2 pointing through October and a nice (?) fall day?!

Posted on October 22, 2015 by Sarah (threechestnuts)

I hate the fall. Everyone who knows me knows how much I hate the fall. I hate the darkness, the angle of the sun, the shorter days, the crunchy fall leaves and dying plants, the darkness, and the angle of the sun (those both deserved a second mention). Good things have happened in the fall like all horse purchases but Jiminy, buying my house, and getting married, but I still dislike it. But every once in a while, fall issues a beautiful, unhated day. Today was one of those days!

I’m on the reference desk tonight (i.e. Now) and on Sunday so with comp time, I didn’t have to be at work until 5. Weather was perfect; temps in the mid 70s and sunny. So I took advantage of my day off to hang out with the boys (the little butterball definitely needs his muzzle back on when he’s out on grass…).

I haven’t ridden Subi in a few weeks so I tackled him first. Being home alone plus the lack of work he’s had, I played it safe and lunged first.

Really Mom? I have to leave my friends and work?

Thanks to the warm temps and living out, Subi was pretty quiet (almost dead) on the lunge line though he did have his idiot moments. Still, I’m glad I worked him pretty hard even though he was a sweaty mess.

After lunging I hopped on and we pretty much walked forever while he cooled off. I took advantage of this time to work on the evil known as 2 point. I’ve mostly been doing my 2 point on Batty because he’s pretty flat while Subi has the big old bouncy thoroughbred stride. That said, even with the bouncier stride and leg Subi requires, he’s so much easier than Batt in that he doesn’t get annoyed or bored as easily. So on we walked through multiple songs from wicked until I could 2 point no more. But we survived and by far had out best time yet.

After 2 pointing, on dead legs, we did some trotted over poles (during which I was surprised how strong my 2 point felt) until we were both bored. Playing it safe (after all, I was alone and didn’t bother to let my husband know that I was on…), I hopped off and hand walked him around in the woods before getting back on out there. As expected, he was perfect and really prefers our “woods” ring. I really need to clear it out more in the spring so there’s more useable space. We trotting a bit (with much more effort and energy) before calling it a day.

Somehow I managed to ride Batt after Subi. I have very little to say about him other than neither of us were feeling it. He’s bored hacking and I really struggle to get him in front of my leg at the walk and trot. He really just wanted to canter and if he could canter, he sucked back and sulked. At least at the canter I could get him in front of my leg, but… He would have been thrilled to pop over some jumps but I try not to jump when I’m alone. Next ride I guess… He just gets in these moods where it’s his way or else… Usually boredom is involved. I could have hacked him out but I had the dogs out so I didn’t want to leave them. In the end we survived, but…

Dental adventures and 2 point

Posted on October 19, 2015 by Sarah (threechestnuts)

I haven’t done a whole lot of riding over the past couple of weeks. If dealing with a sore hip hasn’t been enough, I developed a really bad sinus infection about 2 weeks ago. Horrific sinus pain and headaches. Not fun. I managed a pathetic base time for 2pointober (1:31), but didn’t really ride much more that week. I ended up at the doctors and on antibiotics by Thursday a week ago.

However, even with the antibiotics, the sinus pressure didn’t improve all that much. I managed to teach lesson last weekend and struggled through 2 trail rides (and upped my 2point to 5:03 on one trail ride and was back down to 2:51 on the other) and started to finally feel better. Then the tooth pain began. On top of everything else, I started having tooth pain. I stayed home from work on Monday (as well as Friday and 1/2 on Thursday last week) and with regular ibuprofen, finally had some pain free moments. Returned to work on Tuesday (and had an evening workshop I forgot about which made a long day…longer) and made it through. Wednesday wasn’t good, but it was our anniversary so I went to work as well as out to dinner with my husband. Some point on Wednesday I realized the pain was now mostly in my mouth and I needed to see a dentist. I have a huge fear of the dentist and basically freaked out when I realized I needed to go. I called the local dental office and they could see me the next day, Thursday.

