wears his plaid sheet in the barn and his Rambo rain sheet when turned out. He loves having the blanket taken off and being scratched all over with the curry. He even loves to be vacuumed.

His work is coming along nicely. His counter canter is solid and he loves warming up/ cooling down on a loose rein. He really stretches into it without much coaxing. At first he was confused as to what was being asked but quickly he understood and happily took the bit and carried himself in a light long and low frame. His counter canter is remarkable... I say remarkable because I am able to ride it with ease. His changes are good but still need work to keep them up hill and not croup high. He has again demonstrated his penchant for half steps, piaffe and passage. I am staying away from this work since it is his fall back move when he does not want to work on the hard stuff. Best of all his stride is getting bigger and his back is getting stronger. All in all he is a very happy boy.

Another day another terrific ride!

A day has not gone by with Blu where I have not walked away and said my gratitude prayers. He is just the most special horse and I have been blessed to have him come into my life. Even his darkest days when his feet were sore, his back was out and he had a hard time turning, he always tried his very hardest and never said "no". I remember driving down the Minnesota highway listening to Dr. Liz tell me the dire story of Blu's afflictions. She told me she would fix him and that she is doing. While we have a bit to go the worst is behind us and we are getting to the really fun stuff...

Tonight I took a lesson after a week of little work. Blu had his hocks injected a week ago and I slowly brought him back these past 7 days. OK maybe I babied him a bit too much but what the heck he deserved it and loved every moment of being large and in charge. While he was not really bad behind I noticed just a bit of a difference in his trot and he creaked a bit when walking so Dr. Liz agreed it was time for hock injections. Creak you say? Yes, just like my joints can creak so did his right hock. The injections were just the fix because his trot had more air time and he was much more sound in his work to the right.

So tonight we focused on Blu letting go -- letting go at the base of his wither and giving through his back. As an adult amateur I find this at times challenging but I definitely got the feel for it and hope now to continue to replicate in my rides. We did alot of transitions within the gaits and he just loved the passage work. What a kick in the pants!!!

We did all sorts of good stuff tonight -- a lot of canter work. Blu challenges me to stay on my inside seat bone. If I shift my weight a smidge the flying lead change is there for me. We worked on straightness in the canter and he gave it to me with a bit of a grumble but once he decided to give it he was perfect and as a result so was I :-) We did some broken lines and then canter half pass from the center line. The center line was a challenge because it involves a 10m half circle -- not the easiest for him right now but I prepared him well after our first try and it was just beautiful. His half-pass was effortless in both directions.

Linda felt our work was strong and we need to think of showing. She suggested we get off the farm for a schooling show/ ride/critique this fall and then plan to quickly get my bronze medal scores in the spring. She feels the St. George ride could be ours next year. Yay! Yay!Yay! and within a couple more weeks I should be ready to start the tempis... Me ... tempis... can you just believe that? My dream is coming true.... Pinch me.

Beat out Earl

So the remnants of Hurricane Earl lumbered up the Atlantic seaboard and I had the good fortune of getting out of work early so I could get out and ride. Happy Day!!!

Blu was really good this afternoon. It was hot and sticky but he marched on without too much prodding. He was a little "sticky" during his initial trot work so we went right to canter. It unstuck him. We then went back to walk and did a bit of lateral work. I especially have developed a fondness for renver. It makes him straight and when going to the left, it helps me capture that outside shoulder he likes to plaster against the wall.

Our canter work was great. He got a little strong as we went along but I think that is one of his evasions as he gets tired. So every time he thought he should lead the dance, I threw a 15m circle in... I know he was cursing me :-) We worked on the counter canter and he was really good in both directions. I think I have to slowly amp that up for him.

He was soaked with sweat so off we went for a shower and a rub down with Sore No More liniment. I love this stuff.

Tomorrow maybe some light work and then a hack if everything dries out from the deluge we are now getting. I also hope the rain washes the flies away... they are disgusting right about now.

How many ways do I love thee?

Let's count the ways...

1.) I arrived at the barn at 7:45 am and there is Blu in his stall finishing his morning hay. As I approach he greets me with his friendly little nicker. As I get closer I get to gaze upon all the lovely brown spots he grew over night. What a happy little mess! As I groom him he leans into every brush stroke and curls his lip in the air as I hit all the right spots. Treats and a rub down... what could be better if you are Blu?

2.) I start to put his tack on and he is fascinated by the sheepskin bell boots I have replaced his standard rubber issue with and as he leans down to check them out, he runs his nose over the soft mound of genuine sheepskin and let's out a snort like he has met a new best friend. He likes his new slippers and I like them too because we will no longer clack along as we do our work.

3.) Once saddled we proceed down to the freshly groomed indoor ring. He understands the hill is steep coming from the barn and he needs to go slow instead of plunging headlong, slipping and waiting for me to catch up. You can tell he has more back end strength in the way he walks straight and slow down to the bottom.

4.) Under saddle Blu knows it is time to march on and his job is to use himself without me begging. It took only one session to school this back into him. He is brilliant and he loves doing his job. His walk is perfection now where there was a time I would have been lucky to score a "5". Off we go to trot and canter and his willingness and joy are palpable. My friend Sandra came into the barn and wanted to know who the beautiful horse and rider were... Ha Ha. (seriously, she did not recognize us because we have come so far.)

5.) We conquered the counter canter on the broken line. This was tough for him going to the right last week. He executed beautifully. I could feel how excited he was after he did it correctly. What a ham bone! He got all sorts of praise as we completed it and he just puffed himself up and gave me the most beautiful canter. All I can say is "WOW".

6.) We did some trot work -- down the center line shoulder-in to the right change to the left at X and then turn left at the end. He was perfectly straight and a real demonstration of how I was able to capture his shoulder and keep him on the line I so desired. You can feel the work getting a bit easier for him.

7.) After work there was a sudsy bath filled with So No More... He loves getting scrubbed down. I think he just loves to be touched. I brought a face cloth and he put his face down so I could give it a good scrub too.

