December 18-sound

Sherlock is sound again just in time for me to leave on vacation. Maybe I will get a short ride in beforehand. Sherlock's feet are doing great- I took off the old boots and left them off, as he was walking well without them and his feet needed some drying out time.

Walk/trot longe in the round pen, and then a long grooming session trying to get the worst of the mud off. Not completely gorgeous but better. Ground work in the indoor arena, walking over poles, sidepassing over pole and along the wall. He doesn't like much pressure- I need to get the dressage whip out for clarity of cue without having to push on him.

Hay on top of mud- good insulation

December 14-sore foot

As the title suggests, Sherlock has a sore foot. I was starting to be concerned that it might be a broken pedal or coffin bone but a few days in the stall wearing an Easyboot helped a lot. Removal of the Easyboot made him very lame, putting it back on helped immediately. So, a bruised sole.

Shelock and Max

Sherlock did very well in the stall overall, but was starting to fight with the Paint next door. They both had cut legs, probably from kicking the fence between them. I left my feed pan within someone's reach and found it broken in the Paint's stall the next day. So I put Easyboots on both his front feet and took Sherlock back to his paddock. I walked him in the round pen a bit first but once he realized he was heading home he got really excited. He still walked well and stood for taking the halter off nicely, but then was very excited greeting everyone and meeting Taco for the first time- M's horse whose stall we borrowed. They got butt-to-butt and pushed on each other but minimal kicking and screaming later Sherlock and Max were hanging out together and Zip was protecting the ponies.

Sherlock has a HUGE trot he shows when he's really excited. I hope to catch this on film someday. Maybe he will do well with dressage if we choose to do some.

So a tough week but warming up and getting muddy instead of icy. I ordered Easyboots that are meant more for everyday wear, but the old ones are doing well, he hasn't lost one yet.

Gray had a good birthday. I worked a lot, both for ST and Ziji. We went to the ST office party, got bored and went home to watch the Broncos lose their game. Holiday plans are coming together, with car chosen and dogsitter acquired. Tonight making mac and cheese. Tomorrow The Hobbit and last gaming day before vacation.

December 5- SO COLD

WOW, has it been cold.  -10 at night and +12 high during the day. At least we are starting to see the sun. I have been checking on Sherlock daily but he is still lame. This blanket is really too small for several day's use. Need to budget for a new one in the right size.

I think he may have a bad sole bruise or hoof abscess, putting an Easyboot on the foot helped a bit. Today I decided he might have fractured a bone in his foot-not as serious as a break in a larger bone- and so I called the stable about moving him to stall rest for a few days.

Shaggy Sherlock

When I got there it turns out the water is not working (likely frozen?) to the paddock we were talking about. But Stable Manager M moved his horse so Sherlock could have a stall with run for the weekend. Sherlock's bandage/boot were still holding up and he actually walked pretty well. He was pawing at his feed tub as well which is a bit of improvement from the last couple of days.

Today I refreshed the bandage and found a new swollen spot- on the outside of the cannon bone just below the knee. The only place that has been tender in all of this was just below the knee to the inside. So I wrapped it with a very loose wrap. Interesting development-more research. Tomorrow I'd like to get a polo wrap on the whole thing for cheaper cleanliness. My fingers keep going numb when bandaging.


 So today Sherlock's in the stall with a stack of hay, a grain tub with lots of BL-Solution in the feed, and a fresh bandage/boot. He seemed perfectly happy with his huge pile of hay, and I hope he remains so all day. I finally remembered the turquoise beads and blessed them and braided one into Sherlock's mane this morning. I also did a little energy cycling but he seemed uncomfortable with that. 

December 2- trail walk, sore knee

Wednesday Sherlock and I went for a trail walk with Grayson and Luna the dog. I led Sherlock and Luna got some off-leash time.  Relaxed grazing along the way. Walked out well when interested, he can really stretch those legs when he wants. A bit spooky over ditch crossing when walking between truck ruts, but really did well.

Got Mints?

Thursday Sherlock was visibly lame in the paddock, fed only with extra BL-Solution.
Friday he trotted in to get his feed but was lame on the Right side. Right leg swollen only on the pastern, sore only behind the knee. I thought maybe it was a tendon strain. Cold water sponging while he ate his grain. Slow walk just from paddock to round pen and back. Watched people working with flag in round pen. BL-Solution in feed.

Saturday BL-Solution in feed. swelling much improved, small area of tightness and soreness inside and below R knee. Sponged again with a full bucket of cold water.
Sunday much the same but his belly seemed a bit tight in the morning, so I added 100# dose of Banamine to an afternoon bran mash. Snow is coming, maybe Tuesday, and several horses have colicked.


Monday no swelling except for small area behind knee which feels more tight than puffy. BL- Solution and 100# dose of Banamaine today in feed. Very windy today so I put on his fly mask as well to protect his eyes from flying dust and debris.

So no great achievements - well, going on a trail walk was quite good. Sherlock did well and was not too nervous out in the open away from all other horses. He's taking a small dose of Banamine willingly in his bran mash so no arguments about medicine. And he's been very good having his leg prodded and ice-watered. Snow and cold weather expected for the next few days and we are ready for it.

In out of the wind- Max, Sherlock in fly mask and Zip

November 27- No-slaughter brand

 I hope our local CANTER section will get these brands. I know a half-blind horse might just be unsellable, and if anything crazy happens I'd like Sherlock to have some extra protection.

Today Remember Me Rescue registered a freeze brand for thoroughbreds that will let slaughter buyers and plants know they were treated with a medication that made them unfit for slaughter for the rest of their life. If you are interested in branding your horse please email remembermerescue@live.com for more information We will begin branding in January as well as notifying every known kill buyer and sale barn in the country to be watching out for this brand.

November 26- ride #16

This week the weather was very unpredictable, and I mostly fed Sherlock at his paddock. I hgave him some Banamine in a bran mash when the snow arrived, and he did not show any signs of colic. He did bang his knee on something and it's been minorly swollen.

