OTTB, Multiple Sclerosis - A Really Good Day

Riding Bouffe this morning was the most enjoyable it has been in quite awhile. The biggest factor being that we both felt good. Bouffe had a quickness to his step I haven't experienced lately and even though it was only in the upper thirties, I felt good also, a lot of that having to do with the new saddle.

I thought the Billy Cook was the most comfortable saddle I had ever ridden in, but this Abetta is even better. It gave me the kind of ride I could sit in all day. I rode Bouffe today for at least thirty minutes and my legs never got tight or felt tired. Plus, the Abetta has a close contact feel and my leg commands came through much better than they did when I rode on the Billy Cook. The Abetta also seems to be more flexible, which also increased my comfort level.  Now there is nothing wrong with the Billy Cook, it is a fine saddle, just more saddle than I need at this time.

Now even though Bouffe was feeling good I took it easy because the ring was deep and not good footing for a horse with an old bowed tendon. We practiced neck reining, which Bouffe is getting better at, as we did figure eights and serpintines between our clockwise and counter-clockwise laps around the ring.

Bouffe coat continues to look good, even with the long hair, it glistens in the sunlight. I am very pleased with how things went today and hope it will continue as Bouffe and I get ready for that first April show, which will be here before we know it.

OTTB - New Saddle

I made a special Saturday trip to the farm this morning because the new saddle arrived yeaterday and I was anxious to try it on Bouffe. Besides for grooming Bouffe and feeding him his carrots, trying the saddle on him was all that I was able to accomplish. Saturday is lesson day at the farm and they were all in the indoor ring, which I wouldn't have ridden in anyway, but the outdoor ring was frozen.

The saddle did fit Bouffe well and I will hopefully be able to ride in it next week. Bouffe enjoyed all the attention and was his usual calm, peaceful self, who as always, is a pleasure to be around. I love this horse more than any horse I have ever owned, regardless of how many races they won, or well they jumped.

OTTB - Rained Out

I did get to the farm yesterday and saw Bouffe, but it was raining so hard I wasn't even able to get him out of his stall. I did talk to him while I feed him his carrots and he seemed to listen just like his always does. There is just something about him that makes him seem to be more than just your average horse. I still consider him a gift directly from God.

I did purchase another saddle, which should be here soon. It is made by Abetta, which is a well known brand of synthetic saddles and I am looking forward to getting it, hopefully before I try to get back to the farm on Friday.

OTTB, Multiple Sclerosis - Still Cold Damp and Slippery

I was originally planing on going to see Bouffe today, but because of my MS, my legs still can't handle the cold, wet and slippery conditions. I worked outside yesterday putting up Christmas decorations and even though it was a little warmer, my legs still got very cold and I was slipping and sliding on the slushy snow. I have been out for a little while this morning; I got cold just like yesterday and that is when I decided to wait until I have hippotherapy on Monday to go to the farm.

Still Too Icy and Snowing Again

It was still too icy at the farm yesterday. According to Leslie everything was still a sheet of ice and there was no way to drive to the barn. It is snowing again today and I am going away next week; so, I have no idea when I am going to the farm again. I'll know more when I get back on Wednesday.

Multiple Sclerosis - The Cold and The Ice

I have not been to the farm since last week. I was planning on going yesterday, but the cold temperatures (25 was the high and is so again today) has kept me pretty much in the house, except to shovel snow and clean my car off; there is still about two inches of frozen ice on the roof. 

Because of my MS, my body cannot stand the cold, no matter how warm I dress. My legs get completely numb, which is dangerous walking on the snow and especially the ice. We are having a heat wave tomorrow of 35 degrees and I am hoping to get to the farm.

Snow, Snow and More Snow

I didn't right anything yesterday, because I was spending most of my day digging out from the snow storm that hit Maryland Sunday and on in to Monday morning. There was no way I could have gotten to the farm anyway.

Well, it snowed again today, but not as much and everything is ready for tomorrow. I have hippotherapy, which was originally scheduled for Monday, at 10 am. I don't think I will be riding Bouffe anyway because of his dislike of the indoor arena, which right now, is the only place available to ride. I have to find someone to work with me and Bouffe in the indoor, so I won't loose anymore days where I could be riding.

Buy the way, I sold the saddle and plan to keep on using the Billy Cook until I am sure about a synthetic saddle.

OTTB - The Rain and The Mud

It had been raining continuously all night and I new from past experience that if it stopped, later in the morning, as predicted, the ring would be deep, conditions that are not the best for a horse with an old bowed tendon. In fact, riding him over that surface, could be a reason for Bouffe to bow again. So, after taking all of that into consideration and the fact it the temperature was falling, as the expected cold front started to come in, I didn't go to the farm today. Hopefully Monday will be better.

OTTB - Saddle For Sale

The new saddle did arrive on Monday afternoon and I took it to the farm this morning, with the intention of having a pleasurable experience, since the saddle was so much lighter and I wouldn't have to struggle to put it on Bouffe - but that wasn't the case. It was lighter and is a good looking saddle, especially with the matching bridle and breast plate, but it wasn't the size in the original listing. It has full quarter horse bars, which is considered a wide saddle and much too big for Bouffe.

I wanted so much for the saddle to fit that I put it on Bouffe anyway hoping maybe it wasn't as wide as it looked. After I tightened the rigging it did appear to fit, but once I mounted, after getting over the very high cantle, the saddle sunk down and was resting on Bouffe's withers, which wasn't going to work. So after fifteen minutes I got off and put the saddle back in my car. The saddle is now for sale and will be listed on eBay as soon as I finish the listing, which will have the correct information about the saddle. I will be asking $150.00 or best offer for the saddle, a string girth, the bridle and the breast plate.

Enough about the saddle. Bouffe was really looking good today and seemed anxious to do some work. But of course that never happened, which I think was alright with him, because the saddle seemed to be bothering him and he walked like he was tying up. He was fine once the saddle was off his back and enjoyed his carrots. When I put him back in his stall he acted differently and followed me to the door, instead of eating his hay. He stood their with that look in his eye, like he was telling me everything would be alright and he was there when ever I wanted to ride. I know it might sound ridiculous to some of you, but I am certain this horse is a gift from God, who was definitely there today, in that look in Bouffe's eyes. 

OTTB - Back In The Saddle

Even though I said I wasn't going to ride until I got the new saddle, I felt so good this morning that I rode Bouffe anyway. It was a struggle getting the Billy Cook on Bouffe's back but after two tries I got it on.

The same thing happened when I was mounting. I didn't realize how much flexibility I had lost in my legs and after I tried several times to get my right leg over the cantle, I swung it over Bouffe's hindquarters and then over the cantle. I also had difficulty getting my feet in the stirrups, but Bouffe was patient with me when I eventually mounted and found my stirrups. I have never been around a horse like him. God definitely put Bouffe in my life so I could ride again, there is no other explanation. No other horse would put up with all my difficulties associated with my Multiple Sclerosis. Bouffe takes it all in stride.

Since this was the first day back in several weeks, I only rode Bouffe for fifteen minutes. We did several figure eights and serpentines while I practiced neck reining. I was surprised that Bouffe still remembered what I had taught him so far. I was glad I stopped when I did. I was sore but still had enough strength and balance to lead Bouffe to the barn, put his blanket back on, feed him his carrots and put him back in his stall. He is such a great horse!

My new saddle did arrive this afternoon and seems to be exactly what I ordered. We will see on Wednesday how it fits and if it is easier for me to tack up.