8.) I brought him back to the barn so he could have a little snack while he dried off and I went about cleaning his tack. He watched me as I polished his bit and rubbed down the leather with conditioner. He seemed very interested in what I had to do and never left the front of the stall while I was standing there. It was nice to have his help!

9.) I noticed when I turned him out that his water needed to be changed in his paddock so I hauled the hose down, emptied and scrubbed out the tub then refilled with cool well water. He thanked me by coming over, taking a drink and then letting it dribble down the front of my shirt and into my riding pants... That has to be love!

10.) My eyes welled up with tears as I said "auf wiedersehn" (he is German after all)... he is such a giving spirit. How did I get so lucky?

A beautiful day to be outside

Today we made the transition from working in the indoor to doing our entire work out outside. Despite many intrusions -- trailers being hooked up and moved, horses being bathed and brought in from their paddocks, apple trees being watered and trucks/ Harleys driving up and down the road, Blu tended to business.

While I had to dig a bit deeper to get him to move forward his work was steady and sound. His canter felt improved in both directions.

He earned a warm liniment bath, a handful of carrots and a good scratch. He will have tomorrow off and then a lesson on Monday with Linda. I look forward to hearing her thoughts on how to bring him back. Tomorrow both Blu and I will rest.

Every day just gets better

I had a great ride last night. After loosening up on a long rein we did all our lateral work at the walk -- shoulder-in, half-pass and leg yielding. He definitely needed to be reminded to move off my leg but without much effort he got in the groove. Our trot work was good and I took less breaks and moved from one lead to the other effortlessly without coming back to walk. The canter remains his weakest gait at this point. He stuck against my leg in the upward transitions but he was sound so that will come with time.

After work we both needed to get out of the ring and we went off on a short hack around the property. He was a very good boy -- a little tense and looky at times but no silly stuff. He even marched over a short wooden bridge without a blink of an eyelash. I think with time he will really come to enjoy it. He really likes when I point him out of the ring. After the hack a cool shower was in order and then I watched him walk across the pavement. He had no twisting behind and he had a very forward and sound. Yay!

Good news from Dr. Liz... If I want to do a 3rd level test later this fall then she thinks we should work towards it. She cautioned me that small circles will be the most difficult for him so to not school them excessively. She said his back is improved but still a bit sore. (She looked at him on Tuesday and did a short shock wave on him) So instead of sitting the trot I post. We will have to get to sitting soon but I think a couple more weeks of conditioning is probably in order.

Sandra and I are contemplating our first show at Carberry Fields. Jenn told me of a ride-critique-ride several weeks before and I think it may be a good idea for us to give that a whirl too. We will have to talk about it.

First lesson on Monday with Linda and then another lesson on Wednesday with Jenn... We are off and running!!!

Catching up

I have not posted in awhile because Blu continued with his ups and downs. He was re-shod 3 weeks ago and since then he has been oh so much better. He has actually come sound and I have been moving him up in his reconditioning. He is now working a good 40 - 45 minutes. I reintroduced canter and he is sound after cantering in both directions. Baby steps though...

I am starting him off long and low asking him to trot out on a loose rein. Since long lining last week he has started to get the hang of not being so up in his frame. Once I get some good steady work in both directions, I pick him up and we do transitions in the gait at the walk and trot. I have also introduced some baby leg yields and shoulder-in. I also finish giving him the rein at the trot and letting him stretch out. He really likes it and goes for it.

Long lining was a revelation for him. He was pretty funny to start -- very excited and prancing around like an FEI show pony. He then figured out what Claudia was looking for and practically dropped his nose to the ground. It was remarkable.

Next week we will take our first lesson in 4 months. I am too excited to even think about it right now. I am feeling like everything is starting to fall into place! In the meantime, we will continue with our rehab and start working back outside again. We went out at the end of the ride tonight to walk around the ring. He really loved going out. He marched right outside and down the dirt road to the arena. He wanted to get out and have a look around. I think if all goes well tomorrow we might do a short hack.

A final solution... can it be???

Blu's feet have improved immeasurably and his back has been up and down. Dr. Liz suggested I have a saddle fitter out to look at my saddle. She was thinking it was definitely wrong for Blu. So I called Colleen at Advanced Saddle Fit and I was treated to her vast store of knowledge on saddles, saddle fittings and horse back biomechanics. As she explained, Blu has a very high wither that is narrow at the top but gets very wide at the base. He also has a wide back. She said he needed something that would allow room for the base of the wither and distribute the weight and concussion on his back as much as possible.

She looked at my saddle and quickly showed me the issues with it -- pinching at the base of the wither, cantle too low and rocking on his back. Out it goes! She suggested the Detente Argus for its wither clearance and wide weight distributing panels. So she put it on his back and it looked good -- far better than my saddle. She had me sit in it and instantly I felt different and so did Blu. His walk improved, he dropped his head and his back and rib cage began to swing. She took it off of him and flocked it to fit him. She put it back on him and I got on and wow... I felt a perfect position in the saddle and Blu's walk improved even more. She suggest a Prolite pad with a small cantle wedge so we tried that and voila! I had a sound horse at all 3 gaits!

While I am now officially broke, my horse is moving beautifully and we are officially on the road to recovery! I know Blu was smiling. I am so grateful I found Colleen.

Many thanks have to go to my friends who have supported me through this harrowing ordeal. I know we still have a ways to go to rehab but I am definitely seeing the light at the end of the tunnel... Grateful does not describe how I feel!!!

Getting better every day

I have had two good rides this week. While there is just a little something going to the left, I have reintroduced the canter and it feels quite good. Dr. Liz was by this evening and thought he was making remarkable progress. She thought his canter to the right was perfect and he needs a little help going to the left. So with her direction, we will focus on keeping him conditioned by going to the right and adding the left as it feels good. She also said we can trail ride. It would be very good for him to get out of the ring. Yay...

