Well, tomorrow's the big day, when I move Bouffe to Four Quarters Farm. The farm I hope will be our permanent home. I need a stable that is stable and not one where each day is something different.
Because of taking hippotherapy there, I have seen that Leslie Bosely runs an excellent operation, where everything has its time and place, which is the type of environment I enjoy working in. Plus, all of the facilities are very handicapped accessible, which will make my time there much more enjoyable.
The van is picking up Bouffe at 8 am and I hope to be able to ride him when we get to Four Quarters. More updates tomorrow.
Sunday, June 30, 2013
Friday, June 28, 2013
Comments
I would appreciate any and all comments from the readers of this blog. I would like to know what you think of my post and any experience you may have or had while riding with a disability.
Thursday, June 27, 2013
Multiple Sclerosis - Feeling Better But Weather Is Hot
My legs are feeling better today but the weather is not cooperating. I didn't want to go another day without at least seeing Bouffe; so, with temperatures already in the eighties at eight o'clock I drove to Kingsville.
Bouffe was in his stall and again stood completely still while I groomed him. As I brushed his coat I told him, it would only be a few more days, until he's got a twenty acre field, with a big run in shed, woods, and more grass, than from what I've seen of his living accommodations so far, he has ever seen. He stands so still with his kind eye focused on me the entire time; I really think he understands.
When I left, I drove to The Mill, and in preparation for the move, bought a turnout halter and some more joint supplement for Bouffe. I am anxiously awaiting the indoor ring and surroundings where I am physically able to get around without a lot of effort.
Bouffe was in his stall and again stood completely still while I groomed him. As I brushed his coat I told him, it would only be a few more days, until he's got a twenty acre field, with a big run in shed, woods, and more grass, than from what I've seen of his living accommodations so far, he has ever seen. He stands so still with his kind eye focused on me the entire time; I really think he understands.
When I left, I drove to The Mill, and in preparation for the move, bought a turnout halter and some more joint supplement for Bouffe. I am anxiously awaiting the indoor ring and surroundings where I am physically able to get around without a lot of effort.
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
re: Last Week's Post
I have skipped over my recovery process, or lack there of, from last week's post. The three days rest I hope I was going to get never happened. For we spent a good amount of the time we were away walking and sitting at a wedding reception for several hours. Of course both of these activities took place outdoors in eighty degree heat, not good for my MS. I have not recovered from this or the activities of the week before, and still wanted to ride today, but my legs are not cooperating.
As I said yesterday, I planned on riding Bouffe today, but as soon as my feet hit the floor this morning I knew that wasn't going to happen. Even though I slept good last night my legs hurt and were weak. After living with MS for this long, all I can say is, maybe tomorrow.
As I said yesterday, I planned on riding Bouffe today, but as soon as my feet hit the floor this morning I knew that wasn't going to happen. Even though I slept good last night my legs hurt and were weak. After living with MS for this long, all I can say is, maybe tomorrow.
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Multiple Sclerosis - Too Hot
We went away for the weekend and ended up missing all the good riding weather. As any of you with MS know, with temperatures in the upper eighties this morning and over ninety degrees now, it is just too hot to ride without an indoor ring, something I will have starting next week. The move is all set up for Monday and I am looking forward to boarding Bouffe at Four Quarters Farm.
The weather forecast is the same for tomorrow. I am hoping to get an early start and ride before the temperature rises out of the seventies.
Since I didn't ride today, I swam my ten laps to keep the level of fitness I have.
The weather forecast is the same for tomorrow. I am hoping to get an early start and ride before the temperature rises out of the seventies.
Since I didn't ride today, I swam my ten laps to keep the level of fitness I have.
Thursday, June 20, 2013
Multiple Sclerosis - Still Too Sore To Ride
I had another pain filled evening, but I did find something to stop the muscle spasms - water. Even though I did nothing yesterday I was dehydrated, which made the MS symptoms flair at 9 PM last night. After two hours of taking my meds and trying to sleep I drank some water, and was surprised that I needed the entire pint to quench my thirst.
But even after what I consider a decent night of sleep, my legs were still weak, and very sore. After debating in my mind for several hours about what I should do, I went to the farm. Bouffe was again in his stall. When I groomed him, I was pleased to see his coat shine, but just that little effort on my part took its toll; I was feeling weak. My left leg didn't have enough strength to lift me over the saddle, much less ride.