By Wednesday night, the ibuprofen was doing nothing (even taking 4 at a time) though somehow I managed to do OK out to dinner (up until this point I was more or less just eating bread and plain pasta as everything else upset my stomach thanks to antibiotics and pain meds), but overnight I contemplated the ER due to pain. Somehow I survived the night at home and in the morning had my dentist appointment. My wonderful mother came down to help me with the dentist (again, truly petrified of the dentist) and the office staff was very nice (probably understanding how much dental anxiety I have). Turns out, in addition to probably having TMJ, I also needed a nasty root canal in one of my molars. Due to the placement, I was referred to a specialist who could get me in that afternoon. Petrified, my mother drove me to that appointment and they did the root canal. That said, as nice as the regular dentist was, if the specialist had a general practice, I’d be moving over there. He made it so that I didn’t even feel the needles for the novocain and gave me a whole lot (past oral surgery experience had novocain wear off mid procedure). The actual root canal didn’t hurt and the wonderful dentist managed the novocain so well that only a tiny portion of my mouth was numb. Pretty impressive.

Since the appointment the pain had decreased though I’m still taking regular ibuprofen and I was never quite able to kick the sinus infection and am now on round 2 of antibiotics (which my stomach still hates). So, I’m still shuffling around, but hopefully on the mend.

On Saturday, Erik and I went out to Fair Hill to watch cross country all day. My camera died so no photos, but it was still a really nice day. But COLD. I’m pretty sure there was a massive grey cloud (and some rain drops) that settled over Fair Hill for most of the day.

Hermione’s 3rd cross country day at Fair Hill

Marble’s first Fair Hill

So sleepy after a long, hard day.

So cold that, unfortunately, when I got home, I had to pull out blankets for the boys. We weren’t ready for below freezing temps. Today wasn’t much better and tonight’s going to be colder. That said, I should be able to pull blankets either tomorrow morning or Tuesday morning. Just need to check out weather.

Today’s cold weather also had a whole bunch of strange rain showers. I left around 1 to meet my mom and it was sunny and 49*. When I left to head back home an hour or so later, it was 46* and drizzling. I drove home through rain showers and sun and clouds. I got home and it was 42*. Seriously crazy weather changes over the course of 2 hours.

Despite the weather, I did ride when I got home but decided to stick with Batt and not bother with Subi. With the sudden gusts of wind and the rain/sun/storm clouds/tornado winds (ok, not exactly), it was probably a wise choice. That said, I wasn’t feeling it and neither was Batt. Just one of those days. We started off with a lovely round of 2 point 7:21.95 in the round pen. I tried to do the 2 point as a warm up, but since Batt hates the round pen, it was interesting. Instead of a nice forward walk, we moved between shuffling our feet at the walk (I forgot my crop…), cantering, and trotting (pretty much in that order). After 7 minutes or so, I hurt and we were both annoyed. We did some trot and canter sets on the hill and we survived (I asked for the canter right as a gust of wind came up behind us) before heading into the woods to finish up. Getting in the woods was more of a fight than normal (lots of wind and flying leaves), but he was pretty good once we started working. Of course, at the end of our ride, we had a huge (for batt) spook at the canter. Not at a flying tree branch, not at stuff falling from the trees, not at any of the normal things. No, Batt spooked at the jolly ball that Marble was running after in the yard. Of course, spooking really consisted as trying to turn sideways while cantering before slamming on the breaks and acting like a giraffe. It was really kind of funny. But, he survived and we finished up before calling it a day.

Too much 2point.

Not feeling it and certainly not impressed. Practicing our angry face…

Alert ears at flying debris

Catching up

Posted on September 27, 2015 by Sarah (threechestnuts)

I’m super behind here. Sometimes it’s easy to post, other times? Not so much. Work has been kicking my butt and I’ve just been exhausted. Add on to it that my mom went on vacation and left me with her 4 dogs so we had 6 dogs in the house. NOT fun at all. They’re lucky I love them!