OTTB - Wintertime Is Here

I couldn't ride today because the outdoor ring was frozen and when and if it thawed out it would be a bog. I did manage to groom Bouffe and of course feed him his carrots. His coat looks good and shone in the sunlight, even though it is starting to grow out. He seems to be very content having a few weeks off. I am trying not to be upset about the ring conditions. I know Leslie is doing her best and this is only the beginning of the winter weather. There will be many more days like today in the coming months.

Even if the weather gets better, I am probably not going to ride until later on next week, after my new saddle arrives. Yes, I bought another saddle. I plan on keeping the Billy Cook, but it is just too heavy for me to use on a regular basis; so, it will be my show saddle.

 I bought a synthetic saddle which only weighs fifteen pounds instead of the thirty-five the Billy Cook weighs. It should be here Monday or Tuesday and I am anxiously waiting its arrival. 

OTTB - The Rain, Wind and Snow

Today the weather got worse as the day went on. I had physical therapy with Mike at 8:30. He worked his usual magic on my legs and I felt better when I left. 

I originally had planned to go to the farm when I left PT, but when I opened the door of the office building, I was welcomed by rain, wind and temperatures that would soon fall enough that the rain changed to snow, which was enough to change my mind and I came home. Hopefully, Friday will be a better day.

Hippotherapy

As I have written before, I consider physical therapy and hippotherapy the reasons why I am still, for the most part, mobile, after having Multiple Sclerosis for the last twenty-five years. Yesterday it was hippotherapy's turn.

Even though it was very cold, about twenty degrees, which is usually enough to keep me inside, I rode Roscoe, Robin's therapy horse, for about an hour and felt better when I finished. I was surprised and pleased, with the amount of energy I had for the rest of the day. 

But, it really was too cold to ride Bouffe, or even groom him, unless I absolutely had too, which I didn't. What I did do was feed him his carrots and put two more holes in his halter's headpiece, so it wasn't hanging down by his nostrils, like it had been.

Robin was very pleased with the job I did, cleaning one of the very dirty western saddles, she was given for her therapy program. I brought another one home to clean, with the eventual outcome, of Robin consigning two of the four saddles with me to sell on eBay. I have a lot of cleaning to do today.

   

Multiple Sclerosis - Still Not Able To Ride

I had physical therapy this morning and I am feeling better, but still not able to ride. I have another unrelated doctor's appointment on Friday; so, I am done for the week. I am thankful that this is happening now and not during the show session. I keep on thinking that when I am down.

Multiple Sclerosis - Done For The Week

Right now I am so sore that I am having problems even walking. And after doing anything but sitting, the fatigue sets in and I am back in the chair. Because of all of this, I didn't go to the farm this morning and might not be able to the rest of the week. 

I have a physical therapy appointment first thing Wednesday morning, with a man who knows more about my MS and how it has effected my ability to be mobile, than any doctor I have ever seen. I would not have made it this far with out my physical therapist, Michael Mauro. Not having PT for the last month because of the Medicare system is the only thing I can attribute to my feeling so bad. I am very hopeful that after seeing Mike on Wednesday I will be able to ride Bouffe again. It has worked before and I am counting on PT again.

OTTB - Bouffe The Clown

I am still going to refer to Bouffe as Bouffe. That's the name he has become and today he lived up to the meaning of his name - a  clown or jester.

It wasn't as cold this morning, but I was still feeling lousy. My legs were so stiff I could never have lifted my left leg high enough to put my foot in the stirrup and the right would never had swung over the cantle. Bouffe seemed to notice I was in pain and tried, just a jester would, to cheer me up. 

He had a look on his face as if he was almost laughing when he continued to butt me gently with his head until I made him stop when he hit me in the nose, which hurt but I knew he was just playing. He seemed to think it was funny, when he pooped on the floor of the grooming area, and then stomped both of his back hooves in it. I say this because any other time this has happened he is very careful not to step in it.

His eyes expressed how pleased with himself he was and seemed to be waiting for me to laugh at his routine, which I didn't, but feed him apples instead. Bouffe knows he is spoiled and was very appreciative of this treat. I swear when he and I are in that grooming area it isn't just me and a horse. No, we have a special bond just as two good friends would.

Multiple Sclerosis - Cold Weather Blues

It's only the middle of November and my body is already reacting to the cold weather. With the wind chill, it was 23 degrees at the farm this morning and my legs didn't just react to the temperature, they pretty much shut down. Walking was so difficult that I wasn't able to bring Bouffe out of his stall, much less ride him.

I know the worst is yet to come. The only way I will be able to ride is in the late morning or early afternoon, when the temperature has warmed up a little. I can't ride any later then that because of the MS related fatigue, I am done for the day by 3 PM. I haven't talked to Leslie yet about my proposed changes; so, I hope Friday morning will be a little warmer.

Multiple Sclerosis - Even Though They Say It Can't Happen

I wrote last Wednesday how sore I was and blamed it on all the time I spent with Bouffe on Monday - but I was wrong. Every doctor I asked and every article I read said it was safe to take a flu shot, which I had done on Tuesday - WRONG!!!

After I dug deeper into articles post on the Internet by reputable sources, I found out that the flu shot is called safe because in studies 95% of the people had no reaction to it; but, what about the other 5%, which I seemed to be a part of. It is thought that at least some of the 5% had a reaction to the mercury that is the base for the flu shot. The mercury level is considered safe by the FDA, but there is a small amount of individuals who still get mercury poisoning, which has the same side affects as a MS exacerbation. And bingo, that sure sounded like me. 

So, I rested over the weekend and had hippotherapy this morning, which went well, but I still didn't feel strong enough to ride Bouffe too. Bouffe was glad to see me but was most interested in the carrots he knew I had. But he waited patiently while I groomed him and even pulled his mane before he got the first carrot.

Because of switching to a western saddle and the experience I had at the Thoroughbred symposium, I have been reading articles about cowboy and rodeo terms. When reading an article about rodeo terms I came across the word Bufford: An animal that is easy to ride and work around. I am now wondering if Bouffe's nickname isn't Bufford. I remember that originally I was told Bouffe's name was Bouffer, which I couldn't find any reference or definition on the Internet, so I changed it to Bouffe which is found in the French dictionary. Bouffer sounds much like Bufford, which is now Bouffe's name. 

Multiple Sclerosis - Playing Monti Roberts Took Its Toll

I made a big mistake on Monday, thinking I could stand for almost an hour while I used Monti Hall's training methods, along with the normal time I spend grooming Bouffe. My legs were swollen yesterday and this morning along with the swelling, I was having muscle spasms, both of which are attributed to my Multiple Sclerosis. 

The same thing happened this past summer, when I worked with Bouffe in the round pen and I was foolish to think it wouldn't this time. So, I am back to the drawing board in developing a training plan to help Bouffe get over his fear of the indoor arena.

OTTB - Trying Out Monti Roberts

I don't know how many of you have scene Monti Roberts work with horses. He takes and unbroken horse or a horse with some behavioral issues and turns them around in fifteen to twenty minutes. Now, Monti works in a large round pen,  but I saw no reason why the indoor arena, which is not that large, wouldn't work.

As I have written before Bouffe does not like being in the indoor arena; so, I thought I would try out Monti's techniques and see if they would work on Bouffe. I led Bouffe into the arena in just his halter and then turned him loose. He raced around, just like Monti says his horses do. I followed Monti's instruction and paid little attention to Bouffe as he jogged and galloped in one direction and then the other. I had looked at the time we started on my watch and after three minutes Bouffe showed no signs of stopping and I wondered if this was going to work since Monti is usually tacking the horse up by now. But I continued to wait: five minutes, ten minutes and finally after fifteen minutes, when I was getting ready to give up, Bouffe stopped, walked over to me, dropped his head and nuzzled me. Success!