While I had the Smith Worthington Saddle on Bouffe, I double checked that it fit him properly, which it did. Bouffe seemed to be very content with the full rack of alfalfa hay the barn help put in his stall and I came home.
Barbara and I are going away for the weekend, so I won't be going to the farm again until Monday or Tuesday. I am hoping the three days rest will allow me to start back riding Bouffe again.
But even after what I consider a decent night of sleep, my legs were still weak, and very sore. After debating in my mind for several hours about what I should do, I went to the farm. Bouffe was again in his stall. When I groomed him, I was pleased to see his coat shine, but just that little effort on my part took its toll; I was feeling weak. My left leg didn't have enough strength to lift me over the saddle, much less ride.
While I had the Smith Worthington Saddle on Bouffe, I double checked that it fit him properly, which it did. Bouffe seemed to be very content with the full rack of alfalfa hay the barn help put in his stall and I came home.
Barbara and I are going away for the weekend, so I won't be going to the farm again until Monday or Tuesday. I am hoping the three days rest will allow me to start back riding Bouffe again.
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Multiple Sclerosis and Exercise - Finding The Right Mix
This is my second post for today because the earlier post should have been written last night, but I was too sick to do so. After I rode yesterday I was a little sore but went ahead with my exercise program and swam my 10 laps (almost 200 meters) anyway. If that wasn't enough, Barbara and I then went shopping for a new range. A trip we thought would only be for about a half and hour, two hours later we were finally leaving the store.
But that wasn't all. We then went and did our weekly grocery shopping, which took about another hour. So, by the time we got home I had been on my feet, standing in the appliance store and pushing the grocery cart for three hours, not good for a person with MS.
My body fought back violently with extreme numbness and tightness in my legs, along with the shooting pains down my arms. I was miserable and nothing seemed to help: not sitting, or lying down, or taking a hot shower, or even my usual meds, nothing until 11 PM when I was finally able to fall asleep. Of course, that only lasted until 6 AM, when the roofers started the tapping across the street on the church roof.
It is now 4:30 PM and I have spent the entire day doing nothing. Of course, I am feeling better from all the rest and plan on riding Bouffe tomorrow. I'm telling myself riding is all I'm doing, knowing full well I'll probably give in and swim. But I've got to set some limits, or I'll be too sore to make it past being an occasional trail rider.
But that wasn't all. We then went and did our weekly grocery shopping, which took about another hour. So, by the time we got home I had been on my feet, standing in the appliance store and pushing the grocery cart for three hours, not good for a person with MS.
My body fought back violently with extreme numbness and tightness in my legs, along with the shooting pains down my arms. I was miserable and nothing seemed to help: not sitting, or lying down, or taking a hot shower, or even my usual meds, nothing until 11 PM when I was finally able to fall asleep. Of course, that only lasted until 6 AM, when the roofers started the tapping across the street on the church roof.
It is now 4:30 PM and I have spent the entire day doing nothing. Of course, I am feeling better from all the rest and plan on riding Bouffe tomorrow. I'm telling myself riding is all I'm doing, knowing full well I'll probably give in and swim. But I've got to set some limits, or I'll be too sore to make it past being an occasional trail rider.
OTTB - Bouffe and The Pre-Teen Group Lesson
Yesterday, was one of those days, where everything went exactly, if not better than planned, starting with Bouffe being in his stall, when I got to the farm at 11 AM. He stuck his head over the stall door when he saw me parking my car, and gave me a look like where have you been.
One of the biggest problems I have is carrying the saddle bag to and from the car; so, today I decided to groom and tack up Bouffe in his stall, which made the trip just a matter of walking about ten yards down a hill to the barn.
Now, I have worked with several different OTTB and there has only been one other horse, Dandy Dasher, who up until Bouffe was the finest Thoroughbred I had ever ridden. I called him Dan and he basically taught me how to jump big fences and ride races; of course, that was pre MS. But like Bouffe he was a five star example of an OTTB.
After getting the saddle in front of Bouffe's stall, I was able to groom him and put his tack on while he stood quietly, loose in his stall. Dan was the only other horse TB or not that I have ever been able to do that with. Bouffe then walked quietly to the ring where Tricie was having a group lesson with pre-teen girls and their mothers. There was a lot: kids jumping for the first time, horses knocking down fences, screams from riders and their mothers when either of the above happened, etc.), for a horse to look at and maybe shy from, but not Bouffe, who took it all in stride.