I am going to have to look at his saddle since it is too tight as it sits behind the shoulders. He has gained weight and I do not think he had much room to spare to begin with. Oh well, better to fix the saddle issue then to have ongoing soundness issues.

Dr. Liz said we could think about doing some shows the end of August/ beginning of September at training or first level. I may just consider it to get us both back in show shape.

All said, this was a great day!!!

A couple of days off

I was at the barn today after giving Blu a couple of days off -- I was traveling and he had shock wave done on his back and left front foot on Wednesday which required a day of rest. Dr. Liz is pleased with his progress and is not sure if his ongoing discomfort is coming from his back or his left front. This is a long slow process for sure! The heart bar shoes have helped tremendously and overall he is much more comfortable. The farrier will be back on the 11th and we will see what happens at that time.

So I rode him for 30 minutes today -- 5 minutes of trot in each direction and 20 minutes of walking. Going to the right at trot was super but he is still struggling a bit going to the left. So instead of doing the full ring I would walk him on the short sides. I will see if I can go for more trot tomorrow.

The boy got a shower and some hand grazing then back out to his pals. He is quite social with all the other horses. He and his other gray pal Windjammer were having quite the conversation! If only I could understand what they are saying...

Back to work

It has been a long haul. Blu has been the best of boys while we have tried to figure out what was going on. The root cause seems to be Blu was shod poorly for a period of time and developed very sore feet and back. I think we are on the right track with therapeutic heart bar shoes, rest, shock wave for his back and Polyglycan. He is now ready to start back in light work after a week of light lunging. I sometimes think I still see/ feel something in his right front when going to the left but then it disappears. I see it from the ground on occasion but when he is under saddle I can not see it when we pass by in the mirror.

Blu is loving life on the farm. He has gained much weight and now needs to watch his intake. We have cut his grain way back and watch the amount of hay he has in his stall. He is a very happy boy despite his restricted diet.

I have had to travel quite a bit this month but my friends have been great about looking after him. My daughters even visited the Blu - ster and put a smile on his face with their attention! They also put a smile on my face by taking the time to visit!

I feel there is light at the end of the tunnel. Dr. Liz comes back to visit this week so I can't wait to hear what she has to say. Go Blu Go!!!

Good news

Dr. Liz was by yesterday to see Blu. She was immediately pleased with the way he looks. She felt that his topline along his back was much improved and not as dropped in appearance. She lunged him and while he still struggles to the right she found him to be much better. She did shock wave therapy on his back after he adjusted him. He will need today off. I will also start him on a course of Polyglycan - 5cc IM every 4th day for a total of 7 injections. Then while in rehab he will get a shot twice a month and then drop to once per month once he is back to full work. Overall she is quite pleased by his progress and feels he will make a full recovery. Whew. I took some pics of Blu's new home. He is quite settled and enjoying the posh facilities!

Great Sunday

What a wonderful day to go to the barn. It was not all together quiet but it had a nice pace. It must be my clock that sometimes make things seem so hectic. Still there was plenty of buzz around the barn. The barn owners were having a wedding shower so there were lots of people coming through the barn and they all stopped to ogle Blu. He of course showed him just how cute he can be with those pretty eyes and beautiful begging face.

He worked for a good 35 minutes today and he felt quite good in all gates. While he does not mis-step in the short sides you can tell he needs more strength to balance himself. His canter was very good. I would say it was good in both directions. His trot in both directions was very good but especially good to the right. While it does not feel lame to the left he feels more stiff. I gave him yesterday off so this was a good first day back to work.

He then had a vetrolin bath and he looked quite tired. He had a full day in the sun, a work out and then a rub down... what a life.

Dr. Liz comes on Tuesday so I hope I get a good report. I took some pictures and will post soon.

The good life.

It was a tough three days not seeing Blu but he was in good hands with my friend Mary. Tonight we worked for 40 min at all three gaits. He was pretty tired toward the end but all gaits felt very good.

The 2nd blacksmith evaluated him and thought his last shoeing was a good start. He will need several more before his feet are where they are suppose to be. Maybe we will get this straightened out sooner rather than later.

Blu had a liniment bath this evening and the dirt poured off of him. Then he went out for a little grass before bed. What a good life we both have!

Happy day

With a 3 day meeting in Buffalo coming up, I had to get out and see Blu for a little let stretching. He felt very good at his walk and trot that I tried a bit of canter in both directions. I chose to go to the right first and he let me know that he did not want to step off in the right hind. He kick out and pinned his ears. Something was definitely bothering him so I kept in light -- rode his canter in a half seat and called it a day. His trot work was very good today -- rhythmic and forward.

I rubbed his back and stifles down with the arnica gel. During his rub down I noticed him react to the right side of his back being kneaded. I got no reaction before the ride. He loved the rub down. Then we went off to his paddock where all his friends greeted him. What a good life!

I will certainly miss him the next 3 days!

another day of rehab

Sounds ominous doesn't it? Rehab is hard... 5 steps forward 2 steps back... Blu as always was the best of boys but on his 4th day straight of riding I felt like he was a little sore. After walking, we went to trot going to the left and he just felt stuck. His poll came up, he put his ears back... did not pin them ... and hollowed his back. I did some transitions and eventually he came around. His gaits going to the right felt better than the left. I do not think it is in his feet as much as it is in his back now.We got the canter in and it did help to loosen him up though he did feel a bit sticky in his upward transition. I think I will give him tomorrow off and then work him Saturday and Sunday. Dr. Liz will be out in a week or two and she will begin to address his back at that time. In the meantime, I will take it a ride at a time.

Tonight when I was picking his left front hoof he reached around while I was bent over and gave me a shove... LOL. He wanted a snack and I was taking too long. This horse is just packed with personality. I then pulled his mane and he kept telling me it was not his favorite activity but he stood still ... just shook his head up and down. Despite his mild protest, it came out very nice. I will have to take a picture next time I am at the barn. He is the most handsome!