I reattached the lead rope and walked Bouffe around the ring. He remained quiet, even when I opened the door so he could see outside. This was a wonder experience for both Bouffe and me, one that brought us closure together.

Multiple Sclerosis - The Rain and The Cold

It has been cold, damp and raining since last night. It didn't stop the trick or treaters, but it sure stopped me from riding today.

I could have ridden in the rain; the outdoor ring drains well, but gets very deep, which is not to Bouffe's or his old bowed tendons liking. Or, I could have tried Bouffe again in the indoor. But neither of these were an option, because my MS has flared up again.

One of the most prevalent things that brings on an MS attack is the heat, but not with me. With me it is the cold. I have to be careful in the heat, but my MS rages every winter and when it rains or snows it is even worse, with muscle spasms and increased numbness in my legs, which is what happened today. Just the little change in temperature along with the dampness was all my MS needed to show its ugly head.

After living with this for many years I have gotten used to missing things I wanted to do, but it is still disappointing. I hope by Monday I will be well enough to ride.

OTTB - Thanks To A Former Riding Instructor

On Monday when I had hippotherapy Robin's assistant was my former riding instructor Eileen. It was good to see her and I knew I needed to make amends for refusing to do several of her instructions that now, five years later, know how right she was. 

If I had listened to her, I would have been riding Western several years ago, instead of waiting until I was so sore, when I got off of Bouffe, I could barely walk.  Secondly, I refused to cross tie the former OTTB I had. At that time I believed TB were not crossed tied that was only for the "lesser breeds" - how wrong my snobbish attitude has become. Thank you Eileen, for all the basic dressage you taught me. I have used it over and over again on Bouffe.

Speaking of Bouffe, he again refused to be ridden in the indoor arena. Something in his past, probably the indoor paddocks at Pimlico and Charles Town, has made him very afraid of being in a closed in environment. Even though it was raining off and on, which was the reason I wanted to ride inside, we went to the outdoor ring and Bouffe was the perfect gentleman he always is and during the thirty minutes I rode him, we even leaned some more about neck reining and sitting to the trot. I felt good about all that happened today and am looking forward to riding Bouffe again on Friday.

Hippotherapy - Good To Be Back

Yesterday was my first day back at the farm since I returned from New York. I had a hippotherapy appointment and since I was exhausted the last time I tried to do both, I didn't ride Bouffe, but just worked with Robin. We had a very successful session but today my back is bothering me again. I made an appointment with my primary care doctor with hopes of getting a referral to someone who can make my back feel better.

Bouffe did seem glad to see me and especially the carrots I brought him. He stood patiently while I feed him and gave him the once over; he looked good. I do plan to ride Bouffe tomorrow and it will be good to be back in the saddle.

Multiple Sclerosis - New York Took Its Toll

Besides for all the tolls I paid to and from New York, my health has paid the most from the trip. New York was great and I had a good time, but my MS couldn't withstand the increase in activity. I was so fatigued, I could feel my whole system being jeopardized and on the way home I started feeling nauseous. The results - a canceled riding session  today and the show on Sunday. 

So, now along with my swollen lower legs, I also have a stomach virus, which is not a good scenario for riding Bouffe. I am hoping that by taking off until Monday all will be well.  

OTTB - Very Disappointing Day

When I went to the farm this morning all the horses were turned out, I think still from last night. I couldn't get to Bouffe, because there were other horses turned out with him and my balance isn't good enough to lead Bouffe and keep the others from getting out of the gate. Also, Bouffe didn't have his turnout blanket on and I am paying a blanketing fee. I was not happy.

Leslie was not there and I couldn't wait around for someone to tell me what was going on; so, I left. This experience just added to the questions I had about Bouffe's care after seeing on Wednesday that someone else had ridden him and didn't even bother to bathe him or at least rub out the sweat marks from the English saddle and girth. I agreed to have Monica lunge and ride him a little, but to have gotten him as hot, as the dried sweat on his body showed, who ever was on him road him hard . 

I am leaving for New York for a few days and this was an important training day that went up on smoke.

OTTB - Learning To Neck Rein

Even with the first signs of winter hair, Bouffe's coat shone brightly after I groomed him, which is a good sign of how much better he is doing and feeling. After all the rain we have had, the sun is still a rare sight in the sky and today was no different with overcast skies and a cool breeze. But it was still good to get back in the western saddle, which my body still seems to appreciate when I throw my right leg over the cantle and ease down into the seat.

In our session today I had two things I wanted to accomplish : practice neck reining and sit to the trot. The last time I rode, Bouffe and I worked for almost the entire thirty minutes on neck reining and I expected to practice some more today. Wrong! Bouffe remembered. He wasn't perfect but still showed that in just one session he had learned the basics. With just a little snag of the direct rein first I then placed the neck rein over his opposite shoulder and he turned. After several times I stopped using the direct rein and he had gotten the hang of it, much better to the right than the left, but still a big improvement from last week. Bouffe continues to amaze me. He is an excellent example of how smart OTTBS are and how willing they are to learn. 

The same thing happened when we worked on a sitting trot. It has been over a week since we practiced but from that session Bouffe  had gotten the idea that if he slows down his trot just a little I can sit comfortably on his back and stop bouncing up and down. I shouldn't have been surprised that he had figured this out. He is such a remarkable horse that I put nothing out of reach as to what he can learn. 

After many treatment of iodine wash and Furicin the cracked heel Bouffe has had for awhile is finally clearing up. I treated it one more time and fed Bouffe his carrots before putting him back in his stall. All is well.

OTTB - And The Rains Came

I missed riding Bouffe on Wednesday because I took my wife, Barbara, to an eye doctor's appointment and was looking forward to riding today. But then the rains came and came and came. It has been raining now for over twenty four hours, with no predicted end until tomorrow.

Regardless of the rain I went to the farm this morning to at least drop off Bouffe blanket and I was glad I did. When I finally got there, after negotiating wash outs on several of the roads, it was cold. Bouffe was in his stall, but not very happy. He is a creature of habit and doesn't like any kind of change.  Having a stall is a change he still hasn't gotten used to. This morning the horse in the stall next to him was out and Bouffe was racing around his stall in panic mode because he had been left. I guess being in a stall is something he will have to get accustomed to again and the horses and the field he is turned out in keep changing - he gets frantic every time but calms down once he is turned out with horses or a fields he is accustomed to.

Well I didn't get anything done this morning besides fitting Bouffe blanket on him. He was just too excited to stand still long enough for me to even feed him his carrots  much less groom him. So, once the blanket was on it was back in the field he went. 

OTTB - Fundamentals - Neck Reining

Sine we have gotten back from Cape May I have been feeling much better physically. I don't really know why, but it is wonderful to walk without feeling so much pain and balance issues, as I put one foot in front of the other. BTW the western boots are even better now that I took the orthodics out. 

I felt a real inspiration today, to ride Bouffe from my experience of meeting Dale and Duck on Saturday. We rode for thirty minutes today and never broke out of a walk - we just turned a lot, as Bouffe had his first lesson today in neck reining. 

Dale Simanton told me the first thing in teaching a horse to neck rein is for the horse to know your leg aids and since Bouffe does we were heading in the right direction. As before, when we were practicing bending, Bouffe turned to the left much easier than the right. In fact several times he didn't turn to the right at all. But after watching several videos today I know it was my fault; I wasn't using the direct rein enough. It will be easier for Bouffe and me when I get longer and maybe split reins instead of the English braided ones I am using.