Flying off out of frame

Tuesday Grayson the husband and Luna the dog joined me at the stable. Luna provided much support in the "make the horse go" department for a bit of turnout. Sherlock was showing me a huge trot! Very impressive! Since he didn't look sore I tacked up (it was cold so I tried the rope halter sidepull). During the saddling process Stable Manager M joined his horse in the round pen and worked him with the flag- very loud flappy flag noises and clangs as the horse tested the fence a few times. Sherlock was staring at them quite a while, but once he settled I got on as planned.

Sherlock did really well at steering today, but it was hard for me to tell if he was sore so I asked for a trot and I got a "no way!" He stopped outright and threw his head up twice- told me that if I continued to squeeze him with my legs, we would rear up. So I ceased and desisted that and we walked a bit more, then I asked for the trot again and he trotted for me a few strides, but I stopped him right away as he was certainly lame at the trot.

 Still, gaining in the steering department and a nice whoa. Maybe a trail walk next time as his knee heals.  Really impressed with his handling of the very spook-worthy stuff going on in the round pen. I need to remember we are building a shared language and it should include ways for either party to say no. I'd prefer the word for "no" not be to rear- and we didn't have to get that extreme today. I love that Sherlock is so sensitive and that he came right back and tried again when I understood his complaint and complied. He also didn't seem to mind being followed by the dog while riding.

I suspect many trainers would think Sherlock shouldn't be telling me what to do. And I say they can get themselves flipped over on, but I'm going to listen to my horse. I'm going to trust that he has a point. I can always be a little more gentle, more patient. He doesn't need strong aids, and he will understand what I'm saying as we continue on.

Grayson took lots of photos for me and hauled tack and played the "feed the horse" mini-game. This game involves the person trying to get the feed into the horse and the horse trying to throw the feed on the ground. Sherlock starts out just pushing the feed around in the pan, then he tries to shovel it out the sides, then he tries to pull the pan out of your hands by grabbing the handle, then he looks around and dribbles the feed all over, then we wants to scratch his face on the outside of the pan and bring his head up under it to knock it away. I think Grayson got a great score on this game. Enjoy the pictures and Happy Thankgiving to all!

November 17- ride #15

Tuesday and Wednesday Sherlock had a runny nose and I had a ton of work, so we took it easy and just had feeding days. I did go to the used tack store and ended up falling for a new Western bridle with easy-change buckles for the bit.

Thursday the farrier M came, Sherlock was very good except for the left hind, the last one she tried to do. Assigned more yo-yo game, wher the horse has to back up away from you and then come forward. and holding the hinds up longer. Still a great improvement. Feed with BL-Solution to hyelp the sore feet he usually gets the next day.

Friday Sherlock was very stocked up in all four legs. I expect he was a bit footsore from the trim and didn't walk enough over the course of the day and night. Did a few minutes of ground work, mainly lower-impact like sideways rather than yo-yo which causes more pounding. Massaged his legs and put more BL-Solution in the feed.

Saturday Sherlock was looking good, I groomed in the barn and fitted the breastplate (to keep the saddle from slipping back) to the English saddle. Then built the new Western bridle I got with the Myler bit and fitted that with little trouble. Very windy out in the outdoor arena but Sherlock was not spooky. He wanted to stay closer to the gate this time but was also comfortable on the short arena side closest to his own paddock. Walking only this time to help circulation.

Cowboy up

Sherlock's whoa was not very good during this ride, so we practiced it a lot, but steering is coming along. He took a light contact today readily. Small serpentines with more leg than hand, and also did some nice half-passes along the short side. Did look like he wanted to roll once, so after our 20 minutes of walking I dismounted and took off all his tack, but then he just wanted to follow me. Tacked him back up very calmly, and took him back to the barn for his grain, which he flung cheerfully all over the floor and gradually cleaned up.

Sherlock has some trouble with his vision when he goes into the barn from the sunlight, or vice versa. Most horses' eyes adjust slower than human eyes do, but Sherlock gets a little wobbly looking for where to put his feet. Just something I need to keep in mind. I commented about his eyes to the barn manager and He was surprised to hear Sherlock has vision problems.

Sunday I went out to feed and realized I had no photos for this week's blog. So I put the Happy Mouth bit on the new bridle and put it on him for a few photos before I gave him his grain for the day. Such a good guy, miles from the horse who wouldn't take the bit.

November 11-windhorse

Firstly I want to share the pic of the new windhorse at Ziji, where I work. Stunning, huh? they will be available soon. Our friend AY took this photo over the weekend.

Today it is 11 years since Lissa's passing. She was the best horse ever and I suppose there is nothing any future horse could do to replace or overshadow her. Missing her a lot.

That said, I am thankful (to the universe, to Sara the seller and to my adoring husband) to have a wonderful horse now. Dr. Dave said if I can win Sherlock's trust, it will be a worthwhile thing.

This week still working a lot. I dreamed I set up a jump chute for Sherlock, so the next day even though I didn't have time to ride, I gave him his grain and went to the arena to drag a bunch of poles and small standards to one side.  

Saturday I worked all day helping at the photoshoot for work.  AY took a bunch of super shots and then drove me by the stable before stopping by for dinner. So he got to watch Sherlock eat his grain in the nearly pitch black. Someday I'll get both of them in the same place in decent daylight and then the photos will rock.

Sunday I set up the jump chute and broke half a dozen mints into bits for treats. I led him through over the ground poles both directions, then led through with me outside the chute. Harder, esp. going right. Then took the lead off and drove him through with the lunge whip. No problem, and he came back when he heard the mint wrapper. I put up a low rail at the end, he trotted that and went off to graze the corner of the arena. My plan was to go up to the smallest gate I had, so I put that up, 18 inches maybe. Caught the horse up and drove him through- he jumped the gate like it was 3 feet high!  Came back for mints and tried again, much nicer jump this time, calmer. Stopped on that note. A little hand-grazing while I pulled his mane.

I'm sure now he can see well enough to jump at least small fences that he has seen before at easy distances. That bodes well for show hunter classes. No plans are being changed.