With all of the above going on Bouffe and I went into the ring and I proceeded to get on him, which because of the stirrup leathers being shorter from Sundays show, was much more difficult for me than usual. But Bouffe stood completely still until he felt my right leg go over the cantle and come down on his side. Now, I find this standing so still completely amazing. No other horse of any breed including Dan would do this. Bouffe hasn't had any formal training he just knows I need him not to move until my legs swings over!
At first, we shared the ring with Tricie's class; again, no adverse reactions from Bouffe, just some curious glances, like he was thinking, what are they doing now. When their lesson was over and we had the ring to ourselves I was able to practice my rising trot some more. At first, I was again on the wrong diagonal, but on the third try I got it, which brought back memories of posting correctly before my pre-racetrack years, where everything was a two-point stance. I had a sense of a great accomplishment and stopped riding on that positive note.
I also rode in a different saddle, which probably had something to do with my success. The Crosby that I showed in was still tight around Bouffe's withers so I tried my old Smith Worthington Walsall AP, which even though it has a MW tree, fit Bouffe perfectly when I used the withers pad. It was like being back home, riding in that old saddle and I plan to continue using it.
One of the biggest problems I have is carrying the saddle bag to and from the car; so, today I decided to groom and tack up Bouffe in his stall, which made the trip just a matter of walking about ten yards down a hill to the barn.
Now, I have worked with several different OTTB and there has only been one other horse, Dandy Dasher, who up until Bouffe was the finest Thoroughbred I had ever ridden. I called him Dan and he basically taught me how to jump big fences and ride races; of course, that was pre MS. But like Bouffe he was a five star example of an OTTB.
After getting the saddle in front of Bouffe's stall, I was able to groom him and put his tack on while he stood quietly, loose in his stall. Dan was the only other horse TB or not that I have ever been able to do that with. Bouffe then walked quietly to the ring where Tricie was having a group lesson with pre-teen girls and their mothers. There was a lot: kids jumping for the first time, horses knocking down fences, screams from riders and their mothers when either of the above happened, etc.), for a horse to look at and maybe shy from, but not Bouffe, who took it all in stride.
With all of the above going on Bouffe and I went into the ring and I proceeded to get on him, which because of the stirrup leathers being shorter from Sundays show, was much more difficult for me than usual. But Bouffe stood completely still until he felt my right leg go over the cantle and come down on his side. Now, I find this standing so still completely amazing. No other horse of any breed including Dan would do this. Bouffe hasn't had any formal training he just knows I need him not to move until my legs swings over!
At first, we shared the ring with Tricie's class; again, no adverse reactions from Bouffe, just some curious glances, like he was thinking, what are they doing now. When their lesson was over and we had the ring to ourselves I was able to practice my rising trot some more. At first, I was again on the wrong diagonal, but on the third try I got it, which brought back memories of posting correctly before my pre-racetrack years, where everything was a two-point stance. I had a sense of a great accomplishment and stopped riding on that positive note.
I also rode in a different saddle, which probably had something to do with my success. The Crosby that I showed in was still tight around Bouffe's withers so I tried my old Smith Worthington Walsall AP, which even though it has a MW tree, fit Bouffe perfectly when I used the withers pad. It was like being back home, riding in that old saddle and I plan to continue using it.
Monday, June 17, 2013
Multiple Sclerosis - The Day After The Horse Show
It took awhile, but late last night it finally all sunk in, Bouffe and I had won three blue ribbons in our first show. I lied in bed thinking about it until I fell to sleep. A sleep that didn't last to long, for I was awakened at 1 AM by my old friend pain.
I knew I had participated in more activities yesterday than I had ever done, since going on disability fifteen years ago. Now, I thought I had worked up to it gradually, but my body didn't care, and was now reacting with all the usual stuff all at one time: muscle spasms, numbness and tightness in my legs, and what I call the shooting pain that runs from the back of my neck into my shoulders and down my arms. I needed to get up and take some meds, which consisted of three Ibuprofen and a Mirapex.
