Story and Sucketh.

Forgot to show you guys the reason I love my crazy pony so much and my entry for Kate's contest!

I'm pretty sure Freund would describe him as having "an oral fixation". He literally chews on everything like he is a weanling and sticks his tongue out on a regular basis.  It actually helped me teach him his one and only trick, "cookie face", which he does for cookies. Its adorable. When I had him back home and he had dutch stall doors, he would grab anything within his reach and destroy it. My favorite was when he would grab entire bags of shavings and pull them in and just rip it to shreds. I did not appreciate reins, bridles, pads, halter and lead ropes being gnawed on though.

As for the leg wraps thing, it is absolutely true without fail. You know how people try to help their horses out by wrapping pony legs after XC rounds or a hard days work? Yeah, Yankee doesn't get that. At least 7 pairs of standing wraps later, I've learned that he can only have them on a few hours, all the pillow wrap has to be covered with the standing wrap and the velcro has to be hidden with copious amounts of duct tape.

Its especially annoying when I pre-groom and wrap before a ride, forget to tie him up, leave him in his stall for a few min and come back to find the polos or boots ripped up on the ground. He's a maniac.

What I REALLY wanted to share today is the joys of owning and OTTB.

I can summarize it in one word: inconsistancy.

I love my grumpynose, but damn, he can be frustrating!

I feel like OTTBs have more inconsistent days than any other breed, especially when they are "grown ups". Its like they think, "I've been way too good for mom lately, time to throw in something I've never done before and surprise the shit out of her!" When he was a baby, it was to be expected; but just a few posts ago I was exclaiming how I think he's finally grown up and stopped acting like a full blown retard.

Yesterday, he was one of those.

Can't wrap my head around it really. He was literally psycho. Wouldn't bend, give, relax, stop, go...anything. He was an absolute asshole. I tried SO hard to stay calm, not tense up and just keep asking him to move forward into the bridle but not run away with me. Everything was the same. he's not due for a float, his saddle fits, etc. Perhaps it really is the insane weather. The nights have been in the teens and the days have been in the 50s. WTF Missouri.

I had PLANNED on practicing halts and transitions and a few leg yeilds. That did not happen.

All the halt work he would hollow his back, throw his nose up and skitter to a halt. This, being the horse who can regularly get smooth, square halts. Once he actually reared straight up and I almost fell off in surprise.

I'm pretty sure he ran around the ring with his nose in the air for the majority of 20 minutes. Finally out of frustration I said screw it and we did lots of canter work. Trying to relax at teh walk and trot was just not going to happen. It wasn't great, but at least he wasn't pulling my arms off. I mixed it up, counter canter, 10m circle figure8s with flying changes in between (which he nailed, for once) and shoulder fore.

Thoroughbreds man.

Today, I HOPE to retry some flatwork. Sigh.

Shameless

So I entered into Kate's contest!

I think its the worlds first horse Shaming contest. If you haven't heard of dog shaming I feel sorry for you. Its amazingly hilarious.

aaaand you should go vote for Yankee because he's such a little prick. I love his shenanigans.

FRICK! Its Cold Again.

 First, I would like to thank all of you with your input about the cruise position! It was insightful and I figure maybe I was a little too harsh on the position. However, I still prefer two point over anything. While I understand it might be easier for some riders when tired and the track uses it, I still don't see why it needs to be implemented over a XC course for myself and my horse. If it works well for others, have at it. Just my personal opinion though :)

Now though, a month before our first show, I would've liked to be schooling twice a week and riding 3 other days, but alas mothernature is a bipolar bitch and decided to torture me.

3 days ago it was 76 degrees and I could do this....

All ponies unamused. So meh.

 ...and I was SWEATING while riding. Sweating. In January. Last February, we had 3 days of NINETY degree weather. And then it dropped back to the 20s. Um, What.

True to the pattern of basically all winter, temps plunged back down to the single digits yesterday. The low last night was 5 and it felt like -5 thanks to the 20mph winds. It was miserable. Thus I no ride. I'm not a boss about braving frigid temps and wind and its just too damn cold to get anything productive done.

Thankfully, 3 days ago I did a little jump school. Since A and H were riding we kept the jumps low, but I set up one larger line (skinny, 6 strides to a swedish, 3 strides to oxer) and worked on fundamentals with the lower jumps.

