Short version: no hock injections. Mild reaction to flexions on both hocks. Nothing significant enough to warrant even x-rays at this point – likely finding would be very early stages of arthritis. Joint supplements were recommended. When the vet started … Continue reading →
First day of June was unseasonably hot. We promptly aborted our plans for a 3pm trail ride (90 degrees at the barn) and postponed til 6, by which time it was warm, but not painfully hot. We proceeded to make … Continue reading →
Thursday afternoon after the pony’s massage, it was too windy to ride – and to be honest, I wasn’t highly motivated, and I was willing enough to settle for a pleasant bareback ride around the barn. Definitely lifted her back … Continue reading →
I will be the first to admit that I’m not always calm, rational, and sane. I have been blessed with a pony that (knock on wood) has made it to 17 without any major health issues, is sound barefoot on … Continue reading →
Heat: the pony’s major issue this year. Unfortunately, it may be mine too. On Saturday we went out in the late afternoon/early evening to Waddell Creek. We tried a new trail with some substantial elevation gain/climbing and not a lot … Continue reading →
This has been a Slow Week. Following Saturday’s traumatic ride and Sunday’s vaguely redemptive one, I actually did manage to make it out to the barn on Monday. Even better: it was still light out when I arrived! It didn’t … Continue reading →
I think it’s a common fear, the worry of doing too much/too little/the wrong thing/etc. Throw in a dose of anxiety, first-time horse-owner, and atypical endurance breed? Some weeks are a lot worse than others. Friday was a short loop, … Continue reading →
Yesterday’s ride was originally going to be a nice long ride at a moderate speed. I figured I would have plenty of time and daylight. This was rapidly aborted when I discovered I had maaaybe three hours of proper daylight … Continue reading →
Which is, of course, subject to change! Two months ’til Fireworks. Taper off real work two weeks prior, and try not to do real rides over 4th of July weekend! Once weekly: 3-4 hour ride, ask for Big Trot as … Continue reading →
Somewhere in the last year, the pony grew a brain. When we left off last fall, Fetti and I had made it out by ourselves a small handful of times. Nearly every one involved a decent amount of fighting and … Continue reading →