I never get instant relief, or anything close to it, but after several hours and some comfort food (a peanut butter sandwich) I was back to sleep until six, when the roofers started work on the church across the street.
So, today has been a day of rest; although, I did swim my laps, five rather than the usual ten, I didn't want to push myself but I needed some type of exercise.
I am planing to see Bouffe tomorrow, knowing he needed a day off too, and am sure I would have heard from Patti if anything wasn't just right with him this morning.
I've been thinking about the future a lot today and know I want Bouffe and I to go as far in the show ring as we can. I'm prepared to do the work involved and have no reason not to believe Bouffe will too.
I knew I had participated in more activities yesterday than I had ever done, since going on disability fifteen years ago. Now, I thought I had worked up to it gradually, but my body didn't care, and was now reacting with all the usual stuff all at one time: muscle spasms, numbness and tightness in my legs, and what I call the shooting pain that runs from the back of my neck into my shoulders and down my arms. I needed to get up and take some meds, which consisted of three Ibuprofen and a Mirapex.
I never get instant relief, or anything close to it, but after several hours and some comfort food (a peanut butter sandwich) I was back to sleep until six, when the roofers started work on the church across the street.
So, today has been a day of rest; although, I did swim my laps, five rather than the usual ten, I didn't want to push myself but I needed some type of exercise.
I am planing to see Bouffe tomorrow, knowing he needed a day off too, and am sure I would have heard from Patti if anything wasn't just right with him this morning.
I've been thinking about the future a lot today and know I want Bouffe and I to go as far in the show ring as we can. I'm prepared to do the work involved and have no reason not to believe Bouffe will too.
Sunday, June 16, 2013
Therapeutic Riding - A Blue Ribbon Day
This has been quite a day. It didn't start out so well when I lost my balance and fell hard to the floor. Those of you with MS know how easily this can happen and how scary it can be. Well, even though my body made a lot of noise when it hit the hardwood floor everything was OK and I got up and continued getting myself ready for the show today.
Even though I wore my rubber boots, I was trying to keep a positive mind frame that I wouldn't have to bring Bouffe in through all the mud, as Barbara and I drove to Gunpowder Stables. When we pulled in to the barn area, I breathed a sigh of relief, when I saw Bouffe's head sticking out of his stall door.
When I got to his stall Bouffe seem to know this was going to be a special kind of day. Even though all of the other horses were also in, Bouffe came out of his stall quietly and stood calmly as I groomed him, pulled his mane and put on his shipping bandages. I remembered then how lucky I was to have such a horse. Words I would hear again in a few hours.
I can't say enough good things about the shipping company, Stokes Creek LLC, I hired through uShip. Steve Pelham arrived with his gooseneck right on time at 7 AM. This began a day of the highest quality service I have ever experienced when shipping horses. Steve stayed with us the entire morning, always ready to help wherever he could.
Bouffe shipped well, but became agitated in being tied up outside the gooseneck. He wanted to work, which became obvious when I brought his tack out and he again stood quietly while I put it on.
He was back to his usual calm collected self once I mounted.
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Even though I wore my rubber boots, I was trying to keep a positive mind frame that I wouldn't have to bring Bouffe in through all the mud, as Barbara and I drove to Gunpowder Stables. When we pulled in to the barn area, I breathed a sigh of relief, when I saw Bouffe's head sticking out of his stall door.
When I got to his stall Bouffe seem to know this was going to be a special kind of day. Even though all of the other horses were also in, Bouffe came out of his stall quietly and stood calmly as I groomed him, pulled his mane and put on his shipping bandages. I remembered then how lucky I was to have such a horse. Words I would hear again in a few hours.
I can't say enough good things about the shipping company, Stokes Creek LLC, I hired through uShip. Steve Pelham arrived with his gooseneck right on time at 7 AM. This began a day of the highest quality service I have ever experienced when shipping horses. Steve stayed with us the entire morning, always ready to help wherever he could.
Bouffe shipped well, but became agitated in being tied up outside the gooseneck. He wanted to work, which became obvious when I brought his tack out and he again stood quietly while I put it on.
He was back to his usual calm collected self once I mounted.
Our first class was therapeutic (as all the classes were) walk halt. Bouffe did no wrong and we won first place! When we turned and faced the judge she commented, "You are very lucky to have such a fine horse." I couldn't have agreed more.