Ragamuffin Sherlock with hay in his hair

Monday, today! I was feeling gloomy and low-energy, trying to fight off some sort of sinus/throat soreness. I worked in the morning on notes and then went out after lunch, as the wind was rising. I was planning on grooming in the barn and doing something indoors, but they were dragging the indoor so I set up my stuff at the round pen. I got Sherlock out- he was excited to see me and trotted with me down the fenceline. I groomed him and cleaned his feet, working a little extra on the hinds, picking them up twice and clunking on them with the handle of the hoof pick and twisting the hoof a little. My farrier M comes Thursday and I want him to be good for her.

He was a bit fussy but the wind was really going. Wanted treats after treatfest at jump chute yesterday. Weight-taped 945#


We did some round pen work/free longe. Sherlock did walk/trot/canter/reverse/whoa, with a few times stopping him from reversing on his own. Good calm canter both ways, then he got excited by the wind and did a good strong canter both ways and a nice big trot. Perfecty sound but for one misstep at the big trot, and recovered right away. Caught his breath twice, tried to remove the drawstring from my hoodie, and did nice turns on forehand and willing turns on the haunches. Gave him his grain with psyllium and CoolCalories in it, and a stop for hand-grazing afterwards while I massaged his hip and back. Didn't notice tension in hip muscle today, and couldn't see it standing out, so maybe that area is settling down.

I am astonished he can't see me when he longes. I do use my voice commands and whip noises and I speed up my feet to speed his up. People don't believe me when I say he can't see. I wouldn't either. He just clearly wants to learn, wants to please, so badly. And he does great. Really great.

Packing List:
sidepull rope halter for freezing days I don't want to use a bit (although the barn is heated so maybe it won't be as bad as ice-cold bits from outdoor tack areas)
scissor snaps for rein changes
vacuum grooming attachments
check to pay farrier
light bulb for tack room

November 7-winter is coming

Welcome to Autumn! We are getting colder weather at night and Sherlock is growing his winter coat. He looks like he's going to be quite a bit darker in winter, but the really long guard hairs are a lighter color. He looks pretty funny right now as his coat is very uneven, even looking lumpy or hivey sometimes. The time to train with the horse grooming vacuum is nigh. I met another horse owner at the stable, though she is about to be out of town for a while. She owns Aussie the TN Walker, who many people have told me is a Gypsy Vanner...

Summer color

Winter color

It's been a quiet week as I've been working really hard. It is holiday new item season at Ziji, so lots of data entry, pricing research, and the next few days a photo shoot. One preview is that we will have a gorgeous new Windhorse statue in white ceramic. I hope we will have this stunning beastie online next week.

And another hint of things to come- I've been transcribing a brand new Pema Chodron talk for Sounds True. Buddhists and Pema fans rejoice, this one I have really been enjoying. I think it will be called "The Reality of our Existence". If you haven't heard Pema, follow the link I just sent you and click on most any product to hear a sample, if you'd like.

I've been a bit gloomy and low energy this week and realized it's Lissa's death anniversary time. It will be 11 years ago on Monday 11-11. I still miss her a great deal. Sherlock reminds me of her in several ways. He is a very kind and friendly horse who is interested in people. He's sensitive and needs someone he can trust. He has a scar on his face. Really, are all my horses going to match me in facial scars? Sherlock's scar is right over his eye just like Lissa's was.

Anyway, I am really happy with my good horse and if the weather will hold out I'll be riding this weekend! Video of Sherlock strolling casually in outdoor arena. Video of trotting in arena, check out our mountain vie!

November 3- Ride #14

 

 

 

The Usual Suspects- Blaze, Max, Sherlock, Tooie and Annie

So busy! I've been working hard but have been out every day to give Sherlock his grain and check on him. He has got his corner of the shelter locked in, and has been dry and warm every morning, even when we got a little bit of snow!

Saturday I groomed him in front of the barn, there were farriers everywhere taking up all the crossties. He was a little nervous at first but really super about his feet. Free-longed in the outdoor arena, he was on a long orbit trotting a sort of figure 8 with me at near the center. He likes he increased room but doesn't want to lose his connection. A little lazy, great whoa.

Had a great time watching the many Smarties at the Breeder's Cup. Lazed all afternoon in front of the TV.

Sunday I again groomed Sherlock in front of barn, farriers were taking up the whole barn. Again pacing a bit but super for his feet. Thrush cleared up nicely. Western saddle and headed off to the outdoor again. A bit spooky in the wind, so I turned him loose for a bit of free longe cantering, then re-saddled. He did great today, first examined the jumps at one end of the arena, esp. interested in the coops today. Expanded out from the gate area very quick today, did some trotting on the short end and then the long end. Then tried trotting the long end with continuing the trot past the gate. Sherlock got a bit confused and we discussed if we were even going to walk away from the gate at all. I stayed patient but held my pressure and we walked on. Practiced some whoa at the far end and got down for many pets. It is hard for him to bypass his safe areas, but I'll need to keep working on expanding those zones so he can venture further in the world.

Sherlock strolling in tne arena.

He is still very upside-down with his giraffe neck, but I think the Western saddle has a lot of jingly stuff on it and makes noise when you trot. So next time back to the English saddle, I think. He stretched well at the walk and was willing to trot, listening closely all the way. Didn't want to go back to the barn for untacking but got there gradually. Gave him his grain by the trailer and let him have a few minutes hand-grazing, then back to his friends. Everybody looks good.

 I hope the angelic foot-lifting trend will last for my own farrier who comes in 2 weeks.

October 30- family videos

Compiling some videos of Sherlock's ancestors! His pedigree- Link if you want to see it bigger or clickable!