5 of the 6 dogs napping…

Meanwhile, I’ve actually been riding the Batthorse! After months of unsoundness primarily due to never ending abscesses, he’s **knocks on wood** sound! We’ve had about 6 rides in the past 2-3 weeks which is amazing! We actually popped over our first jump in about a year last weekend and jumped a little more this weekend. Nothing high, but who cares. He’s been wearing his beat up cavallo boots and while they’re a mess and will eventually fall apart, they’re working for now. I ordered him a pair of renegades yesterday so hopefully we’ll have them for next weekend. Riding him again reminds me just how wonderful it is to ride a horse who has no spook or buck in him. I mean he tried to buck me off the other week, but he’s not actually athletic enough to buck. But, even though he picked his feet about 3 inches off the ground, he thought he was bucking. We worked on our track in the woods today after working on the hill and jumping some. But, I have a wooded area that has a loop that works for trotting/cantering that I haven’t used lately just because the ground had been a mess. Not riding in there for a year made a huge difference. If we ever have funds, I’d love to get it cleared and make it a real ring. Anyway, we trotting and cantered some and he had a ball. Nothing like a change of scenery to change things up.

Pictures because they’re always necessary…

I also rode Sub a couple times this week after not really riding him due to life/weather. I lunged last weekend and lunged and rode in the round pen on Friday (he was a nut), but got on without lunging today. We worked on the hill for a while though he was definitely alert/up. But, after a decent amount of walk work, we managed some trotting and a little cantering. He was really sticky about his left lead which is NOT him, but not feeling overly confident I didn’t fight too much with that. Another days problem. After our hill work I walked him around the woods for a while and once I was convinced he was quiet (the constant attempts to eat were the clue) I hopped on and we walked and trotting around for a while. He was much quieter back there and I was much more confident. Go figure. We cantered a couple strides on the left lead (he picked it up with energy) and did a little more on the right and called it a day. There are some tighter turns out there and we need a little more time before he’s balanced enough to canter those turns. But he tried hard and we were both exhausted after our successful ride.

Goof.

Not much to add on the Jiminy front other than I love that little pony. He’s still as adorable as ever and is changing color again. I love him.

Introducing James Tiberius Harper Horsie

Posted on August 28, 2015 by Sarah (threechestnuts)

Lots to post about. A wonderful Subi horse. Less fear. An incident of suspected choke. A lame horse. My hate of abscesses. But, instead…

I’d like to introduce the newest member of my herd!

At the end of July we purchased a mini horse for Subi. He needed a friend so that Batt could have a job and I was sick of being scared to death that Subi would hurt himself while Batt worked. So, my farrier suggested a mini. My vet suggested a mini. Friends suggested a mini.

Thanks to my ex-landlords minis, I did not want a mini. Those things were evil. But, logic (though probably not common sense) won out and I got a mini.

I spent a month or so searching and found lots of crazy and scary things. Horrific conformation, crazy people, people who stopped communicating, mares in foal, stallions, feral minis. But, then I founds our little man and fell head over heels in love with his picture.

And then I met him and fell deeper in love.

Then he came home and moved into my backyard. Then he called to me when I walked into the house. Love.

The Subi fell in love.

So, without further ado, please meet James Tiberius Harper Horsie aka Jiminy. He’s a 4 year old gelding and completely adorable.

Little brother, Big brother

Cutest pony in the world

Hello!

With his brothers

I’m being ignored?

Handsome little man

Squeal!

First day home

Anyway, Subi adores Jiminy, Batty tolerates Jiminy. But, I love my boys.

I’m a wimp.

Posted on July 22, 2015 by Sarah (threechestnuts)

When did I become such a wimp when it came to riding? I don’t even recognize myself right now. It’s pathetic.

I know the answer to that question. I more or less became a wimp after getting kicked in the head by Hayley a couple of years ago. It wasn’t a riding injury (I was untying a hay net from the run in shed), but it did result in a serious concussion that took way too long to truly heal (2 months before I stopped regularly losing words and a year before i felt mostly normal). I’m just way more timid since that incident. Not so much on the ground, but riding (It didn’t help that my doctor more or less told me not to get another concussion or else we would need to discuss lifestyle changes). At the end of the day, I’m afraid to get hurt.