I considered this a positive learning experience for Bouffe and me, as we break the old mold that thoroughbreds can't be western mounts - you need a quarter horse. I heard this from Leslie today (she is a die hard quarter horse owner) , which made me that much more determined to prove her wrong.

OTTB - Thoroughbred Makeover

I spent the day at the Thoroughbred Makeover and saw numerous former racehorses who are now successful in new careers. There were show jumpers, a police horse, polo ponies, barrel racers and Dale and Duck. Of all the makeover trainers, I have been following Dale Simanton and his progress in converting Drake's Dancer (aka Duck) from racehorse to ranch horse, in his Gate to Great Program at Horse Creek Thoroughbreds in Newell, South Dakota. http://www.gatetogreat.com/

I walked back to the barn and met Dale and Duck. Dale is quiet and humble. I felt it a privilege to meet a true cowboy. 

Duck reminds me so much of Bouffe. Not on looks, but by his quiet demeanor and willingness to please. There are many videos of Dale and Duck on the Retired Racehorse Training Project website http://retiredracehorsetraining.org/ but the best one is the one found here http://retiredracehorsetraining.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=560:a-tribute-to-a-great-team&catid=102:dale-simanton&Itemid=398 I need to say no more.

OTTB - Training To Jog and Retired Racehorse Training Project

I rode Bouffe today for the first time in a week and he and I both enjoyed the session. Now that Bouffe is in a stall he has gained weight just in a few days, probably from the extra feed. He was on his toes, which was a good sign and I never had to ask him to walk on and not plod. 

Teaching Bouffe to do a slow trot (jog), so I can sit the trot, is going to be a long process, for Bouffe is a typical OTTB and only has two speeds - walk and gallop. The trot is just pass through on the way from the walk to a gallop. Even when I did tight circles and serpentines Bouffe kept up his fast trot and would have galloped if I just moved my hands up his neck. So, as much as I tried I could not sit, I just bounced if I didn't post, which you don't do when riding western.

Riding western is still very comfortable for me and doesn't irritate the tightness and numbness in my legs the way riding English did. I figured out a new way to get the saddle, which weighs thirty pounds, closure to where Bouffe is cross tied in the barn. The saddle stand is on wheels that make it easy to push closure to the tack room door right outside of where Bouffe is standing. It keeps me from struggling to carry the saddle the length of the tack room and makes it much easier to tack up and put away. 

Today's session started out good and ended good. A student of Leslie's, Monica, is going to groom, lunge, and ride Bouffe on Saturdays, starting tomorrow, with the goal of boosting his conditioning. If everything works as planned Bouffe and I should be all set for the show on the twenty-seventh.  

Tomorrow I am going to the Thoroughbred Makeover and National Symposium sponsored by the Retire Racehorse Training Project. One of the makeovers was done by a western trainer, who taught his OTTB to be a cutting horse and compete in barrel racing. I am looking forward to tomorrow with hopes of picking up some pointers for training Bouffe.

Multiple Sclerosis - Sore Back

Besides for the Multiple Sclerosis I also have back problems as a result of a broken back. This morning my back was very sore for no apparent reason, which has happened numerous times in the last twelve years since the accident happened; as a result, I didn't go to the farm this morning. I am also going away next week and won't be working with Bouffe until next Friday, which is when the next post will be written.

OTTB - Longer Western Ride

Today was Bouffe's first day back since the show and he felt great. He was anxious to work and I rode him for about thirty minutes instead of the usual twenty.

I am teaching him how to jog (do a slow trot). He will go several strides jogging but then moves to what he is familiar with, the trot, and a quick trot at that.We also practiced tight circles around barrels at a walk. I've been watching some barrel racing on television and think it would be fun to try it with Bouffe. Switching to western tack has definitely been a good change for Bouffe and me.

OTTB - Western Makeover

I went to see Bouffe this morning and received reports of more praise for Bouffe and me from yesterday's show. The judge left a message that we should continue to compete western, for we were phenomenal and said I rode as well if not better than many of the able-bodied riders. I also found out the mystery person who greeted me leaving the ring yesterday, was a barn owner, who had brought her riders to participate in the show.

There was also talk of Bouffe and me participating in some other therapeutic classes in several other local shows.  Changing my riding style from English to western has had remarkable results and I am looking forward to Bouffe and my future in the show ring.

Bouffe was fine this morning and since I had hippotherapy he got a day off. Starting in October Bouffe will have a stall and no longer be on field board. This will make it much easier on him and me because the stall is next to his paddock and close to the tack room. I am anxious to get back on Bouffe on Wednesday.

OTTB - Three Blue Ribbons Again

Bouffe and I were in two western pleasure classes and one western trail class at the farm's schooling show. Again, we won all three classes. Bouffe did better going western than he did before in English tack and the western saddle is much more comfortable for me to ride in.

These were again all therapeutic riding classes and the judge told me Bouffe and I need to move up to the novice level, which was a complement and one I will follow. When we were leaving the ring a woman, I did not know, shook my hand and said she was very proud of me, which meant a lot to me since I still don't know who she was. We also receive congratulations from several other riders, including Leslie, who said our performance was awesome.

Another highlight was Bouffe going into the indoor ring without a problem for the trail class. He took the whole show scene in stride and happily went out in his paddock when we had finished.

OTTB - Going Western

All of the western tack I ordered arrived yesterday and I didn't sleep too well last night thinking about all of the logistics. First off the saddle weighs thirty pounds; it not that I can't lift it, it is just that because of the weight it is easy for me to loose my balance when I carry it, which means I was going to the farm early so I can drive in front of the barn. There is no way I could carry this saddle down the hill from my normal parking spot. Then after I get there, the saddle has to fit Bouffe and since this is my first western saddle, Leslie will need to check the rigging to make sure I have it on right and show me again how to adjust the length of the stirrups.

Well, to make a long story short I got the saddle to the farm, into the barn, it fit Bouffe and I rode him for about thirty minutes. Bouffe jogged better than he ever has since I have owned him; to the point, that I had to ask him to walk after we jogged two complete turns of the ring. I didn't want to do a whole lot with Bouffe, because he was a little foot sore from the farrier trimming him yesterday. The Billy Cook western saddle fit me better than any English saddle I have ever ridden in. It was amazing that the more I rode the better my legs felt. Plus I could walk with out any pain when I got off. I was a little stiff but it was nothing compared to riding English. I am riding western from now on.

The next show is Sunday and I plan to show Bouffe western in the walk, halt, the walk jog halt and the trail class. These are all therapeutic riding classes and I hope I have some competition. Stay tuned for an update on Sunday.

OTTB - No Saddle

I didn't ride Bouffe today because I bought a western saddle yesterday and it won't be here until next week. After riding in a western saddle last week I decided going western was what I should do. Yesterday, after hours of research I bought a used Billy Cook barrel racing saddle.
I am anxious to ride in it.

For the meantime I am working on Bouffe's crack heel after I groom him. He is really starting to look better. He is such a pleasure to work with and I know I am extremely lucky to have found him.

OTTB - Too Hot To Ride

When I left the house this morning the temperature was already 85 degrees with 88% humidity. It was almost that hot at the farm when I got there. Bouffe was already sweaty just standing in the run in shed. I brought him in and gave him a bath to cool him off and treated his cracked heal, which is getting better. By the time I left the farm it was ninety degrees. I hope Friday will be better.