His father Smarty Jones wins the 2004 Kentucky Derby
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HqdItLlti6c
and Smarty Jones wins the 2004 Preakness
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tTrUPZsMKJM
ESPN Wish Series- Patrick meets Smarty Jones
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oAL2fahRPTA
Smarty Jones at stud 2007
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rr9QTvTPOS4

His paternal Great-grandfather Gone West wins the 1987 Dwyer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NpNa3v0gixs
Gone West as an aged stallion 2009
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=38DwIa0ylxY


His maternal grandmother Beautiful Pleasure wins the 1999 Beldame
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UtQ0UrJXdOA
Beautiful Pleasure wins the 1999 Breeders Cup Distaff
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4N_kOz9s1-c


His maternal Great-grandfather Pulpit wins the 1997 Bluegrass
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QIjuknXJw14
Pulpit at stud 2007- $80,000 a breeding.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0n6SBv3wx7U

His maternal Great-great-grandfather Foolish Pleasure wins the 1976 Kentucky Derby
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LcWZutSuW2A

October 27- Ride #13

Sherlock with Max peeking over

Sherlock is doing great and looking very healthy. Finished the tube of GastroGuard with bran mashes or soaked pellets. Grooming with the magnetic currycomb.

Tuesday I groomed in the barn, put on Sherlock's bridle and Western saddle, and we went to the indoor arena. Free-longed walk/trot with a nice rhythm but not as comfortable with the footing once I got on. Rode about 10 minutes at the walk, some good stretchy walk, good steering, turns on the haunches and a back up today.

Busy working but saw Sherlock every day, fed and checked his gums with the help of mints or other treats. Flies came back on Friday and I got the flyspray out again. These late-season flies really bite. A little food-protective, when he usually counts on me to have the dressage whip out to keep the ponies out of the bucket.


Saturday trying to get some good works in and extra water into the horse as another cold/rain front is moving in. Round pen groomed, cleaned all 4 feet and hoof toughener applied. Stretched all 4. Some edema on the belly. Free longed, walk/trot/canter, relaxed and looked perfectly sound. I'm good at teaching horses to come to a flat stop after the canter. Need to learn how to teach them to continue cantering... Probably in the voice, with Sherlock learning it so quickly.

Sunday Sherlock was still eating breakfast when I arrived. Thorough grooming, cleaned feet, conditioner everywhere, thinned and pulled his mane a bit. Fed soaked pellets, a little too soggy and half of it came home on my clothes. Sherlock is starting to get shaggy at last.

Max and Sherlock- no ribs showing!

October 21- Ride #12, Health care

Another extremely busy crazy week!
Thursday I went out early ro ride before Sherlock's chiropractor appointment. Groomed him in the barn, which was all closed up with heaters on. He was a bit nervous but good for grooming and Easyboots. He seemed a bit sore in the back, I put the Western saddle up but didn't bridle as I thought I might just longe. him. Went out to outdoor arena and led over poles, some lunging but he seemed low-energy. I got on with just the rope halter and walked just a few minutes, over the poles and a crossrail.  Pretty good steering with the rope halter, moving well off the leg. I fed him and put him away as Dr. Deb was running late and ran home for lunch. 930#, same as the day I got him!

Dr. Deb came to adjust him, I woke him up from a nap in the shelter and back to the warm but dark barn. Much improved this visit. Still could use more massage across his back on the right, and his left hip- but his neck really improved and he let her stretch all his legs with no complaint! In fact, I thought he might be a little TOO good. He did let off a lot of gas, which is often normal, but it seemed odd when paired with him lying down. I put him away again but decided to come back and recheck after work. I also called to see if I had any Banamine still on prescription, and I went and got a tube.

After work, Sherlock was lying down again and didn't get up when I came in and put his halter on. I gave him some Banamine and THEN he wanted to get up and escape. Checked vitals, nothing obvious- lots of gut noise, lots of gas. Blanketed for the cold night coming. Called the stable manager to call me if Sherlock didn't come right up for dinner. No call, and I rechecked him at 9 p.m., he was pacing a bit, a bit hot under the blanket but eating and bright.

Friday morning I went out first thing, and Sherlock was eating but his belly was sore to the touch and he was grinding his teeth. Called Dr. Dave and gave Sherlock more Banamine. Took Sherlock into the indoor arena with a wheelbarrow full of hay and let him eat while we waited. Dr. Dave liked him right away and said Sherlock belongs in the house. Sherlock's gums were red and he was just a bit feverish. Checked for sand but nothing there. Gave him some meds and took blood to check for larger infection issues. Took a very light lip rope well for taking oral meds. Loves to have eyes rubbed. Dr. Dave said Sherlock seems like he really wants to trust people but is still defensive. Biosponge in bran mash at 11:00, put him away and ran off to work.
Friday after work he was alert but calm, looking good. Gave him a  bit of grain.

Saturday Sherlock was galloping and yelling for breakfast when I arrived. Didn't want bran mash with GastroGuard, so I took him to the round pen to eat it. Head shy about his mouth- a bit sick of medicines. Solving that with mints.

Sunday back to the round pen, groomed with new magnetic massage/curry mitt. Sherlock was nervous about that, still tense in the belly, but did ok. Cleaned his feet. GastroGuard bran mash with mints crushed up a bit hit.

And Monday! Checked his gums and belly, both normal. Gave him 1/2 the amount of grain with BL solution, getting back to normal.

Humans are so untrustworthy, I don't know how most horses handle it. Even your most beloved friend can turn on you and give you medications one day. Sad state of affairs. Sherlock is still a little nervous about his mouth but I have a trick up my sleeve for that, a dose or two of applesuace can help that out right quick.

October 15-getting colder

Yummy

The weather is changing! Leaves are falling and it's starting to hit freezing at night. My health has been a bit troublesome with the back still healing up from the bruised tailbone thing, and blood pressure testing very well with a spike due to pain, I think. Got my new birthday phone!

Thursday Sherlock was sound in the paddock. Less psyllium in the feed and added the BL-Solution, which is a sweet liquid. Much more palatable- he was eager to eat it. Some small bite marks on both his and Max's necks.