Back on track

My vet checked in with me today and was thrilled with Blu's response to his new shoes. I reported on his status and she said she felt he was ready to progress to canter. My heart soared with that news. Even better, she said she was very confident that with his favorable response to the initial shoeing we should expect an excellent recovery! Finally, my dreams do come true. She will be out to see him in several weeks and at that time she will probably start addressing his back issues with shock wave treatment. In the meantime.... should I even start dreaming of horse shows?

I introduced the canter this evening. He was just great. I can not even begin to express what a wonderful horse he is. He took it all in stride with very obedient departs and clean transitions back to trot and walk. After his canter he did some of the best trot work I have ever had on him. We worked for about 40 minutes and he was just as happy as I was.

When we finished, I groomed him and put him back in his stall. He was pretty funny about a mouse who found his way into his stall. The mouse decided to lodge himself under Blu's pile of hay and all Blu could do was snort at the hay pile. It was too cute for words.

I talked with the barn owner this evening and he suggested I connect with his wife on trail riding once Blu was rehabbed. They are very nice people and have made me feel at home. I know Blu has settled in like he never left.

I am just so grateful for this wonderful horse and the home I have for him. Seeing him as much as I do makes me so very happy!

Improvements already

So I saddled him up last night and he was better from the moment he turn to me in his stall. He no longer has a problem turning around in his stall or in the aisle. The twisting behind is gone and he did not pin his ears when I put the saddle on him.

I did alot of walking at first on a loose rein ... he happily walked along and it was not lateral. When I picked up the rein we added in some trot on the long sides at first... all went well. He is still slightly short up in the right front but not too bad and no real pony steps. He was really enjoying himself and his trot was easy to post to. I gradually added in some short sides and then called it a day.

I think Blu was smiling... he feels better and he loves to work. What a wonderful horse. I love him even more for being the kind and patient soul that he is -- most horses would not have been so kind due to the pain he was feeling. How lucky am I?

No news is not good news

I have not posted in awhile because the mild lameness Blu has been gradually showing for quite awhile blew up last weekend. I was doing his warm up routine on the lunge and he was looking pretty good when all of a sudden the front wheels fell of the bus! He was so lame so fast tears sprang to my eyes. I walked him for a bit and he did improve some but it did not go entirely away. I had a vet look at him last week and low and behold he has a problem in his front feet especially his right front and in his back (probably a result of his foot problem). I will have him shod tomorrow by a new farrier recommended by the vet. This is all very nerve wracking but I am hanging on the vet's good feelings about fixing this problem.

Changing my vet and farrier was not an easy decision but after my previous vet told me that I was being "too picky" about his soundness, I knew I would need to make a change. It is interesting that the new vet wanted to block his feet to help diagnose his problem and my old vet never even thought about doing it. As soon as he was blocked he improved. She also x-rayed his back which my previous vet never thought of doing. He has two areas on his spine that are "kissing" but she feels these will improve with the shoeing and some rehab.

So long story short, it will probably take a couple of shoeings to correct the problem. This being the case Blu and I will not be competing anytime too soon. This is all very frustrating and it really has been difficult to accept that this man made problem has been festering for some time under my watch. I am grateful I am on the right track now and remain hopeful the damage can be rectified. Otherwise, I will have the most beautiful pasture pet. One lesson I have learned is that I need to trust what I know and feel is right and stop listening to others even when they are vets and farriers.

Lessons to learn

Last Thursday I had a lesson with my trainer and it was just really wonderful. We had some great work at the canter and worked through some transitions. My left shoulder continues to dip forward but I have to remember to keep it back in its rightful place... look over the left ear.

My friend Sandra is going to take some lessons on Blu so tonight I showed him to her instructor. Honestly, I was not feeling what she was telling me about my position. I felt pitched too far forward and I was sitting perched on my pubic bone. She thought it would help me to ride in a half seat and bear weight down into my heels. Ha... I went home and had spasms in my back and hips and could not sleep. Thank you but I am done with that! She made some good points about his walk and getting this belly to move as well as working on bending around my inside leg. So even if I do not agree with her approach to position I took something away from the lesson.

Moral of the story ... always be open to learning.

Two weeks without a lesson = new way of riding

My aching body tells me it was quite a lesson and in my heart I know I learned so very much. We worked on the finer points of my ride -- straightness, activating the hind legs, simple changes, tempo, influencing the canter depart with my seat, canter to walk with my diaphragm... Wow lots to think about... no wonder I am speechless for most of the ride.

We used the Eartec headphones and I was amazed at how it helped me to focus on Jenn's voice and instruction vs. all that was going on around me. I rode a solid 50 minutes with two short breaks. I could have fallen off Blu at the end I was so tired.

One of the bad habits I have developed is letting my left shoulder fall forward or more appropriately, dip forward. It helped me to even my shoulders by looking over Blu's left ear when going to the left. To the right I have no problem which is a good thing since this is his more difficult position. I would so like to get back to that perfect ride I had several weeks back... Gratification is so very elusive with this sport but I would not have traded this day for anything!

A good first week

Blu has been in his new home for a week and he has settled into it nicely. He loves his turnout, free choice hay and the best feature his mom 6 days this past week. The move has certainly met and exceeded all my expectations -- more horse time!

Blu and I had a great ride last night. He loosened up really quickly on the lunge so we got down to work looking for some lightness in the front. He was heavier and trying to curl up a bit. So we did transitions then went forward. I did a little lateral work at the trot and he was super good. His canter felt awesome. We practiced the simple changes... he so wanted to do flying lead changes but after a few corrections he understood what I was looking for. I have to get him in the lower level frame of mind.

We both enjoyed the cool out and post-ride grooming. The barn he is in is lovely... good mojo in an old cow barn. When I turned him into his stall, he headed for his pile of hay and started to happily dunk and munch. His dunking bucket is doing the trick. It was filled with hay/ dengi so I cleaned it out. His automatic waterer was spotlessly clean ;-) I left a very happy boy tucked in for the evening. More fun is planned for tonight!