The second class was walk, trot and I felt I didn't do as well. I knew I was on the wrong diagonal several times and didn't do real well at the sitting trot either, but Bouffe went on and did his job well enough that we won the blue ribbon again!
I was overwhelmed with the results and all the congratulations we received as we left the ring. Bouffe was such a ham and stood still any time someone wanted to take our picture.
The last class was trail: over through and around cavaleties, barrels, cones, and stopping in a square and at a mailbox. This was held in the indoor ring and Bouffe was starting to get tired but still did well enough to earn another blue ribbon. Quite a day for our first show.
I decided today to board Bouffe at Four Quarters Farm, http://fourqtrsfarm.com/ which was where the show was held, and also where I take hippotherapy. That way I will continue to do my hippotherapy with Robin and also take lessons from Leslie Bosley who owns the farm and was very supportive in Bouffe's and my show ring debut.
Winning these ribbons today was just as rewarding as any race I ever won when I was training and I really believe Bouffe knew he had won them too.
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Friday, June 14, 2013
What a Difference a Day Makes
The weather today is ideal and I had an appointment for a lesson with Tricie at 1 PM. I got to Gunpowder at 12:30 and one of the barn help immediately brought Bouffe in for me.
The new saddle pad fit well and I thought I had the new stirrups and leathers adjusted properly until I got on. The stirrup leathers were too long and had only one more hole to pull them up to, which still wasn't short enough but had to do for today's lesson. Also, the stirrups themselves were too wide. I had tried to set up the Crosby saddle so everything matched, but so much for looks, I need to be able to post. Because of the weakness in my legs from MS, I need shorter stirrups and irons that won't let my foot slip through when my balance becomes awkward and I have more weight in one stirrup than the other. All of this can be fixed with stirrups and leathers I already have, which might not be as fancy but will work.
Besides for the stirrup problem the lesson went well and Bouffe is very responsive now that I am carrying a crop. I never used it, but just showing it to him when it was time to trot and he picked up his pace. I am still having problems with being on the right diagonal and I wish I had more time to practice. I never had to post when I rode on the racetrack or schooling horses on the farm, I was always in a two point stance; so, I am out of practice and I feel like a beginner.
Tricie turned Bouffe back out when we were finished our lesson and carried my saddle bag to the car. I guess I am spoiled, because in all my years of hippotherapy Robin always did everything or had someone else do it, so all I had to do was get on the horse.
Bouffe was pretty tired when we were finished and he is getting the day off tomorrow. I hope this is the right thing to do in getting him ready for Sunday's show. Time will tell. I keep on reminding myself Sunday is a schooling show, which is what Bouffe and I will be doing.
The new saddle pad fit well and I thought I had the new stirrups and leathers adjusted properly until I got on. The stirrup leathers were too long and had only one more hole to pull them up to, which still wasn't short enough but had to do for today's lesson. Also, the stirrups themselves were too wide. I had tried to set up the Crosby saddle so everything matched, but so much for looks, I need to be able to post. Because of the weakness in my legs from MS, I need shorter stirrups and irons that won't let my foot slip through when my balance becomes awkward and I have more weight in one stirrup than the other. All of this can be fixed with stirrups and leathers I already have, which might not be as fancy but will work.
Besides for the stirrup problem the lesson went well and Bouffe is very responsive now that I am carrying a crop. I never used it, but just showing it to him when it was time to trot and he picked up his pace. I am still having problems with being on the right diagonal and I wish I had more time to practice. I never had to post when I rode on the racetrack or schooling horses on the farm, I was always in a two point stance; so, I am out of practice and I feel like a beginner.
Tricie turned Bouffe back out when we were finished our lesson and carried my saddle bag to the car. I guess I am spoiled, because in all my years of hippotherapy Robin always did everything or had someone else do it, so all I had to do was get on the horse.
Bouffe was pretty tired when we were finished and he is getting the day off tomorrow. I hope this is the right thing to do in getting him ready for Sunday's show. Time will tell. I keep on reminding myself Sunday is a schooling show, which is what Bouffe and I will be doing.