Friday a new horse appeared in the paddock, a blaze-faced chestnut with a bandaged foot. Fed Sherlock in the paddock, psyllium / BL-Solution. A lot of shedding blade work, that old hair is coming off for the winter coat to come in. Cleaned all 4 feet, excellent behavior, thrush treatment applied. Weight-taped 902#.


Saturday Sherlock was grazing in the weeds with the new chestnut. Hope he's making a friend. Fed with psyllium and BL added. Brushed, cleaned and thrush treated and stretched all feet.

Sunday groomed at paddock, looped rope over fence of single paddock to clean feet, which worked out very well. Walked all around shop area and barn, through big puddle, then hand-grazed. Turns on forehand for stretches to hind legs. Feed w/psyllium and BL. Nice day, talked w/ stable daughter C about first horses.

Monday I was sick. Brushed and feed w/BL and CoolCalories. Everyone looks good, Sherlock was dry and not cold.

Tuesday I was sick.  Brushed and feed w/BL and CoolCalories.Sherlock is really starting to get fuzzy at last. Stable Manager M said he was galloping before feeding time and bucking and rearing up. I said "Good!" I'm glad he's getting some energy up and feeling good enough for pasture antics. Thank you, BL-Solution, Cassandra and Dr. Deb.  Dr Deb again on Thursday, we'll see if he looks better to her, too.

October 9- Ride #11

Riding indoors!

Saturday we had a great day- Sherlock had a just super attitude, willing and cheerful. Cross-tied in the barn, great for all his feet, stretched all four. Free longed in round pen, still very stiff, is it the RF or the hips?

Sunday rode Western indoors- for use of cushion for my bruised tailbone. Great  for grooming at cross-ties. Anxious at mounting block but settled. Walked well,  slow but calm. Liked watching out both doors, but walked on leg pressure. E had Fifi out and was kind enough to take our picture!


Monday I was really stiff aftert the chiropractor so just groomed in the paddock, cleaned his front hooves which are a little thrushy, put lotion on all the old scratches and his spot of rainrot. I did some massage work and really saw some changes in his hip muscles. started psyllium in his feed for the week, he didn't like it much but ate it all.

Tuesday I had little time before work so fed with the psyllium, and gave lots of pets. Sherlock looked a little stocked up both hinds. Luna was with me and dicovered the jolly ball (like a soccer ball with a handle), so I kicked it for her as we checked the fenceline. Horses didn't really care about that.

Sherlock, Annie and Max

Wednesday Sherlock was quite stocked up and stiff. Went to the barn for cross-ties, good for all feet, and I put the Easyboots on both fronts. Went for a long handwalk, around the new jumps in the outdoor arena, then back out to the hay barn, had grain+psyllium at the grain trailer. He tried to get in twice! Silly guy. Took him back to his paddock and took off the boots, then did carrot stretches. He wasn't too keen on the cookies today. Clearly a bit uncomfortable today and doesn't like the psylium. I have BL Solution to start him on for the soreness, I guess I can start tomorrow.

October 4- Pasturemates

Got Sherlock's win photo! This is his only win, at Pimlico. I may also be able to get video of him at the Keeneland yearling sale, which would be pretty cool.

Anyway, this week has been really busy so not much work with the horse. Monday I went to the doctor and she was not as concerned over my blood pressure. I did start working towards the DASH diet, but didn't get much exercise this week... Sherlock was doing well but one of E's horses got badly bitten in the riding horse pasture.

Tuesday Sherlock looked very stiff on his right hind so I massaged him a bit and fed in the paddock. New pasturemate Max the Appaloosa, I didn't even know he was in there as he was hiding behind the shelter. More new horses running in the painted horse pasture, new stable manager arrived. E knows him from HT, I hope he will be ok.

Wednesday all peaceful in the pasture, no new bites on anybody- I gave everyone a light brushing just to check.

Thursday peaceful in pasture! Everyone eating from the same pile of hay. Sherlock was a bit stocked up, small scrape over right eye. Groomed, hand-sized area of rainrot on left buttock, probably where the blanket doesn't quite cover when he eats. Eqyss spray on that and on his heels. Storm coming, light rain/snow overnight but I had to leave him for the day before noon so no blanket.

Sherlock in the lead, Max and Annie

Friday Sherlock was browsing the weeds with Max and Annie when I arrived and came galloping when called. No bites, only a slight shiver or two, and half covered in mud. More snow coming so I'll stop in tonight with the blanket.

Friday night blanketed Sherlock- he was cold and hiding out in the shelter. Protective of me when he knew I had cookies. Carrot stretches, then went for a walk to the far end of the paddock, with the others following along. Very windy, and a tumbleweed spooked them and they ran off. Sherlock stayed with me, but when the others circled back then ran off again, I unclipped the lead and let Sherlock run with them. After they all watched me pull up and release some more tumbleweeds everyone calmed down and I took Sherlock's halter off and headed home.

Sept 29- Massage, Ride #10

So Thursday was a really busy day and I just fed Sherlock in the paddock, hiding behind the shelter again. No new bites.

Friday morning at was cold and starting to rain, so I rushed out and put the blanket on Sherlock. He was shivering but working on his hay in good spirits. The 2-horse paddock opened up and they moved Goldie, Blackie and Charlie over there. Which leaves Sherlock with two of the smallest ponies, Annie and Tooie the mini. He was still the only one outside the shelter. I don't know if he minds the rain less than they do, or is just hungrier. Gave him a bran mash with last 1/3 of the wormer. They said he got 12 pounds of alfalfa/grass hay today. That should help. No new bites, and I didn't see any bites on the ponies.

Friday was a bad day, overall. G was sick and came from work early, my blood pressure was high at the doctors so they switched my pills again. I've got an appointment Monday at my primary doctor for another check. Started diet diary again and bought DASH diet foods- blueberries, yams, bananas.

feed me

Saturday took the blanket off before it started to warm up and gave Sherlock some hand-grazing before the massage therapist arrived. She came to do a basic free exam but ended up doing a full-body massage. Sherlock was very ouchy but we found some really nice relaxing spots to add to the litany of places that hurt. Very light pressure all over, sensitive, allowed her to stretch front legs but anxious about the back legs. Nice to meet her and I hope to have her back later on.