Hippotherapy - Got The Kinks Out

I had hippotherapy this morning with Robin. I was very stiff and sore before I left the house and even thought about canceling my appointment - but I was glad I went. As I did the exercises on horseback, I could feel the tight muscles start to relax; to the point, I could do all of the stretching exercises with no problem. As I have said before hippotherapy is wonderful and without it I would not be back in the saddle.

I was tired when I finished so I didn't ride Bouffe, but still brought him in to be groomed. I worked on his cracked heel and fed him carrots as we went. He is such a nice horse and always seems appreciative for the extra attention he gets.

OTTB - I Went Western

In my last post I talked about riding in something different than an English saddle - today I did. There happens to be several saddles in the farm's tack room that are for sale, including a Circle Y western saddle, which is the saddle I rode in today. 

The saddle fit Bouffe and was a comfortable ride as we did figure eights and serpentines - it also saved my butt. The temperature has gotten much cooler and there was a breeze this morning, which made even Bouffe act like a two year old, when he bolted and took off like he was coming out of the starting gate. I felt very secure, as he galloped a few strides until I got him back to a walk. But, I am still planning to buy the Australian saddle tomorrow. Western saddles, even the used ones, cost more than the new Australian saddle.  

I felt better today, MS wise, than I had after using the English saddle, which really finalized my decision to stop using English tack. I am anxious to see what the coming weeks bring.

OTTB - No Riding Again

Bouffe and I both got another day off. Him because his ankle was still a little swollen and me because I would be too uncomfortable on my present saddle.

Bouffe's ankle was much better and I think the swelling was coming from cracked heels on that foot. After Bouffe got his bath I scrubbed the heel with an iodine solution and applied some furicin. Again, he wasn't sore and riding would have been OK if it wasn't for me.

I am getting tired of being sore while I ride. I've finally realized I can't ride in the same type of saddle I used in the past. The saddle now has to fit me along with Bouffe. A way of thinking that is all new to me. When I rode at the racetrack and schooled horses at the farm I used what ever tack I had, without complaint. But now my MS has won and it is controlling the type of saddle I use. I have told Leslie and numerous others that an Australian saddle is the most comfortable and secure saddle I have ever ridden in. It is time to stop the talk and buy the saddle, which I hope to this weekend.  

OTTB - Swollen Ankle

I was debating this morning if I should ride, because I still had some weakness in my legs. My indecision was quickly resolved when I  brought Bouffe in and found the heat and swelling in his left hind ankle and suspensory. Bouffe didn't seem to be sore and stood quietly while I hosed his leg and rubbed it down with Bigeloil. I turned him back out and he went back to eating grass. Leslie is going to check on him later on. 

These kind of injuries are common place, especially with thoroughbreds, and I know from past experiences, to let nature take its course. 

Multiple Sclerosis - Symptoms Raised Their Ugly Heads

I was looking forward to riding Bouffe, but my MS changed my plans, as it has done numerous times in the last twenty-five years. When I went on disability the main reason was fatigue. It had gotten to the point I couldn't work two days in a row. Well, it was back again yesterday. I did drive to the farm, but my legs felt so weak, even though I had gotten a good night sleep, that all I was able to do was groom Bouffe and turn him back out. He seemed to be doing very well and is more active now that he has a two year old turned out with him, which is an ideal situation. Hopefully I will be able to ride on Monday. 

OTTB - Another Good Session

The fly sheet made it through forty-eight hours without being ripped or torn but it sure was dirty. When I took it off of Bouffe I noticed two things: Bouffe's coat was hot and sweaty and the sheet had rubbed a place raw on his hip. No more fly sheet...

I rode Bouffe in the unknown model Crosby and again he seemed comfortable, but was lazy. After the first trip around the ring I had to use my leg aids to keep him from doing anything but a slow walk. Surprisingly he wanted to travel in a clockwise direction on his own and felt much better under me doing the serpentines and small circles. It gives me some hope that this training method is working. We worked in both directions for twenty minutes, which was enough for both of us.

Bouffe got his bath and his carrots and happily went out in his paddock. I really hope Bouffe's performance today is a sign of things to come.

OTTB - Fitting A Saddle, Hippotherapy

I had a hippotherapy session this morning and got to ride Robin's new horse Roscoe, who is a Rocky Mountain Walking Horse. He was an excellent ride and I was able to successfully do all of my exercises. It was the best session I have had in quite awhile. 

Today, I took the Crosby Mark VI, a saddle that is supposed to fit any horse, with me. It didn't fit Bouffe. 

I didn't ride, but groomed Bouffe and fitted the fly sheet on him. He seemed to be very comfortable with it on and I left him happily eating hay.

OTTB: Bouffe's Back Is Better

I made to the farm again today, but the Crosby Mark VI saddle was not ready to use, so I rode in the Crosby saddle I had at the farm, which I thought originally was a Prix des Nations, but after riding in it I'm not sure. It has a high cantle, pencil knee rolls and thigh blocks, which makes me think it is a Prix St. George. I have to look more carefully at what is left of the Crosby stamp.

But the big news was that Bouffe's back was not sore after I rode him for twenty minutes at a walk in both directions. At first his gate was not as free going in a clockwise direction, but did loosen up towards the end of our ride. He walked freely counterclockwise, which was encouraging, since I always had to encourage him to walk in either direction before. I felt the session was successful.  

OTTB - I Finally Made It

At last, I finally made it to the farm. Bouffe seemed glad to see me and came right to the gate for me to bring him out. Surprisingly, his coat wasn't to bad and had a nice shine when I finished grooming him. 

I tried Bouffe's fly sheet on him and wasn't sure it fit; so, I brought it back home. By looking at the photos of it on Horse Lover, which I should have done in the first place, it fit him just the way it should.

I took the Crosby saddle I just got with me today. I think it might be too wide but I was going to try it on Friday until I started looking more carefully at the Crosby Mark VI that I got yesterday. First off it is a 17 1/2 which is the proper length for me and it also has a spring tree, which might be exactly what Bouffe needs, since the solid front polls of the Passier tree seemed to be what was making his back sore. The Mark VI has several good reviews on the Internet, both of them saying it is a good saddle for high withered horses, which Bouffe certainly is. I'll take the Mark VI with me on Friday and see how it fits Bouffe and me. 

Even though I didn't ride I felt it was a productive day for Bouffe and me. It was just enough for my first day back.

Multiple Sclerosis - Still Haven't Made It

I still haven't made it to the farm. I was sore again yesterday morning so I called off my visit. I know I say this each time, but I do feel better today and hope to go tomorrow. I do have another saddle to try on Bouffe plus the fly sheet. I have got to get there soon. 

OTTB, Multiple Sclerosis - Feeling Better, Still Need a Saddle, Show Canceled

Because the symptoms of my MS (numbness, weakness and muscle tightness in my legs), I didn't make it to the farm on Friday either. But all the rest has helped and I feel much better today. 

I miss Bouffe and our time together and am looking forward in making it to the farm tomorrow. I don't have a saddle that will fit Bouffe, so I won't be riding, but I found a nice fly sheet on sale that I will try on him tomorrow as well as grooming him.

The show that was scheduled for today was cancelled because of the rain we had overnight and this morning; so, Bouffe and I didn't miss a chance to get in the show ring. There is another show next month and we'll shoot for that one.

Multiple Sclerosis - Too Sore To Even Go To The Farm

I knew when I woke up this morning that I wasn't going to be able to do much of anything. My legs were tight and hurt even when I was still in bed. When I got up things were really bad and I was having trouble walking. I have been using my rollator to just get around the house today.