Thursday, June 13, 2013
Another Day of Awful Weather
I couldn't ride again today. The weather was the worst yet, with tornadoes, severe thunder storms, hale, and flooding. The mud at Gunpowder was thigh deep yesterday; I may have sunk down to my hips today. And what about Bouffe. I hope they had the common sense to bring all the horses in. I have contacted Trecie by email (there is no phone) but have not yet received a reply. I am trying to keep a positive outlook, and hope the weather will be better tomorrow.
Finding a new place to board Bouffe is easier said than done. I have sent numerous emails requesting rates and availability, but so far have not received any replies.
I am feeling good with no adverse MS symptoms from the stress. I made up my mind today to show on Sunday no matter if I ride Bouffe tomorrow and/or Saturday or not. We will just do the best we can. It is a schooling show and we will definitely be schooling.
Comments to my post are welcomed and I look forward to hearing from you.
Finding a new place to board Bouffe is easier said than done. I have sent numerous emails requesting rates and availability, but so far have not received any replies.
I am feeling good with no adverse MS symptoms from the stress. I made up my mind today to show on Sunday no matter if I ride Bouffe tomorrow and/or Saturday or not. We will just do the best we can. It is a schooling show and we will definitely be schooling.
Comments to my post are welcomed and I look forward to hearing from you.
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
Another Lost Day
I am not real happy with Gunpowder Stables and I told them so. I will never understand why Bouffe was turned out this morning when Tricie knew I had a lesson scheduled with her first thing. But as I pulled in the lane, there was Bouffe, being turned out in a field whose lower part consisted of thigh deep mud and muck of old bedding, which after trudging through it, made it physically impossible for me to go any farther to catch Bouffe and then bring him in through the same mess. So, my planned day of training for Sunday's show was lost and instead, I am now looking for somewhere else to board Bouffe.
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Then The Rains Came
The sun finally came out from behind the clouds as it rose on the eastern horizon this morning. It had been raining, sometimes with torrential downpours since Friday and I had not ridden, or even been to the barn, since my lesson on Wednesday.
But all had not been wasted. During this down time I managed to buy several well needed items and an older Crosby Prix de Nations, which is my favorite saddle of all time. I have been riding for a long time and until recently I always sat on a close contact or an exercise saddle. No matter the saddle, I have had three different ones, I do not feel comfortable on a dressage saddle. The high cantle is not only difficult to get my leg over when mounting and dismounting, but it also pushes me forward and I no longer feel balanced, like I do in this "new" Crosby. After riding for just a few minutes today, I decided to sell my Wintec dressage saddle, which is now listed on eBay.
Now the Crosby didn't fit Bouffe as well as the Wintec did, but the problem can be solved with a withers pad, which was one of the items I bought today. The other was a crop. My legs are just not strong enough yet to continually encourage Boufee to trot and also be able to use them for the other aids. I need some help and I hope the crop will be the answer.
One other thing I purchased was a pair of rubber riding boots, which will help me get through all the mud I experienced today while bringing Bouffe in from the field. They will also give me an idea of how riding in tall boots will feel. It has been so long since I rode on boots I have forgotten.
Well tomorrow is my regular lesson and I have a lot of things to work out with Boufee for the show on Sunday. I rode him today in a standing martingale, which did bring his head down enough that I hope it will be something I won't have to thinking about, while I am getting him to walk, halt and trot in the show on Sunday.
But all had not been wasted. During this down time I managed to buy several well needed items and an older Crosby Prix de Nations, which is my favorite saddle of all time. I have been riding for a long time and until recently I always sat on a close contact or an exercise saddle. No matter the saddle, I have had three different ones, I do not feel comfortable on a dressage saddle. The high cantle is not only difficult to get my leg over when mounting and dismounting, but it also pushes me forward and I no longer feel balanced, like I do in this "new" Crosby. After riding for just a few minutes today, I decided to sell my Wintec dressage saddle, which is now listed on eBay.
Now the Crosby didn't fit Bouffe as well as the Wintec did, but the problem can be solved with a withers pad, which was one of the items I bought today. The other was a crop. My legs are just not strong enough yet to continually encourage Boufee to trot and also be able to use them for the other aids. I need some help and I hope the crop will be the answer.
One other thing I purchased was a pair of rubber riding boots, which will help me get through all the mud I experienced today while bringing Bouffe in from the field. They will also give me an idea of how riding in tall boots will feel. It has been so long since I rode on boots I have forgotten.