Sunday groomed in the barn at the cross-ties, Sherlock was very good for hind feet. Learning to just rest them so I can clean them without grabbing onto them at all. Western saddle with cushion for my sore tailbone (and the stirrups wrapped for silence). Went out to outdoor arena, mounted with minimal wandering and tightened girth from up top. Boy, he's tall in the Western saddle. 
    Walking mostly at the South end where people were feeding horses and talking. Very interested in the goings-on today. Worked on steering through corners (it's rockier down in the corners, so this is a clue for him to stay out on the rail), moving forward from leg pressure even when we don't want to, his whoa was very good today, and turns on the forehand. Untacked him in the round pen, taught carrot stretches to both sides, and took him back to paddock where he had his grain. Gaining weight clearly now.

Sept 25- trade you a pound

My mudball

Not much going on this week- Sherlock is putting on a few pounds and I have also grabbed on to a couple, due to not getting much exercise. ALL the hiking trails and many parks are closed due to the flooding, so I've been walking a little farther in the neighborhood and taking Luna to the dog park.

I had a slip in the mud compounded by Sherlock's problematically heavy hind foot and landed on my tailbone. Ugh. No riding this week. I realized I do have a 'tushcush' someplace, I need to find it.


Saturday I got Sherlock out and groomed him and cleaned his feet on the cross-ties in the barn. Also did light stretches for hind legs. NO new bites today! A first!  Lunged walk in outdoor arena, walked over slightly-raised flowery poles.

Where did I put that feed?

Sunday I felt horrible and I just fed him, did some beginning massage on his back and hips, and measured Sherlock's hooves for Easyboots of some kind. There are so many types now,  I am astounded. So different from 10 years ago.

Monday I weighed both types of feed, they are very close in weight. I'm doing half-and-half trying to get him switched to the Healthy Edge version. Sherlock can have a scoop and a half at each feeding and it would be a good idea for me to come some evenings as well as mornings, I think. Gave 1/3 tube of wormer in the grain today- he ate the tastier parts first but he did finish it all. He always flings part of it on the ground and then cleans it up gradually afterwards. I think I might buy some psyllium pellets to help the sand move through without discomfort for the horse.


Tuesday he was covered in mud. So much mud in his mane, when he moves it sounds like bells. Fed behind the shelter. Went out in the evening after G left for his writer's group. Very buggy in paddock, so took Sherlock to the round pen for his West Nile Virus vaccine and another grain meal. Almost out of natural fly spray- doesn't seem to be helping much for mosquitoes. Just a pretty day- saw 2 bald eagles on my way to work, and then a super sunset tonight seen from the indoor arena. Could not get a photo, maybe with a better camera than the one in my phone.

Wednesday Luna joined me at the stable, her first time off-leash.  I took Sherlock to the round pen and fly sprayed, groomed some of the mud off, and cleaned his feet and stretched them all very slightly. Gave him 1/3 wormer in the grain again and he didn't complaint so much today. Trainer AM was feeding her guys a bit of grain when I headed back to the paddock, so Sherlock got to hand-graze a minute or two while we chatted.

E has brought one of her horses, the youngster Fifi, and a BUNCH of jumps. I am very excited to get Sherlock in shape to try them out. She is moving from HT, which was the other stable I saw the day I toured CE. Glad I chose this place or I might be moving again already.

Packing List:
Tush cushion for saddle
fly spray if any left of other bottle
rider's rasp

Shopping List:
brown Vetwrap for silencing Western stirrups
fly spray
psyllium pellets

Sept 19- Ride #9, health care

Saddle fitting better!

On Tuesday, I got my riser pad replacement from SmartPak. After cleaning Sherlock up and struggling with his very tense hind legs- it's like trying to lift a post some days- I put the saddle and new pads on to take a look. It still looked a tad high in back but pretty good. Stable Manager AW came and watched me mount up and ride a few circles, gauged the saddle pretty level, and headed back to work. Hackamore NOT enough today with Sherlock trying to follow her rather than circle. Packed my breast collar and sidepull rope halter for next time.


Wednesday M the farrier came. He was still pretty bad with the back legs but slowly improving. Embarassingly bad condition- he's a bit thin and all bitten up, at least no hives.

Thursday Dr. D the horse chiropractor came. I haven't seen her in many a year but she's still going strong. She said Sherlock's balance was passable, his bad eye does have some vision, and he has a LOT of sore areas that need adjusting. Both hips (he would not pick up his hind feet fort her), SI joint, L6 rib, TI girth joint, withers, most of his neck and his poll were very sore. He stood quite well for the adjustments, though he was very nippy and twitchy.
I asked about the low-current massager and she said ANY sort of massage, reiki, laser, anything could help if done regularly to loosen him up. I wonder if my friend E who is quite good at animal massage, could teach me a few things more.

Very light sideways game afterwards, and a little walking, then gave him his grain. I met a gal who will be mving her horses in soon who jumps, and would also like to do hunter paces and join the Arapahoe Hunt someday. I hope we can ride together soon!

Sept 16- drying out

Went out to the stable after lunch today to give everything a chance to dry, just started to get some sun in late morning.

Very pleased with the footing of both arenas and the round pen- the paths leading to them are still deep and slick, though. Water pressure was low, so I half-filled a bucket of water for washing. Sherlock was hidden behind the big round bale of hay but came happily to the gate to be haltered and slithered gamely through the mud to the round pen.

I got the blanket off, but Sherlock was restless and wandered the round pen while I followed him wielding the bucket and sponge. His hind legs were both very stocked up so I decided he needed to walk a lot more than he needed to stand for me. He wandered then stopped for weeds and I'd go after the mud with the sponge then.  I ran out of water with only his legs clean so went back for more water, gradually getting him DRY, relatively mud-free, his hooves cleaned, and his heels and back sprayed against scratches. Footing not really secure for hoof cleaning but got the basics done.