It wasn’t as bad last year as I know I was riding more. I would still at times get nervous on Subi, but I did ride. I didn’t do a lot, but I’d get on and ride. Usually in the round pen, but I still rode. Then, the rest of the time, I rode Batt. He’s as bombproof as they come and not really talented enough to buck. He was my confidence builder and a good confidence builder he was (he also strengthened my leg).

Keeping the horses at home hasn’t help my lack of confidence/riding time, but I really wouldn’t change it for the world. I love having them outside and seeing them everyday. Having no good place to ride however… If we can solve our truck issue and I can find enough money for lessons AND find someone willing to work with me on an every other week basis (I know I can’t afford more than that), maybe thing will change. But, I have work to do first.

Meanwhile, I’ve been dealing with soundness issues with Batt and haven’t been able to really do anything with him. On top of that, Subi has become extremely herd bound without Hayley and pretty much has a suicidal panic attack when I take Batt out of the field to work. I can’t safely work Batt unless I keep in the yard next to the field where Subi can see him (I’m not willing to risk Subi actually killing himself which is a possibility after, when locked in the shed stall, he spent 10-15 minutes banging his head against a wall in panic). But it’s a bad place to work (not to mention lack of sound horse). We’re in the process of finding a mini which should help. Subi is fine leaving Batt when it’s his turn to work and Batt really doesn’t care (he calls occasionally, but that’s about it).

I know if I can start riding Batt more, I’ll be more confident on Subi. I know if I then ride Subi more, I’ll be better as well. I know if can throw some lessons in on Subi, that will really help. But, reality and finances and time and work still exist. At this point, I just want Batt sound enough to haul out and trail ride. He loves trails and we’d both have fun.

So, most of my riding comes on my thoroughbred. He can be a nut and he can buck (heals over head), but he’s more or less a good guy. He’s also 18 at this point and regardless of whether I ever get comfortable with him again, he’s with me till the end (I’ve had him 10 years at this point). Back when we were in a routine with a trainer, I was confidently schooling 2’9″/3′ but I’ve never been a brave rider over fences. I just think too much. I need 2-3 lessons a week to be confident over fences over 2′ and I’m OK with not getting back to that. But, I’ve always been good on the flat and love flat work. I’ve just lost it all! And it’s so frustrating.

I decided to ride tonight now that the horrible heat is gone. I haven’t ridden Subi in a couple of weeks (heat, rain/storms, vacation). I started longing in the round pen and he was dead. I got on a could barely keep him trotting he was dead. He was bored as well so after trotting around for a few minutes, I decided to try riding on the hill by the driveway. Batt loves it, but other than walks with Batt, I haven’t actually ridden Subi there. I wanted to and was scared to death (he also spooked at a bird right before we left the pen and I could tell just how loose I was). But we left the round pen and walked up to the driveway (this part was a struggle and did include some backing before we made it the 50 feet to the driveway). I made my husband walk with us (not leading, but just walking near) and we walked up and down and again, my wonderful horse what I asked, but I was a nervous wreck. I finally worked up the courage to trot up the hill a few times and again, we were fine, but again, crazy nerves. I trotted about 4-5 times and called it a day. He seemed to enjoy himself and never once did anything stupid. So why can’t I relax and trust my horse? He’s giving me no reason not to trust him and yet I don’t. He’s a good boy and likes having a job and I’m just a wimp. When did this happen?

Emerging

Posted on May 25, 2015 by Sarah (threechestnuts)

It’s been a while since I blogged. I’ll be honest, I just haven’t been able to since losing Hayley. For the first couple of months, I pretty much ignored the boys completely. Erik basically took care of them 100% for which I feel really guilty, but I just couldn’t make myself. In the beginning we did do a nightly treat session, but it got cold and I just found myself staying inside while he fed without complaint. I still feel super guilty.