I realized too that I am not going to be able to free lounge Bouffe. I am so sore today, which makes me angry at myself for trying to please other people by doing what they recommend, even though I know in the long run it will make me sore and unable to continue. Who was I kidding agreeing with Colleen that I would lounge Bouffe. I have to ride him and that's it. I can slow down our work and just walk, especially clockwise around the ring to build up his top line. Hopefully I will be able to carry out this plan. We will see what Friday brings.

OTTB: - Taking Some Time Off

I met with Colleen this morning about her findings during the Reiki treatment. She said Bouffe's back was very sore and at first she could not lie her hand on his back or the Chakra areas. Just like with me, Colleen found that Bouffe is a very kind horse and could tell he has a very close relationship with me. She told me Bouffe and I need each other to get through my MS and his aches and pains associated with getting older. 

I don't know how many of you believe in Reiki and Chakra (it would be interesting to know, please comment) but Colleen told me things today, about Bouffe's past, she had no way of knowing prior to her treatment, which I found very convincing that it works. 

We also decided to give Bouffe some time off from being ridden and work more on free lounging him, especially in a clockwise direction,since his right side is weaker than his left. This also means we will not be showing on Sunday. 

OTTB - Going To Try Reiki

I had my physical therapy appointment this morning and Mike did a good job stretching my legs. I felt as good as I can, all things considered, and was ready to ride Bouffe, but it didn't happen. His back was very sore.

Since the saddle fits him perfectly (I fitted it again today) there is no reason for the saddle to be making his back sore. I wasn't sure what to do and was giving Bouffe a bath when Colleen, who does Reiki, showed up. Her Reiki treatments, had been recommended by Leslie and several others, as a possible solution for Bouffe back problem and his reluctance to be indoors. She did a preliminary exam on Bouffe and could feel tension and other issues going on in several of his Chakras. I set up an appointment with her to do a complete treatment on Bouffe over the weekend and meet with her on Monday to get the results. I am looking forward to hearing what she finds.

OTTB - He's Such A Good Mover

As the title of this post says, I got several complements on the way Bouffe moves and looks overall. Robin had a hippotherapy session going in the outdoor ring at the same time I was riding Bouffe. Her patient, who is a fairly experience horse person complemented me on Bouffe appearance calling him a "good looking horse." Then Robin's assistant, who is very experienced in many aspects of equitation and had never seen me ride Bouffe before, told me what a good mover he is and how much better I am doing with my posting when Bouffe trotted. I have to attribute this improvement on the fact that Bouffe again wasn't wearing a noseband; therefore, he kept his head down and the fact that I had gotten him a breastplate, which insured the saddle wouldn't slip and also because of its design, gave me something to hold on to when I posted. 

One thing I wasn't wearing were my spurs and also didn't have my crop, which made getting Bouffe to do anything but walk more challenging for me, but I did alright. All and all we had a good session but Bouffe, back was a little tender right in back of his withers when we were finished. I rubbed it down with Bigeloil again after I gave Bouffe his bath and hope it will be alright on Friday. If not I have to refit the saddle again and make sure it isn't too narrow and pinching his back. I will have that answer before I leave the farm on Friday.

I also found out today that Bouffe doesn't like being cross tied in the barn area used for tacking up and also by the farrier and vet. I think it reminded him of being saddled for a race in the paddock at Pimlico - I sure felt it did. He still isn't quiet enough to mount him in the indoor. I tried today and he didn't seem as fearful as before but just fidgeted too much to get on him using the mounting block; someone has to hold his head. 

Hippotherapy

I woke up this morning very sore with numbness and tightness in both legs, but I still went to my hippotherapy appointment, which if you remember is at the same farm where Bouffe is boarded. 

The first thing I did was to check Bouffe's back - it was fine. To bad I couldn't ride him this morning. Hopefully, when I have my next hippotherapy session, I will able to ride Bouffe, instead of one of Robin's horses. Robin is going to practice a session with Bouffe riderless and make sure he leads properly, something I know he can do.

The hippotherapy session went fine but my legs were very sore and weak when I finished. Too weak to ride Bouffe. Hopefully I will be able to ride on Wednesday.

OTTB, Multiple Sclerosis - A Day of Rest

My MS has been acting up to the point that I think I may be having an exacerbation, only time will tell. But I still felt well enough to go to the farm and visit Bouffe. It was just as well that I wasn't going to ride because Bouffe's back was still sore. 

I had Leslie look at Bouffe's back and she thought it was arthritic caused by him trying to get off where ever the real problem is. She was going to look at him further today. She also suggested that I try Reiki on Bouffe. One of the boarders is certified in giving Reiki treatments and I should talk to her.

So, Bouffe got a bath and ate hay until he was dry. I also bought some corn oil, which Leslie is going to put in Bouffe's grain to help  him gain weight and his coat to shine. 

The next show is two weeks from this Sunday. I hope we will be ready.

OTTB, Multiple Sclerosis - The Ups and Downs

On Monday I was bragging about how well Bouffe and I were both doing. Well, forty-eight hours sure did change that. It is something I am used to and have experienced hundreds of times, but it is still a disappointment when it happens: My MS is acting up and Bouffe is not doing a well as he was on Monday. Typical examples of the ups and downs of horse training and Multiple Sclerosis.

First lets talk about Bouffe. His back is sore by his withers and his coat looks terrible again. The only explanation I have for the back issue is the fleece saddle pad, which I used on Monday instead of the usual quilted one. I did this expecting the added padding to help his back that has a tendency to be tender. But of course just the opposite happened. I imagine that along with the wither pad the fleece was too much padding and it all got bunched up. I did rub Bouffe's back down with Bigeloil and it was better almost immediately. 

As far as Bouffe's coat goes it was cloudy today and there was no sunlight shining off of it like there was on Monday, but it still looked rough. After doing some research I plan on taking Robins suggestion and have vegetable oil added to Bouffe grain everyday. It will help him gain some much needed weight and provide nutrients for a better coat. Since it is so high in fat it will also help Bouffe's energy level, but I hope not too much. 

As far as I go, my energy level had been depleted by the time I finished grooming and putting the Bigeloil on Bouffe. But still I walked him up the hill to the indoor arena and while still holding him with the shank I let him walk around in there. The highlight of the day was he wasn't afraid this time! I then took him to the round pen and free longed him both directions at a trot. He was sound and traveled better than last week, even though he didn't want to go in a clockwise direction without me making him, which was the finally to my energy. From there I limped back down the hill and turned Bouffe back out. I was so exhausted that I had to sit for five minuets before I could put the grooming supplies and the saddle (which I had gotten out expecting to ride) away. I then drug my exhausted body back up the hill and got in my car. 

All of this was an experience I wasn't expecting when I left to go to the farm this morning. Maybe Friday will be better. 

OTTB - Spurs, No Nose Band and Counterclockwise

Today, Bouffe went the best he ever has since I have owned him. But three things had to be happening: I had to be wearing spurs, Bouffe was not wearing a nose band and we were traveling counterclockwise around the ring. Three things that are learned behavior from ten years on the racetrack. 

Now the spurs, no, not all exercise riders wear them and Bouffe could still be testing me on that one. But on the racetrack itself and even walking around the shed row everything is always done in a counterclockwise direction and Bouffe would be very happy if it stayed that way. But one thing Bouffe is going to have to learn to like is traveling clockwise in the ring. We worked on that today and even trotted but he wasn't happy and we changed to a counterclockwise direction to end the session on a positive note.