Found some new bites on the blind side that got scarlet oil and fly-ointment, otherwise he really looks good for living in a federal disaster zone. Weight-taped 861#, not so bad considering last week he was at 874#. Ate all his grain very greedily today. Free-longed just a few minutes at the walk, better to the right today and got some nice stretchy relaxed walk. He took a new Omega Nibbler treat after a test nibble.

Very happy with the day. Left a semi-clean, dry, fed, medicated horse standing the the middle of a hay bale munching away.

Sept 15- more rain

The blanket fits! Sherlock is now clad in Sirah's old wool-felt-lined rain sheet, the BEST most flexible useful blanket I have ever seen. I cannot believe it was a 72 after all. Sirah wore it on the smallest holes and Sherlock has it on the largest, but boy that saves me a lot of worry- and money! This is a great rain sheet or light winter blanket, you can put it on wet like I did today, as the felt soaks up water from the hair coat. Last time I took it in for washing they said this blanket isn't made anymore but people love it. Sorry, it is NOT for sale- at any price, today.

I was planning on going out to groom, try the blanket, and clean hooves, try to get his legs hosed down and sprayed to help protect from scratches. First thing in the morning. During breakfast it started pouring rain. Packed blanket (OMG does that tag say 72?) and a stack of junker towels in the car. Geared up again but somehow put on tennis shoes instead of boots.

When I got there it was raining so hard I cheated and parked in the driveway of the house, where the gravel is more solid. Slogged to the paddock (darn these beach shoes and their mesh sides it was freezing) and ducked in- round bale in the paddock, no horses visible- must all be in the shelter. Called to them and walked around- Sherlock has his whole back end hanging out of the shelter. I moved Charlie, the boss the the paddock, over and Sherlock came in. He didn't want to be toweled but I just went on despite the head shaking and stomping. Once I threw the blanket on Shelock settled down a bit, just stomping over the positioning of the leg straps. Then I gave him lots of scratches on the neck which are always welcome.

I don't know if he can hold his position in the shelter since I left, but at least if he gets kicked out again, now he's protected some. 3333333de Ezio is climbing over the keyboard to my lap, I see it is time to pet cats. Wish us luck with the continuing heavy rain. We are still fine but watchful today as the rain continues.

Sept 13- flooded

Wow! What a couple of days it has been. We have had an absurd amount of rain and are now in a federal disaster area.

 Lucky I got Sherlock moved to the closer stable, it was very hard for Jo to feed her horses today and she was driving home on a closed highway without knowing it. Yikes! I am so thankful Sherlock is close to me, on the same side of the river, where I cans till check on him and feed him his grain every day. The whole town is sliced in half by the St. Vrain River and the center of town is absolutely impassible right now- all the roads and bridges are closed.

Sherlock is not as muddy as one might expect- the corral ground is very soupy today and not good for rolling in, I hope. The horses are not doing much but standing around eating and hiding in the shelter.  We have had some sun today so I hope they get dry today and get a break.

I could not get to my usual feed store due to flooding- but was able to get the right feed from the Murdoch's close to us. I took the fly sheet and mask home for washing as he needs every chance to get dry while there is sun. We are expecting more rain over the weekend but hopefully not as extreme.

Sept. 11- Ride #8, +mud

Another mostly unproductive week. Super hot and humid, and then pouring rain and muddy.

Sherlock is getting a big scoop of Strategy every day, with 2 little scoops of Cool Calories and handful of ground flaxseed- he really cleans it up with the flaxseed in it.

He likes rolling in the mud- I think most sensitive skin types do- it keeps the flies off. G won the "what % of horse is covered with mud today" bet last time with a guess of 65%, which turned out to be a lowball. I've decided he should wear his fly sheet when it rains- fly spray just washes off, and the sheet keeps some of the mud off.

September 4 we did ground work. Sherlock had a whole week off with no workouts, just grooming and feed. I was not sure how energetic he'd be. He was squirmy while grooming so I free-longed at a trot just a minute then came back to clean his hooves with no trouble. We walked the outdoor arena, including me dragging in a couple little brushboxes and him walking over them and trying to eat the fake flowers. Tried to have him trot with me on the lead line, but nothing doing. Got a nice strong walk, though.

Ride #8, September 6. HOT. Groomed, free-longed just a bit and decided to try the indoor just to get into the shade. Trying out hackamore today. Walked the edges then mounted up- itchy today behind the girth on left side, hopefully just a bug bite and not a suggestion that I replace my fake-fleece girth. Uncertain of footing, walked calmly gate to gate at first then gradually circled out to include the whole ring. He was very interested in the window of the side door, tended to get right down into the corners where the footing is deep and stick there. Just walking and taking our time, he's curious about things and I enjoy letting him explore at his own rate. Too hot to get ambitious about anything at all. Still he's very calm and thinking hard about the new sights.

Barn was closed for the weekend for a clinic, just came out and fed him in the mornings.
We went to the Scottish Festival and had a great time except that G got knocked down by some guy  moving too fast for his sobriety level when we were listening to Albannach. G was a bit dizzy for a minute, and we headed home shortly after that. Looks like a mild concussion and his neck is s bit out of place. Chiropractor is working on it and G is improving quite a bit already.

Sept 9, Sherlock was out at the far end of paddock with 3 smallest ponies, hanging out. Good to see him getting some social time. Hurried in when called, even trotting to be sure he beat everyone to me.  Fed by trailers and worked on faster walk on leadline. Manager T told me during the rainy evening the ponies hid in the shelter while Sherlock ate all the hay he could get for about an hour before they realized he was eating and they weren't, and braved the rain. 

65%?

August 31- Ride #7, sick day

Horrible head cold all week but still had to work since my boss was out of town. Hard to hold down the fort with half a brain. Hopefully not too many mistakes.

Training journal again to the rescue.
Sunday- Ride #7. Took Sherlock away from his breakfast. Quick groom and fly spray, knelt when cleaning R front foot. Saddle and rope halter. Balance checked when dismounting. New riser pad makes back od saddle really high.  Just a few minutes walking to check saddle fit. Cantle too high. Impressed that he takes such good care of me even when he isn't feeling 100%.