Settling in and figuring things out

Blu was so very good again last night. When I arrived he had his plaid turnout sheet on and the outside of it was wet from the light rain we had yesterday. They turn out in light rain and Blu was not worse for the wear. As a matter of fact he looked quite content munching on his second cut hay and dipping in his automatic waterer. I will have to get him a second turnout sheet so one can dry in the hay loft while the other is being worn.

We had a great ride. More ooohhhs and aaahhhs from fellow boarders. He felt really good after I lunged him lightly. He looked funky to start on the lunge line but I could see him relax over his top line and then I knew it is time to move to the next gait. When I got on him he felt terrific. We did lots of transitions, some lateral work and plenty of canter. His right lead canter felt really good. He was not leaning in. We worked the entire arena. We did some mini trot lengthenings on a short diagonal since I felt him on my seat. They were pretty good and I sat them without difficulty.

There were people coming and going with their horses, lessons and of course lots of people watching. He never looked twice at anything and just kept in the groove. He is the best. Hopefully the footing outside will dry out by the time I get there and we will be able to work outside. I am thinking a short hack might be in store.

Every ride is fun and a lesson

Blu has to be the true definition of a schoolmaster... so much to teach and patient with my mistakes.

He was showing off again for the ladies at the barn. I think he knows when he is being watched. He really likes showing off and knows he is very good at what he does.

Tonight I upped the ante on the transitions using trot/ halt. He got it without passaging. He was forward and willing and listening. I asked myself how quiet can I be and get the upward and downward transitions... not too bad. As a matter of fact, they got better the quieter I got... sooooo the lesson is asking kindly and quietly... do not scream your aids.

We then went off to counter canter... first shot was tough. He did a quick swap to true canter and then swapped right back. I have a feeling he felt a shift in my seat. My legs did not move but I think i moved my inside seat bone. ugh... so off to do it again and we got it right.

Then we went to the changes and they were good so I called it a night. We then went up to the barn and lo and behold some sneaky little thief made their way into the treat tin in my brush box that was sitting on the floor outside Blu's stall. I reached into the tin and there were a few sloppy wet treats stuck to the bottom. I then saw a fat black lab head out the door... Hmmmmm. Another lesson - put your brush box away or shut it in Blu's stall if leaving the barn or the hungry prowler will find his way to get at the treats... LOL

Showing Off

Last night I had a fabulous ride on Blu. We started with some lunge work to loosen him up. You can see him relaxing and stretching through his topline. He will drop his nose to the ground! When I got on his back was easy to sit on and he was very comfortable in all gaits. The right lead will always be the challenge but it was not sticky and he did not resist as much as I have felt in the past. We did some transition work -- walk/ halt, halt/ trot , walk/ canter and he was great. I also threw in some rein back to really focus his hind end. Then we did a little lateral work at the trot and off to canter in that big beautiful indoor arena. We worked the whole arena at the canter and his flying lead changes were just spot on. Several old friends and the barn owner stopped to watch his work. One of them commented on how much more relaxed we looked together since last she saw us ride in a clinic. Very nice to hear!!!

After cooling out, I groomed him and put him away a happy boy. He is very settled in his new stall. There is always hay waiting for him so why wouldn't he be happy :-)

First day under saddle ... what a super star!

Yesterday was our first day of work in our new home. When I got to the farm Blu was turned out in a large paddock and he had his head down eating pulling at the fresh shoots of Spring grass. When I got close enough I called out my usual greeting, "Hellooooo Blu Blu!" He immediately picked up his head and whinnied to me. What a sweet boy. After a warm greeting, I had some stuff to move in/ around so I left him be while I went about settling in.

When I took him out of the paddock. I took him for a walk in the outdoor arena. He was quite looky and called to other horses but he never put a foot wrong. They were doing some excavating next to the outdoor and had a bucket loader dropping dirt and rocks so I thought it best to do our work inside for the day.

I took him up to the barn to get him ready and he has already figured out which stall is his. He went in had a drink and then set about munching on the huge pile of hay he always has in his stall. Free choice hay anyone? Blu votes an enthusiastic "yes"!

I tacked him up and as I was doing so the barn owners came through the barn and made much of my handsome boy. One of the barn owners said she noticed he was a dunker and recommended I ask the barn manager -- a wonderful man named Hueler -- to add a water bucket to his stall so he would not be mucking up his automatic waterer... How happy am I? The water bucket will be at the front of the stall where his pile of hay and dengi bucket are located and the automatic waterer is in the back of his stall. Did I report that his stall is a HUGE foaling stall? OMG it is huge. So I think he will be less inclined to dip his dengi and hay in the automatic waterer.

We then went down to the massive indoor arena. I decided to lunge him first out of my desire to see what he would be like. He was perfect. As a matter of fact I think the light lunging really helped him under saddle. He was all warmed up when I got on and there was no stiffness or funky steps. I think I am going to lightly lunge before I get on him every time.

After we were done with a nice work out. I gave him his first bath of the season. The Sore No More Massage Shampoo is my absolute favorite after a work out. While it is not going to get the urine/ manure stains out off his feet and hocks, it is great for cleaning and giving a liniment bath. He really enjoyed it.

Then we went off to hand graze. His favorite part I am sure.

I think he will be happy in his new home once he settles. It will take both of us a little bit to get used to this new very busy environment but I am sure we will figure it out.

New Home ... More time with Blu

Blu has moved closer to home -- I shaved over an hour off of commuting -- 80 total minutes so who is counting? What a luxury! He is such a good boy -- self loading/ unloading and never taking a wrong step. He settled into his huge foaling size stall in a beautifully retrofitted cow barn. He has a premium spot -- first in the door so he can see all that is going on and right next to the tack room. There are many more people around so he will have plenty to keep him busy.

After settling in we went out to check out the property and do some hand-grazing. He was thrilled with that! Tomorrow he will be turned out in his own paddock and then I will go to ride later in the afternoon after he has had some time to chill outside. I will also hand walk the ever beautiful Flaine -- my friend's most beautiful Hanoverian recovering from major colic surgery.