The boys

Somewhere in the middle of the arctic tundra winter we had I did start making myself go out and feed and the boys, Subi in particular, were thrilled to see me. More guilt but it’s done and over with. In the end, the boys emerged from winter pretty much unscathed. Batt is fat and Subi gained a lot of weight. Fat, no, but fat for him. 3 meals of day (2 grain, 1 alfalfa cube/beet pulp meal) really suits him. Batt on the other hand…

Batt!

chunky…

I’ve been slowly working the boys again. Subi’s had his moments but overall, he’s been pretty good. Not too much riding but good work on the line and he’s been good for our development “trail” rides. He’s still his crazy self though, even at 18. I haven’t done too much with Batt mostly because I’m struggling with the 2 horse combo versus the 3 horse combo. Subi cannot stay alone in the field without panicking and freaking out and I’m afraid he’s going to kill himself. We’re going to pick up a gate for the shed to create a stall when necessary so I hope that helps. He won’t be able to jump out of the stall (lets hope he doesn’t try) whereas the field, I’m afraid he’d try. Hopefully with some hay (if I have to buy 10 bales of alfalfa as special “stall hay” for him, I will), I can start working Batt in the round pen. I may ask the vet about drugs as well if necessary. But Batt needs to work and it’s too hard to have Erik graze Subi while i work Batt because if Subi starts with any antics, Erik gets worried.

Subi

Handsome as always

The boys have been divas about the bugs lately which is making life more interesting. Batt has squeezed into Hayley’s rambo quarter horse sheet while Subi’s still wearing his saratoga summer sheets. With his weight gain, I don’t love how the Saratoga sheet fits anymore, but if I don’t have to buy another sheet, I’d rather not. If necessary, I’ll get him a Kensington, but hopefully the saratogas will hold up despite not fitting perfectly.

Bug Diva 1

Bug Diva 2

Anyway, just a brief update. Now if only I could figure out how to best keep Subi calm when I work Batt… this is driving me crazy (Subi is completely ok if I take him out to work even if he can’t see Batt. He doesn’t care at all. Batt leaves and fireworks begin)!!!

Subba

Goodbye Hayley

Posted on December 21, 2014 by Sarah (threechestnuts)

It’s taken me a little bit to write this entry.

We said goodbye to our Hayley last Thursday morning (12/11). It was the hardest decision, but in the end, the only right decision to make. She went quickly. Really quickly. Her body was just ready to go. My husband, FIL, and 2 very good friends were there for it. So grateful for everyone.

We miss her like crazy but that’s why the decisions like this are so completely hard. Be free Hayley, be free.

Hayley.

Posted on December 8, 2014 by Sarah (threechestnuts)

Had a little photoshoot with our Hayley today.

Fearing the end.

Posted on November 24, 2014 by Sarah (threechestnuts)

I think my Hayley Horse is reaching the end. I’ve thought it before, but she’s dogged too many bullets and I am pretty sure this is it. I’m holding back tears and I type this. I’m not ready, but at the same time, I can’t keep holding on. It hurts more than I can describe.

Nothing necessarily happened, but maybe that’s the issue? I pulled blankets today because it’s going to be warm and rainy for a couple of days and I’d rather everyone be in rain sheets than in medium/heavy weights. Unfortunately, in the last couple of weeks, Hayley has dropped weight. Semi significant weight. She’s fed like crazy and eats like crazy, but she can’t hold on to the weight any more. We’ve had some scares and she always pulls through, but she’s eating her weight gain regiment and she’s still loosing.

My Hayley has issues. Navicular, arthritis, and chronic diarrhea. She’s got horrible hooves and soundness issues, but she’s the world’s sweetest horse. She used to be an easy keeper but somewhere in the last few years, following a founder scare, life has just been hard. Her diarrhea has gotten worse and keeping weight on her has been hard. Now I fear it’s impossible. She looks bad. If she came out of winter looking like this, we’d have a chance. But going into winter? No way. Right now she gets almost 10lbs of triple crown senior, almost 10lbs of alfalfa cubes (pre-soaked weight), beet pulp, and about 1.5lbs of Buckeyes Ultimate Finish fat supplement. She also gets (mostly) free choice hay (free choice when a round bale is out, 20-30lbs of hay in between round bales). She’s the low end of the herd, but she’s locked up during meal times and she doesn’t leave the hay pretty much ever. There is only so much I can do.