Well tomorrow is my regular lesson and I have a lot of things to work out with Boufee for the show on Sunday. I rode him today in a standing martingale, which did bring his head down enough that I hope it will be something I won't have to thinking about, while I am getting him to walk, halt and trot in the show on Sunday.
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
A Change In Lesson Plans
Well, I might as well start right off with my news, Bouffe and I are doing a show! The farm where I take hippotherapy, Four Quarters Farm, http://fourqtrsfarm.com/ has a series of schooling shows during the year, which have classes for therapeutic riders. The next show is June the 16th and Bouffe and I are entered in three classes: Walk Halt, Walk Trot, and Trail. I showed in the walk halt and the trail last year and placed second in both, riding my hippotherapy horse who is a retired 1st level dressage horse. To say she was push button is putting it mildly. I knew this year was going to be different.
I told Trecie about my plans before we started the lesson. She knew exactly what I was talking about and wasted no time in getting us started. Of course, the walk halt was easy and Bouffe stopped with just light pressure on the reins. The trotting was a different story. Bouffe was in a lazy mood and also got bored with the constant repetition of walk halt and walk trot. Once I got him to trot he did fine but again my legs told me they still needed more strength to give Bouffe the right signs. After a couple of trips around the ring posting I was tired and getting sloppy, being on the wrong diagonal on several occasions. I have ten days to get my act together or I will have to withdraw Bouffe from the walk trot class.
I knew what I had to do: swim and exercise. Riding Bouffe as many times as I could was going to be helpful also.
I told Trecie about my plans before we started the lesson. She knew exactly what I was talking about and wasted no time in getting us started. Of course, the walk halt was easy and Bouffe stopped with just light pressure on the reins. The trotting was a different story. Bouffe was in a lazy mood and also got bored with the constant repetition of walk halt and walk trot. Once I got him to trot he did fine but again my legs told me they still needed more strength to give Bouffe the right signs. After a couple of trips around the ring posting I was tired and getting sloppy, being on the wrong diagonal on several occasions. I have ten days to get my act together or I will have to withdraw Bouffe from the walk trot class.
I knew what I had to do: swim and exercise. Riding Bouffe as many times as I could was going to be helpful also.
Saturday, June 1, 2013
Checking Out The Compitition
The show started at 8:30 this morning and my wife, Barbara and I left our house at 7:30, which gave us plenty of time to make the trip from Lutherville to BelAir.
It was going to be a hot day, as the temperature was already in the eighties when we arrived. Now, the heat doesn't bother me as much as most people with MS, but I still had to be careful and set my folding chair up in the shade of a large tree that was conveniently located between the two rings.
The show information mentioned that proper dress was required. It has been so long since I was in a show that I wasn't exactly sure what "proper dress" would in tale. I found out as soon as the first class entered the show ring: dark colored coat, white show shirt, white breeches, and black boots, along with the required head gear.
I had all of these items except the show shirt, which I could fake with a white oxford cloth button down shirt for the time being. At least for the schooling shows I was planning for Bouffe and I to be in.
Being a retired elementary school teacher, Barbara really enjoyed the lead line classes, which were part of the early classes that Steuart Pittman was judging.
All the horses were very well turned out and I knew Bouffe could look just as good. I was most interested in the walk, trot, canter, (WTC) classes and in watching them I could see Bouffe would be OK but I had a lot of work to do.
It was going to be a hot day, as the temperature was already in the eighties when we arrived. Now, the heat doesn't bother me as much as most people with MS, but I still had to be careful and set my folding chair up in the shade of a large tree that was conveniently located between the two rings.
The show information mentioned that proper dress was required. It has been so long since I was in a show that I wasn't exactly sure what "proper dress" would in tale. I found out as soon as the first class entered the show ring: dark colored coat, white show shirt, white breeches, and black boots, along with the required head gear.
I had all of these items except the show shirt, which I could fake with a white oxford cloth button down shirt for the time being. At least for the schooling shows I was planning for Bouffe and I to be in.
Being a retired elementary school teacher, Barbara really enjoyed the lead line classes, which were part of the early classes that Steuart Pittman was judging.
All the horses were very well turned out and I knew Bouffe could look just as good. I was most interested in the walk, trot, canter, (WTC) classes and in watching them I could see Bouffe would be OK but I had a lot of work to do.
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