Ponyface was kinda lazy, bored and grumps. Better than rushing between the fences I suppose. I truly think he is just so bored with anything lower than 3ft he just doesnt give a flip anymore. Win?

My favorite exercise is the 'bounce box' since it sets them back on their bootays and its really fun!

We set up a ton of options for lines. Bending, diagonal, 2-3 strides. It was really fun despite the low fences, & Pronto and Fancy seem to be improving!

He really isn't even trying. He's just like meh, bring on the 3'9 stuffs plz. HOPEFULLY this week (supposed to warm up to 50 again, who knew) I can set up a pretty big course.

I plan to take him over the 2'9 class as a warm up, since he always jumps pretty shitty at first and they don't have any warm up fences in the warm up ring (GASP WHY. why.). Hopefully he picks his feet up. then there is two 3'6 classes, one for speed, one for penalties, and I think I will only do the penalties 3'9 class. I'm lucky that these fun college shows are so close to me and cheap. I think for the whole day last year, minus gas, I spent $80 on entry fees for 5 classes.

This is from the 3'6 speed class last year at the same show. Is one of my favorite pics!

I also have a pupdate for ya'll! Levi has been awesome at the barn. He absolutely loves it and the other barn dogs. He stays right with me most of the time and even when he goes off to explore he always comes to 'check in'.  It is the cutest thing. Every 10 min he will come find me to let me know hes still around. I swear that dog is a genius.

Staying warm this morning

My guard dog :)

He's my special baby already. The tack whore inside me is bursting to come through and get him a fancy leather collar with one of those nameplates on the collar. They're kinda expensive (for a poor college grad) and not necessary at the moment so I'm putting a little away to save for a rainy day.

Tonight if I get bored I plan on sketching a portrait as an example for my contest. We are at 96 followers, and only need a few more to get to 100!

Fad Attack

 I appreciate all the feedback about Levi :) He's been great so far!

Thanks to a Facebook post by Virtual Eventing Coach, highlighting how Jimmy Wo disproves of the 'cruising position' fad that eventers seem to be very taken with, my post will focus on that.

I for one can't stand it (haha, pun) and was relieved that a respected professional rider & coach dislikes it as well.

For those non eventers, or not familiar with the cruise position...

...This is it. All joints locked, heels up,  butt and crotch far ahead of the pommel and hands braced on the neck.

Does anyone else see the glaring flaws in this? Am I crazy? ARE YOU SERIOUS EVENTERS? Why. Why. Why?

All my life I was taught the 2 point was the most effective position for the gallops between fences....

....Butt off the saddle but not ahead,  knees and ankles bent, body slightly crouched and forward, hands either on neck or floating.

Effective. Safe.

People argue that the cruise position gets the rider off the horses back and allows them to conserve energy galloping.

I disagree. Does the 2 point not do the same thing? I don't see my ass in the saddle at all.

If anything the rider, precariously tottering, barely in the saddle will go AGAINST the horses natural gallop motion.

From experience, I can atest that this cruise position is crap. During the Brian Sabo USEA riders certification clinic, my instructor (not Brian), forced me to cruise and it was the most frustrating uncomfortable thing I've ever done in my life. I have a strong core & legs but there is NO WAY that I could stay with a horse balancing over them like that. Yankee was horribly confused, thrown off and couldn't make distances at all with me sitting above him, then coming down to jump. Perhaps I was doing it wrong, but she just kept telling me "GET MORE AHEAD, more more more" And I was like, DAFUQ. Have we regressed?

Secondly, with your hands pressed into the neck, ALL your weight resting on them, how do you have control of the reins? In 2 point I don't need my hands to balance and I'm free to lengthen and shorten as I please, QUICKLY and not disturb my position. To change rein length or control the horse, you MUST take your hands away from the neck, thus removing your stability.

Thirdly, the riders weight is greatly shifted when they come down to jump a jump. Wouldn't you think this would throw the horse off MORE than simply staying in 2 point and just releasing your hands over a jump?

Lastly, the cruise position makes it very easy for a rider to fall if a horse suddenly shifts, spooks, etc. With ALL your joints completely locked, there is no room for wiggling. Literally.