It was hard leaving RI today... many good memories and fabulous friends! I will miss my RI family very much yet at the same time it is very nice to be home with the old gang. Most of all, it will be great to spend more time with my pal Blu!

Great Ride and still feeling the pain

So Blu and I ventured into a clinic with Lou Denizard on Friday and we were awesome. The hard news is that every muscle in my back has been tweaked. OK maybe moving my mother's estate had something to do with this back thing...

Anyways, Blu was pretty sound. We started at the walk focusing on me identifying foot falls -- "Tell me when his right hind hits the ground". Then we add in some half halts when a named foot hit the ground. It was like rubbing your tummy and patting your head at the same time. Then we did it at the trot. Hard exercise but it was really tuned my thoughts into the way he was moving and where his feet were at all times.

Our trot work was pretty good. Again, I have to focus on not letting him take over and setting the pace. He loves to do that at the trot. Got to keep that right hind firing underneath him yet not let him get fast in front. Again, lots of back... Ouch.

Our canter work to the right was good but to the left it was "perfect". Yes, he did use the term. I have never had anyone tell me that in my all my years riding. I am going to live that moment for a very long time. Of course when I let Blu break to trot due to my lack of endurance he was not impressed. The great equalizer...

Flying lead change was also perfect. It took a lot of back to keep him on my seat and wait for me to ask for the change. That Blu is just way too smart.

So one more day of rest and back in the saddle. I am ready!!!

Small gains

Another good ride on Blu. I was actually able to carry over some of what I learned during my last lesson in regards to his right lead canter ... no small feat for this thick headed adult learner/ rider. It was better but not the best it can be. Blu is such a great teacher -- patient but yet not too patient. He let's me know how wrong I am but in a very gentle way.

His left hind was a little funky last night but he had two days off so I am going to chalk it up to that and see what we get today. Just part of an older horse.

I love this pony!

Horses , Friends and the Right Lead Canter

Last evening I had an opportunity to ride with my friend Bari. We laughed, we talked and we learned some lessons from each other. Sharing is a wonderful thing!

Blu is feeling particularly good. I have more weight in my hand and he is very responsive to my leg stepping through and really using his back end.

Right lead canter is his weakness and it feeds on all my weaknesses also. I have to remember to keep my right shoulder back and constant reminders for him to stay in the left rein -- inside leg to outside rein connection. He does not want to step under and bend thus avoiding that right hind. When you insist he will do it and he starts to carry himself. I found it on the 8 m to 10 m circle. Now to get it on the 20 m without letting him plaster his shoulder to the wall. Think shoulder in at the canter.

Better each day

Every day gets just a bit better. He felt really happy to be working last evening... almost a little strong. We did a few mediums and he was quite pleased with himself.

Our biggest challenge was the dirt! He was filthy and without a vacuum almost impossible to get clean. Here is a picture of His Dirtiness. Got to love having a gray horse!

Riding with Lou Denizard next week. Hope my boots are broken in by then. I bruised the back on my right leg right behind my knee. OUCH! Not really a complaint though because I am truly grateful to have a pair of custom Konigs. They are the best!

Nothing like a good vet

Blu will be 17 this year and with age comes some stiffness. So out comes my vet who has taken such good care of him and he suggests blistering his right stifle and injecting his coffin bones. Trusting his expert opinion, I told him to go ahead and voila a new horse! He is so much happier. His stride is bigger and no swapping leads behind to start.

My ride was terrific last night. Just a little lateral suppling then all three gaits on big bending turns. He was very happy. In the trot and canter he wanted to give me lengthenings on the long side. He really feels good! His bedtime banana snack was all he really wanted... ok the peppermints too.

I rode in my new boots last night. They were a bit more comfortable... not much. The challenge is getting on. OMG are they stiff. I am going to have to wear them every day. No excuses!!! Maybe I need my stifles blistered!

Back in the saddle

A week off due to my step father's passing. :-( My spirits were brightened though by getting back to the barn. It felt good to get back on but as I have said previously, that first ride can be so difficult. So I took a lesson with two of my friends -- yes, a group lesson and we had some fun! Poor Jenn she had her work cut out! I was exhausted at the end and my friend Bari reminded me that we were on for over an hour. (my back is telling me the story today!)

I actually broke down and wore my brand new Konigs today. OMG they are stiff! I did not feel like I could get my leg around Blu and he did not seem to mind. His trot work was perfect. He felt stuck in the canter but he had worked hard the day before. The real trick with the boots was standing up from the stool after putting them on and then trying to swing my leg over the cantle. I approach riding with a great deal of humor... I had to get the extra stiff. I will be happy once they are broken in.

It just impresses me how precious a gift this horse is... he is a delight to be around. He follows my every move while I am in the barn, he picks my pockets, snuffles my hair and shows me where he needs a scratch. How can you not love such an endearing animal?

Clinic Fun

Yesterday we rode with Rita Brown, FEI Gold Medalist and "L" Judge. It was fun!!!

First off he was sound... stiff to start but sound none the less. Rita thinks it might be in his hock and to check to see if when they injected him they did both the top and bottom of the joint. I have a feeling it was only the bottom because the charge was not all you would expect it to be.

We rode the canter much more forward and with his neck down a bit so he gave more in his back. I rode him forward into his changes and they were spectacular. I have to remember to let go in my leg... bump him and then let go and relax from my knee down. That will be a trick!

Then we worked on the walk. That was hard! Rita got on for a bit and she agreed that she was working really hard to get him where she wanted him... stepping under, giving in the neck so his back would come up. His walk got better but he will always be a bit lateral. Rita thinks I can get a solid "5" if I get his back up. So I told her that with a coefficient of "2" that would make his walk a "10". We had a good laugh over that one. She thinks that since all his other gaits are fabulous we should be able to score well. She got off and let me get back on to feel what I needed to get and it was pretty darn amazing. I was not sure I was going to be able to get all that she did -- flex him in the neck to get it to drop down, push with my calfs (not so much in my seat) and tap his legs under with the whip with no running forward. Kind of like rubbing your tummy and patting your head at the same time... I got it though.

