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.

OTTB, Multiple Sclerosis - Move Is Over, But It Took Its Toll

When I got to Gunpowder Stables this morning Bouffe was in his stall and greeted me at the door. It seemed like he knew something was up, and paced back and forth anxiously awaiting for it to happen. Grooming him seemed to settle things down and he stood completely still while I put his shipping bandages on him. 

As he and I walked up the lane to get on Steve Pelham's gooseneck trailer, Bouffe held his head high and remained calm as we walked onto the trailer. Time like these are when his class really shows.

I have never mentioned Bouffe's bloodlines, but he is by Kentucky Derby winner Lil' E. Tee and is out of Affirmed Gal by Affirmed, Bouffe has that classic blood on both sides.

Steve said Bouffe was much calmer than the last time, on the ride to Four Quarters Farm and remained that way when we put him in his own private paddock with a run in shed, which sits right outside the main barn and looks out on the rolling hills and woods of the property. Bouffe had that look of eagles, as he stood in the middle of the paddock, overlooking his domain.

I am hoping this is the last time I will have to move Bouffe. A restless night, in combination with the early morning move, took its toll on my body and I was exhausted and not able to ride by the time it was over. But it was worth it; fore, I have Bouffe in ideal surroundings, with people I know will take care of him, when I am not there.