I just can't see a point in it.

I tried it and it just didn't work for us. I don't see how the mechanics of it truly 'save' the horse energy and how it could possibly be more effective. Perhaps it really works well for others. What are you opinions? Have you tried it? Do you like it? Hate it?

Barn Doggies!

So I've been witholding some cute news until I figured out if it was for certain or not...

I got a doggie!

Its been a year since my baby Tonka died and I decided instead of smalldogs, I wanted a medium size dog to come to the barn with me. I've always had dogs and hate being without one. My deluge of bad dog luck has been with me since I moved to MO and I'm hoping this little guy doesn't mysteriously get sick and leave me :(

I had a Chihuahua for 12 years in addition to various barn dogs while growing up. My favorite was a White Golden Retriever named Terra and she was the best thing. She was perfect: she loved being at the barn, loved the horses and always went on rides with me. I even trained her to pull a cart to help me haul water in winter. She's now 11 and lives in Ohio still and it left me wanting for a barn dog when I moved here.  Of course I loved Tonky more than my own life, but when he died it was terrible and I decided I was done with smalldogs.

Baby boy!

 I knew I wanted a herding dog and toyed between an Aussie, a Heeler and a Border Collie. For a really long time I wanted a Corgi, but they have such tiny legs that they could never keep up with a cantering horse on trail rides! I also have friends at the barn who have an Aussie and he is great, but my boyfriend already has an Aussie and she is my lady love. A friend from Ohio has a Heeler and he is literally the best dog in the world. All of my experiences with the herding group has been nothing but positive, and I really loved their loyalty and intelligence.

Since I didn't want to spend outrageous amounts of money, and support breeders, I scoured the shelters and Craigslist for what seems like months. I never really found anything that seemed promising.

I needed a dog that was good in the house (no chewing, barking etc) since I have a night job, and one that would stick around off leash.

A few days ago I found an ad for a Blue Heeler and I pretty much fell in love. I went to see him and took him home the next day. I was supposed to have him on trial for a week but 3 days in he's already attached and I absolutely think he is perfect for a puppy.

Gah, those ears. That face.

At 8 months he already seems like an adult and has yet to put a foot wrong. He needs to be fixed and is currently being treated for worms, but after a little TLC he will be perfectly healthy.

So adorbs. I can't even.

I took him to the barn this morning for the second time, first time off leash, and he never strayed from my side. Didn't bite the horses, stayed out of the way, and minded me when I called him. He is scary smart! On the drive home he totally fell asleep, it was adorable.

He gets distracted around other dogs, so I'm hoping a few trips to the dog park will teach him to listen to me when other doggies are around but I'm pretty happy I've found a little buddy to keep me company.

I know a lot of you have dogs that come to the barn with you. Cairo is my favorite so far that I've seen on the blogsphere (Kate's from Adventure's of Lucy), but what do you guys like/own?

I think a good barn dog is something all equestrians should have :)

Its Us. Always Us.

How I even managed to get my tired ass on my horse today is a miracle. I don't think I've sat down since 6am this morning and I feel like I'm going to collapse. Anyways.

I've been meaning to talk about the clinic I watched this weekend, but I really don't know how to put it into words. Jana is literally the best rider I've ever seen set foot on a horse and I was floored. I think I icreated mud in my intestines from the amount of dust I inhaled, simply because I couldn't shut my jaw. Most of the riders had her ride their horses first and she put all kinds of horses through their paces and I was just blown away. BLOWN. AWAY.

She was so solid, perfect and calm. I didn't know riders like her existed. And I've seen pro's ride in person. Even when the horses were acting a fool or not doing what she asked. I don't think she ever moved, but damn, she could get a horse to do things I didn't even know were possible...all without seemingly moving a muscle! GAH.

After seeing that kind of riding I wonder if I will ever get there. I realized today how out of riding shape I am, and its pathetic. She has got to be in beast mode shape to be so still but get horses to half pass canter, pirouette, piaffe etc without even moving. Even her whip work--it was like the whip moved by itself. Never have I seen a more efficient rider.

Typical German. ha.