Before I make any decisions, I’m going to give the vet a call in the morning and schedule an appointment to get blood pulled. Maybe she’s anemic. Maybe she has thyroid issues. But my gut says this is unlikely (though I can certainly hope). All I know is she can’t go into winter looking like this. But, I’m not ready to say goodbye. There’s only one Hayley Horse. I love my boys to death, but they don’t have the sweetness Hayley possesses.

Weekend Catchup

Posted on November 3, 2014 by Sarah (threechestnuts)

It’s been a busy weekend (and week for that matter). But, then again, it always is.

Friday night, Erik and I went to Philly to see Newsies. I absolutely love musicals and have wanted to see Newsies for quite a while. I missed it on Broadway, but I’m glad the tour officially opened in Philly and I got to see it. Loved it. So worth the ticket price even though I can’t really afford to spend right now (which of course has me spending money). If you have a chance to see Newsies, DO IT!

Jumping away from the weekend to Thursday, I worked Thursday night which left me time to ride Thursday morning. It was a nice day too which helped. Because Erik already left for work, I decided to ride Batt. He’s reliable and I try no to ride Subi when no one is home. Batt is safe Safe SAFE and at least I know he won’t spook whereas Subi… Nonetheless, it wasn’t a fun ride. I got on Batt who was in a mood and decided to do my 2 point in the round pen. Batt wasn’t feeling it at all. He didn’t feel lame a the walk, but didn’t want to move forward. We fought, a lot, all in 2 point. I asked for a forward pace he cantered. I woahed him back, we halted. Lots of fights. I eventually gave in and decided just to deal with the terrible pace until I got out of 2 point. I survived for 12:18.96. I’m sure I’d have made it longer if I wasn’t fighting my horses, but it got to the point that I could deal any more with leg hold crop crap and my calves and back were killing me and I sat down. But I made my original goal of 10 minutes. After 2 point hell, I decided to leave the round pen. Grumpy however was being stupid, again, and didn’t want to stand while I undid the gate chain. More fighting until he realized we were going to leave and stood… That horse. I thought a trot up the hill would cheer him up (strange horse loves hills, especially galloping up them). Unfortunately, he didn’t feel right at the trot. Not lame necessarily, but weird so I walked after a couple strides. Batt was looking longingly at the development across the street so despite the off feel, we went for a short walk which he enjoyed. But his slow pace was just off. I decided to trot again and immediately could tell he was off on his right hind so we walked home (since he seemed ok a the walk). He had some heat in the hoof and based on how he was standing, I was fairly sure an abscess was brewing. He was way gimpier Saturday and I’m sure my diagnosis was right. He’s doing his abscess stand/walk and is otherwise happy and no heat in the leg… Hope it blows soon!

Moving ahead to Saturday, it was rainy and miserable. Based on the pending weather, I threw sheets on everyone Friday night. Of course, Saturday morning, Batt had some tears in his hastily repaired sheet so I repair my only other sheet and threw that on Saturday night (Saturday morning duck tape didn’t stick with the rain). Erik and I threw out a round bale first thing in the morning in the dark at 6:30am. Batt parked himself in front of it after breakfast and didn’t move until dinner while Subi and Hayley sulked about the rain, cold, and wind…. Due to the rain, I didn’t teach. I had a lot to do and instead spend most of the day on the sofa with my puppies. They loved it! (I did too).

This morning I went out early to teach. Horses were good despite the cold and crazy wind. After a quick trip to my mom’s to pick up her supplied alfalfa cubes and beet pulp (and a quick visit with her puppies), I had a 2 person trail ride. Really nice pair and despite the wind, they had a nice time. I took Peyton out instead of Heidi and it was nice just to be riding something dead quiet. He was a good boy. Unfortunately, my right hip kept cramping up during the ride and it’s still bothering me a bit. I did realize how easy short bursts of 2 point are though! I guess all of this 2 pointing has paid off!

Now I’m home and it’s dark outside. I really need to start dinner, but the sofa, quilt, and dogs are so much better!

Three Chestnuts

The life and trials of the three red heads