I know Bouffe wore a shadow roll when he raced, but from his high head carriage in this win picture, it wasn't doing much good.

That is also the way he carried his head when I first started riding him. And of course my first reaction was to use a martingale to help keep it down. WRONG! It was just amazing how, as soon as I stopped using a nose band his head went down to the proper level. If I hadn't paid attention to the fighting he was doing when the bridle with a nose band was put on, his head would still be up in my lap.

Bouffe did excellent in a counterclockwise direction completing one full turn of the ring at a trot without me asking him to do it. I also put a makeshift yoke on Bouffe, which because I could hold on to it, made all the difference in me being able to post and be on the right diagonal.

We also did our usual figure eights and bends in both directions. I have to say today was a very successful session. 
  

OTTB - No Nose Band

As disappointing as I was on Wednesday, that was how satisfied I am with today's session. Bouffe looked good today. His coat shone in the sunlight, and he had a great attitude about working.

I did have my spurs on, but I have worn them before and never got this type of response to my aids. The Passier saddle I didn't like on Wednesday, fit me perfectly today,  just by raising my stirrups two holes. My knees then fit into the knee pads, which gave me more support when Bouffe trotted. With a thicker saddle pad, along with the wither pad, the saddle fit Bouffe perfect too. But as crazy as this might sound, I don't think any of these were the reason Bouffe was more responsive today. It was the nose band, or lack there of. When I was putting the bridle on, Bouffe fought me, until I took the nose band off the bridle. He then opened his mouth and accepted the bit and bridle with  no resistance. Going without a nose band is learned behavior from the racetrack, where horses typically go out for their daily gallop without one and Bouffe showed me today that's the way he wants it to be.

I have to find out if I can show without one. The USEF says in equitation a nose and is recommended. That leaves a lot of room for interpretation, but I think Leslie will know for sure.

All an all, this was the best training session I have had with Bouffe since I owned him!

OTTB - Discouraging Day

I really don't know what to do with Bouffe. When I went to the farm yesterday he looked terrible. He had rain rot on his back, which was also sore when I used the curry comb to loosen up the dead hair. There was also a spot on his shoulder where all the hair was rubbed off and a couple of bite marks. He is only turned out with other geldings at night and is obviously the low man on the totem pole, just like he was at Gunpowder. Now, I am wondering if turning him out 24/7 is the right thing.

I rode Bouffe in the outdoor ring for about thirty minutes. He felt sound under me, but was not eager to even walk, which makes me think he is body sore. I am discouraged to the point that I wonder if he is going to be anything other than an occasional hack mount, without a daily dose of bute.

I didn't like the Passier saddle. It fits me alright but has forward flaps and knee rolls that would only be of any use if I jacked my stirrups up three or four holes. I got another Crosby Prix de Nations yesterday and it appears by the measurement it will fit both Bouffe and me. I am still having trouble posting and I just want a saddle that I feel secure in. The only time that has happened since I had MS is with an Australian saddle and the Stubben with the big knee rolls. I am bidding on an Australian saddle on eBay and am really considering chucking the whole English saddle and trying to ride pre-MS idea. It is not any fum when all I can do is walk around the ring and I can't afford another dressage saddle and have it not fit.

Multiple Sclerosis - Session Canceled, Too Sore To Ride

I made an attempt to go to the farm this morning, but once I got there, my legs were tight and my balance wasn't good - typical MS stuff. In addition, I forgot Leslie was having camp this week for the riders she coaches and they were using the outdoor ring. The thought of trying to ride Bouffe in the indoor, was something I didn't want to do with my legs and balance the way they were.

My legs and balance had been off all weekend. I think all the ground work I did with Bouffe last week was the reason. It has happened two other times, with other horses, and I know now for sure, I can't do ground work! I also think that the Devon Aire britches I was wearing were making the tightness worse buy clinging to my legs, which is what they are supposed to do. I am not going to wear them if I am not wearing boots. I was wearing paddock boots today so there was no need for the britches, khakis would have been better and I intend on wearing them when ever possible from now on. 

I am going to try to ride either tomorrow or Wednesday depending on how I feel, the weather (it is suppose to rain) and what ring Leslie and Robin (on Wednesday) are using. 

OTTB - Free Longing Success (Sort Of)

I knew Leslie had a round pen but I had never used it until today. I took the longe line and longe whip to the round pen before I got Bouffe. I was prepared for him to not know what to do; therefore, I might have to use the lounge line instead of free longeing him. But as has been the case so far Bouffe knew exactly what to do and trotted and walked on command while loose in the round pen. The only draw back being, he only wanted to go counterclockwise. I did get him to change direction for brief periods of time, but he was definitely telling me by his actions and his way of traveling that he preferred counterclockwise. I would say he wasn't lame or even sore behind. He just had a shorter stride in the clockwise direction. It was very hot, even early this morning, so our session only lasted fifteen minutes, which did at least give me a better idea of Bouffe's hind end problem. 

We are taking tomorrow and Sunday off, and I need to talk with Leslie first, but I hope to start back riding on Monday. 

OTTB - Good News and Bad News

The Passier saddle fits Bouffe great, but that was the extent of the good news from today's visit. It was very hot today, even at 9 am; so, I wasn't planning on riding even if the saddle fit like it did. 

After fitting the saddle I put the longe line on Bouffe and longed him as Leslie suggested. Going in a counter-clockwise direction, like at the racetrack, he was sound when he jogged and even cantered a little. But as soon as I had him change directions he balked, and not only didn't want to trot he wouldn't even walk without encouragement from the longe whip. When I finally got him to jog he was off again in his right hind and I stopped. 

I have been reading articles and books this afternoon about lameness in OTTB's and they all pretty much say the same thing... left front causes lameness in right hind and vice versa. If you look at Bouffe's photographs, you will see the osselets on both ankles along with white hair on his left front, which isn't an identifying mark on his Jockey Club papers. The hair on the left front turned white because somewhere along the way someone did something (blister, surgery, or the likes) to his ankle that killed the pigment in the hair. 

Where do we go from here? I'm not sure. The first thing I want to do is longe Bouffe in a bigger paddock so I can make the circle larger, which may help him move easier in both directions. Steuart  Pittman from the Retired Racehorse Training Project says, that continuing to lunge horses with problems behind helps, along with an equine chiropractor and massage therapist. I will start with the longing on Friday.

Hippotherapy - OTTB - Me & Bouffe

In the last post I talked about physical therapy and how important it was; in addition, if you are serious about riding with a disability you also need hippotherapy.

I am sure many of you are like I was and don't feel you need all that extra help in riding a horse. The first thing you have to do is get over that idea. You will be surprised how much the exercises you do on and off the horse will help you with the symptoms of your disability. With me it has been balance and flexibility. 

As I said at the beginning of this blog I thought I didn't need hippotherapy; after all, I had ridden some very difficult horses on the racetrack, how bad could my balance be. SURPRISE !!!!! It stunk. In addition my legs were so tight I could barely lift the right up far enough to get on. Getting off was an experience all it own. Once I got my right leg over the horses back I flew off the horse because I had lost that much strength in my arms I couldn't hold myself back. I know Robin dreaded it and if it wasn't for her overall physical fitness I would have been lying flat on my back. 

But Robin has stuck with me for the last five years and I can honestly say the she and her program have been one of the most important aspects of my desire to ride independently again. This is Robin program: Robin Korotki, Back To Fitness Hippotherapy, 410-825-0650. 