She loves Blu. She said he is really well trained and sensitive... the perfect horse for me. She also said my riding had improved tremendously. All good! We will be going to Scituate a couple of days this summer to soak up more of her knowledge. God I loooooovvvveee this horse!!!

Getting ready for a clinic

I did not want to ride hard this evening... I wanted save myself and Blu for the work tomorrow. I think something is going on in his stifle. His walk and canter were pretty good but his trot looked really rough to begin with. He is stepping wide in his right hind. hmmm...The Veterinarian will be out on Monday so hopefully he will have time to take a look. We will have to see... He is such a sweet boy. He tries very hard and I think he is trying to tell us enough is enough fix it already. I hope I am wrong.

Back in the saddle again

It was a great thrill to walk in the barn and have Blu greet me. He put his head down and encouraged me to scratch under his forelock. I then took him out and brushed through a cloud of white hair. We then had a nice ride and he was only too happy to accept every last treat I shared.

While I was away the barn manager's assistant pulled his mane, washed his tail and cleaned his sheath. Am I lucky or what?All the jobs I did not want to do were completed for me! He was well cared for during my absence!

We are doing a clinic with Rita Brown on Saturday. It should be interesting since I will have only rode twice before the day. I will have fun and it is always helpful to get feedback from such a great clinician.

Gone too long

I have enjoyed a long tropical vacation and now it is time to get back in the saddle. I always dread that first ride after not being in the saddle for a period of time. It is all a state of my mind and has nothing to do with this wonderful horse. He has been maintained with professional rides during my absence so he will be all tuned up. How lucky am I?

I chose my 2nd level tests - 1 and 3 and have started to memorize. I chose these because they start off tracking to the left and that is our best direction. Is that a good reason? It felt good to me. Let's hope we can execute!

Every ride is a discovery

I had a super lesson last night. I have to be told things a million times before it actually sinks in. Blu is a very sensitive boy in terms of the downward transition. You can not sit into him for the downward transition or he will land like a lump of lead on his forehand. Instead I have to keep my seat fairly light and steady and compress with my upper abs and sit a bit taller. Presto! The perfect transition from canter to walk or trot. I am really challenged by his walk. He tends to be lateral and my instinct is to push him forward. Wrong! Instead I have to quiet my seat and soften him in the rein so he does not set up against me. I have to think of slowing his gait and getting him relaxed through the topline. He gives me lots to think about.

He also rides very differently from left to right. Going to the right I have to think about him bending and giving in the neck whereas to the left I cannot take as much inside rein and I have to keep his hind legs on track.

The trot continues to be the most challenging for both of us. I have to stop letting him set the pace and I need to ride every step. Once I do that he is most complicit and the trot improved tremendously.

Strength through his back and in his hind end will need to improve to get rid of his "pony steps" . I have started him on another round of Estrone which helped him that last time.

Every ride is a joy and a discovery!

When all else fails... ride

It has been a tough couple of weeks at work. After working a full day getting in the car and driving close to an hour to see my boy is tough but at the end of the road is my solace. Blu was waiting for me; he stuck his long neck out so I could scratch it and offered his face so I could rub it. Then he wanted to know where the peppermints were hid.

We had a short ride but it was effective. It got him loose and did the same for me. Being a desk jockey really takes it toll on my lower back and hips flexors. Blu takes the brunt of that and while he is for the most part gracious it certainly does not help his warm up.

A week without riding is bad for the soul

I have spent the past work week sitting facing a computer from 7:30 am to 6:00 pm that is until tonight. While those crazy webinars and meetings pay the bills, it was good to feel the cold air on my face and pick the hoofs of my pal Blu. He got a good currying... the white fur was flying leaving clumps on the floor and sticking to my black pants. I looked like I had grown a hair coat! Blu felt indulged as I scratched all the right spots.

We had a short outing this evening. Transitions.... were the name of the game and warming up his limbs so we can be ready for some heavy work tomorrow. Canter/ walk/ trot/ canter... a very good transition sequence for him. Shoulder-in is my friend. I must think half-halt from the elbow to make it more effective and not take so much on the inside rein going to the left.

Every ride is truly a lesson and an adventure. I just love his happy demeanor. He is a big love.

Saying goodbye

Goodbye Lee. It was one of the hardest things I have had to do. I thought I was being thoughtful by planning for his departure months in advance -- I stopped riding him months ago, I stopped grooming him weeks ago (don't worry others did it for me) but the one thing I have not done is stopped loving the big lug. So much for planning. Watching his new mother drive away with him was way too much. My comfort comes from knowing he is off to horse paradise and I am left with some great memories. I also have the love and support of my many friends and the magnificent Blu.

So after drying my eyes and getting my wits about me, I saddled up Blu and had a nice ride in the freezing cold. Horses are truly good for the soul. A couple of little spooks to get my attention and Blu and I decided it was a day to go easy... a little canter, a little trot, some transitions and we called it a day.

Good bye Lee. I will miss you.

Is he firing off that right hind?

A good lesson this evening. I ride around thinking he could give me a little more from behind but never really do anything about it. My instructor told me tonight I needed to goose Blu with my right spur since he was blowing me off. So I did and he swished his tail, swapped his leads behind and swapped them again then I had a most terrific ride. My endurance was great and we worked it. Why is riding straight such a mystery? I think I need to change my focus a bit ... I need to start thinking more about what is happening behind me and stop worrying so much about what is happening up front.

Schoolmaster takes me to school.

Blu was terrific last night. Every ride is a lesson. I was blessed last night with no stiffness in my hips so I was able to let go and let my legs drop down. He is so attuned to the seat and leg. I could feel his response to my inside leg and half halt in the corners beautifully balancing. While being on his forehand is his favorite place to be, we did many transitions - walk/ halt, halt/trot, trot/ halt, trot/ canter, canter/ walk. over and over and over again. What a fabulous horse I had after that. Then we moved on to simple changes of lead. I thought about staying in the moment and riding each stride. It helped me and Blu was generous and correct with his response.