One of the things she hit on was how completely unaware most riders are of lateral work. WE only think about forward, rarely back and in the lower levels, laterally. She noted that most horses are very stiff sideways and have trouble unlocking their hips and shoulders. Thus, their flatwork will suffer.

I already knew that about the hips, but never really thought about working the shoulders much, even though they ARE a part of lateral work.

I ran Yanks through her exercises, and was impressed by the way he responded.

 End result was a relaxed, supple horse throughout. Have you ever ridden a horse and just felt like you were on top of a stretchy rubber ball? It was fantastic. I NEVER thought I weould ever get my OTTB to feel that way.

I've been concentrating so much on getting him to unlock his neck and push through the bridle from behind I never even considered part of the problem could be a stiffness in his shoulders. I'm glad I thought to try it though because he was a totally different beast!

His trot had LOFT and his canter had POWER. He wasn't flat or hanging or crooked. I just...can't even.

I also played around with schooling the halt. Another thing I rarely think about but is oh so important.

This practice made me realize how tense I can get and how it transmits to the pony. Its difficult when you're trying to teach a horse something to think about what your body is doing as well. BUt 97% of the time, its us that screws our horses up, not them. I consciously have to MAKE myself think about where my body is since I am so out of riding shape. I tend to crunch forward since my muscles arent used to being long.

Yoga. Need dis.

As soon as I relaxed my shoulders and fingers and remembered to sit and close my legs before half halting to a halt, he didn't come above the bit. And was ALWAYS square.

Funny how that works.

Selfish or Savvy?

OK, I'm back after a mini vaca/sick/sleep days. I worked WAY too hard for 2 days in a row outside and at the restaurant and I was pretty burnt out. But I feel MUCH better now. Yay.

Per my title, I wanted to ask you guys if I'm being selfish. I don't think so really, but there is always that little inkeling of doubt.

Yankee has ALWAYS been the most retarded of all hard keepers and it took me years to figure out what will keep weight on him. In Ohio it was $65 bags of grain that was a mixture of beet pulp, oats, high fat (%11) feed and corn. He went through about 4 of those A MONTH. God. Luckily I was still in high school so I didn't have anything else to pay for, so that was easy to swing. That was $260/mo

Then I moved here, and had to change his feed because it was a local shop that made his prissy grain in Ohio. The grain NSF used wasn't high fat enough and I was adding gobs of supps in addition to his almost FOUR scoops of grain a day, costing me an additional $70/mo. So that was technically $445/mo but I bet the grain costs were about half that.

So when I moved to SHF and went on self care I played around with his grain rations and found a mixture that worked pretty well, but was also hella expensive. It was 3 different grains, Omelene 200, Omelene 500 and Strategy-about %12 fat total. He would get 1/3sc of ea. AM/PM, 1/2sc of alfalfa cubes, and 3 flakes of hay at night, in addition to $65/mo in supplements. The bags cost about $20 each, and alfalfa was $11 (x2/mo) and I went through about 3-4 bags in a mo. So thats about $147/mo.

As you all might know, I am piss poor and barely make enough to feed myself since I spend all my money on bills and my horse. Trying to be savvy, I looked into the nuggets they put into the Omelene that adds all the fat. AND THEY SELL THOSE NUGGETS SEPARATELY. IN 50 lb bags. For only $29!! So. I thought, if I keep him on a competition feed that has %14 protein and just add the nuggets at 1lb a day, that should work right? The bags are $14, he will use 3 a month, plus 2 bags alfalfa, and 20 lbs of the nuggets (out of a 50lb bag) [have I lost you yet ;)] thats about $75/mo!

Now, I didn't count hay into those hay costs at all, minus the cubes, because I get those at the feed store. But I think with the protein and fat content remaining that should keep him stable. Haha, barn pun.

But seriously, the more processed the grain, the ^ the price, so why not buy the contents separately and mix them myself?

Am I being selfish doing this, trying to save a buck, or is this smarter?

PLEASE, do NOT think I am trying to neglect my horse in any way. As I said before, he comes first, always. I've been late on rent because I make sure hes fed, shod and housed before anything else. Its just what I do, he's my baby. But there's no harm in trying to save.

Right?

Does anyone else lay awake at night thinking about feed programs, haha. Lawd. Horses people is cray fo sho.