Leslie did trim Bouffe and did some work on tight muscles in his back. He was also off in his right hind, which could have been from his feet. We will find out in the next few days. She also noticed that the saddle is rubbing him on his shoulders. The Passier Willi Schultheis dressage saddle arrived today, so the old saddle is history as far as Bouffe is concerned. I'm going to the farm again on Wednesday and I'll see how it fits him then.

Physical Therapy - I Needed It Today

I really needed my physical therapy appointment this morning. I was very stiff in my joints and my leg muscles felt tight. I would be this way everyday, if it wasn't for Mike. 

He and I have been working together on my multiple sclerosis for a long time, and I know, Bouffe would not be a part of my life, if I hadn't taken Mike's direction in doing my daily stretching exercises. He has kept me out of a wheelchair, and I will always appreciate all the time he has spent helping me.

If you don't have a physical therapist, get one! They will keep you mobile, for as long as you have the desire. 

OTTB - Waiting For A Trim and A Saddle That Fits

Bouffe is scheduled to have his feet trimmed and his gait analyzed by Leslie tomorrow. He and I also need a saddle that fits. My present Smith Worthington is too big for me and too wide for him. I am hoping to get the Passier Willi Schultheiss that I bought on eBay soon. I am very optimistic that it will fit both Bouffe and me. Until the saddle arrives and I hear from Leslie about Bouffe's feet and his gait, I am not sure what we are doing. 

The opening for the art show was this evening. It was well attended. The photograph is displayed very well and I received several compliments from other artist.

OTTB - What Did The Farrier Do?

I learned my lesson today: Be there to meet the farrier. I was told last month that Bouffe had been trimmed by the barn farrier for Gunpowder Stables. But when I rode him today, even in what I would consider a very sandy, stone dust ring, he was foot sore. My riding was only for about ten minutes because Bouffe was reluctant to break out of a very slow walk and when he finally did, he stumbled and that's when I got off.

I had Amy, the farm manager, look at Bouffe. There was no heat in his ankles, pastern or hooves but as soon as she picked up his left front foot she saw the long toes and bars. She also noticed, when she put his foot back down, how uneven he was standing. We both agreed that there was no way Bouffe had been trimmed in the last month. 

I am planing to have Leslie or her son trim Bouffe. They are both trained in natural hoof care, which is what I want for Bouffe. I am hoping with proper farrier care he can remain barefoot.

OTTB, Multiple Sclerosis - Back In The Saddle

The weather cooperated today and I was able to ride for about thirty minutes, until the sun started blazing down on the ring. During those thirty minutes, Bouffe and I did figure eights and serpentines at a walk. I tried to trot Bouffe several times and I was always on the wrong diagonal and didn't feel secure in the seat. One thing that did work were the spurs, which were even more effective when I dropped my irons two holes.

To see if it helps me feel more secure, I am going to put the fleece seat cover on the 18" Smith Worthington saddle tomorrow. I measured the SW saddle again today and there is an entire hand width between my buttocks and the cantle where there should only be two to three figures width, which proves again the saddle is too big for me. I will know in a few hours if I win the auction for the 17" Passier Willi Schultheis  dressage saddle on eBay. From what I have read they are a close contact dressage saddle with a flatter cantle, which is exactly what I am looking for.

They other day, I found a full size bridle in one of my tack trunks and decided to use it today, rather than the cob size bridle Bouffe has been wearing. He was again his amazing self and stood completely still while I adjusted this bridle after the bit was in his mouth. He stood quietly by the mounting block while I got on and when I dismounted. I swear he knows it is his job to take care of me regardless of the circumstances. As far as I am concerned he is the perfect horse for me and I am very fortunate to have found him. The only behavior issue we need to work on is his dislike of the indoor arena and sometime this week I plan on doing that.

OTTB - Art Show

The photograph of Bouffe that is part of the header for this blog is to be on display in Baltimore beginning this Thursday July 11th. SoWeBo Arts is partnering with Zella's to hold a benefit art show for BARCS, the Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter. The show will be at Zella's 1145 Hollins Street 21223. The opening is Thursday evening from 6-8 pm.

I am very excited about this photograph being part of this show and hope it will promote OTTB adoptions. 

My hand is feeling better from the fall and I hope to ride Bouffe tomorrow.

Multiple Sclerosis - Bad Fall, Can't Ride

This post is where we get into the other part of this story, my living with MS. Last night while doing some yard work I fell, and in catching myself to break the fall, I thought I broke my hand. The pain was intense, and I had a flashback, to when I broke my shoulder and arm five years ago. I lied on the ground where I landed, and slowly began moving my hand. I could tell then it wasn't broken, but when I bent the fingers all the way back when I hit the ground, the muscles were stretched further than they were suppose to go,

I took ibuprofen every four hours afterwards, hoping I would still be able to ride today, but the pain is still there anytime there is even a slight movement of my hand. These are the times I hate having MS the most, but I have to accept the cards I was dealt and hope that by Monday I will be back in the saddle.

OTTB - The Indoor Arena

Bouffe spent about thirty minutes loose in the indoor arena this morning. His anxiety level was high, as he did an extended trot, one direction and then the other, around and around the perimeter of the indoor space for ten to fifteen minutes, before finally settling down to working trot and then a walk. Eventually he did get down and roll in the sand, which I was glad to see him do. 

The weather has been hot, so after today's session, the next time I go to the farm I plan on riding Bouffe outside, with no trips to the indoor.

I got the feeling today that from being turned out for so long before I got him, with little or no human interaction that Bouffe is herd bound. I need to talk to Leslie and see what she has planned for a field mate for Bouffe, which I'm not sure would help or make worse his behavior in the indoor arena. 

I wore myself out pretty good today supervising Bouffe's "playtime" and I will have to see in the morning if I go to the farm tomorrow, or wait until the weekend. I did swim a few laps when I got home to keep with the exercise program, which includes a regiment of stretching exercises every morning for my back, which I broke twelve years ago, and my legs for the MS; in addition, I also have dressage exercises I found on the Internet http://dressageridertraining.com/ I do feel so much better now that I am getting fit!

OTTB - Stamped His Progeny

It has been pouring off and on all day and the indoor arena was in use when I was at the farm; so, the training will have to wait until maybe tomorrow.

I happen to see a replay today of the 1992 Kentucky Derby that was won by Bouffe's sire Lil E. Tee. After doing some research I found this photo of Lil E. Tee that certainly shows he stamped his progeny with his looks and conformation, including the problematic ankles, which from looking at Bouffe's, he certainly had during his racing career. 

OTTB - Afraid of Indoor Arena

Bouffe seemed to have settled in to his knew surroundings and was his usual relaxed self while I groomed him and put his saddle on, until... We walked up the road from the main barn to the indoor arena and Bouffe was on edge as soon as he saw where we were going. 

The day of the show the trail class was in this arena and Bouffe wasn't to crazy about being in there. But today, I wasn't on his back, which made it easier for him to go into his flight mode, which he did. This is the first thing he has ever been afraid of; so, I decided to ride him outside instead and he was his usual well behaved self. We rode in the outdoor ring, which has a sand base, but was still wet from all of the rain. I have learned that the wet going is not Bouffe's favorite type of footing and I had him do some figure eights and serpentines at a walk, which he did like a champ. But I was disappointed about the indoor arena. So, tomorrow I plan on working with Bouffe on the ground, with a longe line and possibly turning him loose in the indoor arena.

I took a few pictures while I was there today. The first is Bouffe's private paddock and run in shed. The others are of him just being a horse without having to defend himself against the attack herd of grade geldings that ruled the field at Gunpowder.