A good currying was in order after the ride so I scrubbed all the right spots for which he shows his gratitude by elongating his neck and sticking out his prehensile upper lip at the same time pushing his butt right up against the curry. He is really quite comical. He does not like all the blankets. I am sure it is something to get used to coming from Florida. He is a very good sport though.

Last evening's ride will have to hold me over since I would not be able to get to the barn to ride until after everyone had vacated the premises for the evening. I do not like riding alone... probably not the safest thing to do. Tomorrow is a new day and I look forward to the next adventure and the lessons Blu has to teach.

Best laid plans...

So Lee was set to go home with his new mom yesterday (or should I say I was set...) and due to frigid below zero temps the plan was dumped for plan B which is a departure next weekend. Mentally this is very tough. It is hard enough letting go but to have to relive it just does not seem right. He is happy though... playing with his pals (thank you for having me order a new halter...), begging treats, and being his old happy self. I am grateful for more time with him. How I will miss his happy face.

Riding is on hold for the day having succumbed to a nasty head cold. But that does not stop me from plotting and planning. Simple changes must be conquered and 2 second level tests needs to be settled on. Second One and maybe Second Four. Hmmm... Blu will be able to do them in his sleep and I will fret over the details...

Planning ... always planning

A comfortable winter's day in the 30s. I got to the barn the same time Leevi's new mother arrived. She had time with Leevi and took a lesson so she could get to know him better. While I did not stay in the ring long, I did see how well she rode my big handsome boy. They really will make a lovely team. His ears were flopping and she was smiling from ear to ear. We planned for next week when he will depart. My heart is already heavy. I will need to put it out of my mind until the day comes.

Blu and I had a good time together. He has so much to teach me like keeping my seat still. If I push too hard with my seat he scoots onto his forehand or if I lean into one seat bone or the other he swaps his leads. Breaking old habits can be very hard but I believe you can teach an old dog new tricks. He is a very patient boy. I will have to continue with the bribes of peppermints and carrots.

We have to do a second level test next season... Shall we go with the test that has the canter serpentine? It may be our best bet at a good score. Time to start planning.

Schoolmasters are the best

What a wonderful ride I had last night. Blu is coming back off some downtime after his SI so he is a bit rusty but it is all in there. I actually outlasted him. His canter feels wonderful - rhythmic, not too heavy in the right rein, listening to my leg and seat. I think he needs more transition work and will have to make sure that gets included. His trot work was exceptional - again rhythmic - able to keep him on my seat. He seemed a bit "heavey" last night. The air does not move in that indoor very much so I will have to keep an eye on that. We ended with some FLC (flying lead changes). He was very good again, a bit rusty. He pooped out pretty quickly. No sense in pushing him. It is all in there. I will just take my time and get him back to where he was.

The best part is the grooming. He soooooo loves a good scratch. The withers and above his tail seem to be his favorite spots. Oh and a good face rub is always in order!

I also spent a little time with Lee. He is always grateful for any attention he gets. I put on his blankets and he curled around me like a kitten gently nudging my pockets for peppermints. I am going to miss him very much. His new mom is coming to see him this weekend. I am very excited for him and for her. She is such a kind gentle soul. I think they will be the perfect match.

My handsome boy Leevi

How can you not love this face? Leevi is a Registered Trakehener gelding out of the stallion Lenzstrum. His dam is out of a Whitney Stakes Thorobred stallion by the name of Fio Rito. Leevi looks exactly like his sire. I understand that his dam was as sweet as could be and he certainly inherited her demeanor. You can not find a sweeter horse.

A day of bonding and letting go...

It was cold, gray and miserable today. Sometimes I wonder how I have lasted in New England all these years. After packing on the layers and traveling 30 something miles to the barn, I was greeted by Blu and Leevi making it all worth the trip.

Leevi is my other horse. He is a tall drink of water at 17H. We have been together for 5 years and he just knows how to get every last treat out of me. I thought he would be my forever horse but who is to predict where your path will lead? Since time at the barn is scarce, I feel Leevi must go to a home that will truly enjoy his happy demeanor and not push him past his physical capabilities. I found a lovely young woman from NY who will take him and give him the home where I know he will flourish. He will be #1 horse, out at pasture all day, have friends of multiple species to engage in play (other horses, goats, dog, chickens), riding in the pastures and down logging roads. His new mother thinks he is just the best thing since sliced bread... Just what I had in mind for him! He seems to know that he is moving on because he has taken to snarling at Blu. This is so not like my Lee. It is almost like he is helping me let go. He will be leaving at the end of the month. I am sure I will have a hard time when he leaves. How do you say good bye to your best bud who you have seen through the toughest of times? I guess I will find out.

Today was a day of grooming, stall picking, hand walking and treat sharing. My ponies seemed very content. It would be nice if we could get out and do some hacking in the hay fields. Riding in the ring day after day is just not good. I wonder if they get as claustrophobic as I do.

Blu is back to full work tomorrow after a slow return to work over this past week. He had his SI joint injected and he seems all brand new. I look forward to working on the flying lead changes and canter half pass again.

Highs and lows

Today was suppose to be a day for me and my boy Blu. A day when I did not have to rush to and from the barn. A good curry scratching all the right spots, a ride to satisfy my soul and then more currying and brushing. Heat some water and clean my tack but I ended up going to the barn with a heavy heart. A fellow boarder lost her horse to colic last evening. So it was a melancholy day. It reminded me though how every moment with my beloved friend is special. So I did not get the tack cleaned but I did have a lovely ride and Blu got curried and scratched in all the right spots. I am grateful that I have such a wonderful horse. I am grateful for my friends I get to share my happiness with and most of all I am grateful for the love that comes back to me from all my friends - human and equine alike. RIP Wally... You will me missed