Monday- Gave grain (CoolCalories added) and groomed. Very good boy. No balance checks but didn't work. Fly sheet back on. New bites L barrel, Blackie back in pasture. T told me they are getting an increase in alfalfa/grass hay this week.

Wednesday- Fed grain- held the bucket waist-high and he stood more square while he ate. Looks good, cheerful. Watching for loose stools with CoolCalories but no problems.

Thursday-Fed on the other side of the shelter. This area seems to vanish out of the consciousness of the other horses. Nice quiet feeding time and he doesn't spill as much if he's not always looking.

Friday- Fed on the other side of the shelter. Sherlock remembered once I called him and came right around. Some new bites and a scrape inner L cannon bone. All healing well, Fly sheet home to be washed.

Saturday- Fed on the other side of the shelter. Sherlock waiting for me at the gate remembered and came around. Trying to be quiet witht he grain so the others don't realize what they're missing. Added flax seed with 1/2 scoop CoolCalories and he really cleaned it up. Measured again for blanket, 72 inches should be a better fit. Weight taped 874#. Too thin but looks better than before move to pony pasture.

August 24- ride #6 &weekly wrap-up

Where did the week go? Thank you, training journal.

Monday we had Bath Day- sponged with apple cider vinegar, which is helping the hives go away. Also started groundtie training for hoof cleaning, just in case of balance loss.  Safer to be away from fences and tie rails.
Tuesday we explored the grounds a bit further. We found the hay barn and behind it the hay fields and the pond. There are dirt roads to ride on back there but we didn't go too far. The pond was showing off with Canadian Geese, lots of dragonflies and even a blue heron.

Wednesday, ride #6. Just walking, but using the whole round pen. Nice medium walk today. Sherlock started swishing his tail and then stomping and I emergency dismounted to shoo away a big fly keen on his sheath. How rude. I rubbed a handful of SWAT on the area and re-mounted for a few more minutes. Good whoa today. Holding up well to ponies,  but the old horse wouldn't let him drink so I moved the old fellow for a minute so Sherlock could have a nice long drink.
I have realized that Sherlock hates fabrics that are not natural. He does very well in the wool felt pad  but the fake felt one he tried to roll with me! So I'm looking for a used leather bridle and found a wool felt English pad. The riser pad should fit between the saddle pad and the saddle, so it won't touch him.

Thursday just groomed and gave him his grain. Gave grain next to grain storage trailer, anxious about trailer but went to bucket when he saw it. Riser and Cool Calories arrived in the evening.

Friday very muddy! A said he might have slipped in the mud, maybe with the right front, which is the one he always puts forward when he lowers he head for anything. Fed in barn aisle (first day Cool Calories, I am not at ALL paranoid about driving to the stable with a big ziploc of white powder so I stored it there) and scraped the majority of the mud off so fly spray could be put on. Free longed Sherlock in indoor arena w/t just to see if he was sore but he looked okay.

Saturday woke up with screaming sinus headache! DayQuil and Cold Season tea and went out a little later than usual. Lots of riders getting tuned up for a show. Gave Sherlock his grain in paddock since everyone else was out working. Ponies are Annie and Tooie (the mini). Groomed the rest of the mud off and got it out of his mane, ACV on hives and put on the fly sheet.
 I went out to the outdoor arena as lessons were switching out. Ground work with squeeze game, he was trying to circle behind me towards the gate so I made a barrier of the swinging rope- he got hit just once, and then was a little anxious but careful, and we used that impulsion to get a decent sideways game both directions. Then we worked on "stand" while we watched the lesson horses get started, and went for a walk around the barn and back to the paddock. I now give him a handful of fresh grass or alfalfa if I was able to pick some, every time I put him away. He is slowly getting more willing to go back in the paddock.

August 19-Photoblog

Luna at Carr Park

This morning I was thinking of my dear friend W- some time ago she sent out a challenge to photograph a sampler of your day. I was heading out for a hike that day, so my photoblog turned out very nice, full of Eldorado Canyon scenery and flowers. Well, I decided to do it again today.

This is a fairly typical Monday with freelance work but no job searching. Here we are in the little park close to home. It is the first day of school and the street was packed, but I'm not photographing that chaos as I don't want to worry about permissions and such.

Sherlock has breakfast

Gray at KT's

Then I headed out to the stable. I worked Sherlock a little, cleaned his hooves, and bathed him with apple cider vinegar. It did help the itchiness, but it's not repelling flies. I didn't take my phone to the bathing area, so no pics of Sherlock biting the hose. He had his breakfast and a drink of water, then back to the corral with the ponies. He is starting to stand up to the smallest ones now, at least for food and to meet me at the gate.


Picked Luna up and went to lunch with Gray at KT's BBQ, we like to eat there Mondays as they have excellent Mac & Cheese on Monday.

Going to hike

Teller Farm

Took Luna over to Teller Farm for a short hike. Very close to KT's and to my old workplace. Hot out (high 80's) but I let her get down in the irrigation ditch for a drink.

I like this hiking trail as it's flat and easy with paths through tall grass. The minus is very little shade.

Then I stopped in at the bank and headed home to work. I am taking notes on an audio program that will come out later in the year with author Danielle LaPorte.

Ezio awakens

My desk!

What passes for breaktime- a quick trip to the backyard with Luna, and the dwarf-slayer to tackle some of the dandelions popping up. Then some laundry - here are the 4 loads that are clean from yesterday. I am good about doing laundry but not so much on the folding and putting away.

Gray's home, it must be dinnertime! No pictures of pork chops and stuffing- but here is a screencap from my fave game on my phone, Dragonvale. All my shiny gemstone dragons!

Dragonvale!

And now that dinner is done, reading aloud to each other from Blood of Tyrants until bedtime. I love these books, they are about the Napoleonic Wars but if there was an aerial corps made up of dragons.

Candi and Temeraire

Good Night!