Another Good Ride

I rode Bouffe again yesterday and had a great time. It was my first time riding in my new saddle a Passier Comet Franke Sloothaak. It's meant to be a grand prix jumping saddle but was very comfortable for me and held my legs in the correct position with its knee roll and calf block. 

I rode with Zoe for almost an hour and the saddle remained comfortable. Bouffe was his usual mellow self, but his ankles seemed to be bothering him after being ridden on the frozen ground. I'm going to have to be careful in riding him during the winter without having the benefit of a ring with the soft sand footing. All and all it was a great experience being back in the saddle again. 

Back In The Saddle Again

I rode Bouffe yesterday for the first time in three years. It's been a long road back, with lots of physical therapy along the way, but I finally made it! When I get up on Bouffe's back I am an entirely different person; I have my legs back. 

Bouffe stands quietly, always taking care of me, as I put my left foot in the stirrup and drag my right leg over his back. We ride quietly away, with Zoe behind us on her horse Onyx. Once out in the field both horses walk along,  but Bouffe is his usual lazy easy going self and needs some encouragement from my legs to pick up the pace. I do a two point stance, but not for long as my legs are still weak. I sit down and pretend to race ride, which even though Boufee ignored me, still brought back those memories that felt so good. It's nothing like it. 

All and all yesterday was wonderful. I got my life back!

We Both Survived The Winter

It has been four months since I last posted to this blog and there are several things I should have written about. 

Soon after my last post Leslie became certified as an equine massage therapist and performed massage therapy on Bouffe, which was a success. But, on the other hand, I started feeling worse as the cold weather set in. 

This scenario continued through this past winter as Bouffe seemed to thrive in all of the cold and snow and my legs became tighter. But I continued with hippotheraphy and with Robin's help I was able to get through the winter and am again starting to get more strength in my legs. 

I took this photo today of Bouffe who really seemed to know I was feeling better.

First Day of Training

Well, the first day of training for Bouffe and me went pretty well for Bouffe, but I was pretty much not a player. After Elsa, who works for Robin and is my assistant in training Bouffe, brought him in my wife Barbara and I groomed him and were told Bouffe's back was sore and riding was not a good idea. Evidently, from lack of exercise Bouffe's top line muscles have sunken to the point he can not bear any weight on his back and lounging was all he can do, which is a similar scenario to Bouffe's condition when I first got him. His top line was weak then and became stronger with light work. 

Now, I was not having a good day physically (you people with MS no exactly what I mean) so, Elsa lunged Bouffe, whose stride was very short and choppy. After about a ten minute session Barbara walked Bouffe around the ring for another five minutes. Bouffe was his gentle kind self and never thought of taking advantage of Barbara who was a first time hot walker. 

The highlight of the day for me was when Bouffe, who is usually anxious to get back to his friends in the field, lead Elsa over to where I was standing and spent a few minutes with me as he nuzzled my hands as if to tell me everything will be alright. He is quite a horse who again made a point to continue or spiritual connection. 

Back In Training

It has been a year since I last rode Bouffe and he was not looking good, so I called my vet, Dr. Tanner to have a look. Dr. Tanner performed a physical on Bouffe and drew some blood. Everything was normal, so we talked about Bouffe's past and my health. When I told Dr. Tanner Bouffe had been on the racetrack until he was twelve the problem was solved. "The horse needs a job. It will be good for him and you." So, on Monday morning Bouffe and I go back into training. 

I Still Have Bouffe

I know it has been awhile since I have written and I was surprised at the many followers of this blog I still have after all this time of no post. Thank you all for your interest.

I still have Bouffe who is now and has been on field board for the last few months. I was worried about him during all the snow, but he loved it and the horse who was the odd man out originally has become the alpha male of the group of geldings he is turned out with. J haven't ridden him since last October, but he is doing well in his twentieth year.

Neck Reining Is Coming Along - OTTB

I rode Bouffe again today and was pleasantly surprised when I tried some figure eights and serpentines not using any direct rein but only my legs and neck reining. Bouffe did great!!! Just like with everything else he is much stronger going to his left than his right, something that is to be expected of a horse who spent ten years on the racetrack where everything is done counterclockwise. 

I have been working with Bouffe off and on for the last year to teach him this and he did so well today I wish I had spent more time teaching and practicing than I had. With as well as he did today I feel confident we will be ready for the novice Western classes in the Spring. We did some jogging again today and Bouffe was great, no more lazy-bones. 

Even though he had been on the racetrack all of those years, I don't think he had ever seen a wheel chair until today. Robin's patient finished her hippotherapy session while Bouffe and I were still in the ring and when she dismounted she got into a wheel-chair. Bouffe seemed very interested in what that contraption was, so I stopped and let him watch. He paid close attention but never took a false step. I was so proud of the way he handled himself again today! He is truly a very special horse.   

The Best He's Ever Been - OTTB

I don't know whether it was the cool Fall breeze or that he getting fit, but Bouffe was better behaved today then he has ever been since I have owned him. Of course better behaved for him is much different than a lot of horses. Better behaved was the fact that he didn't plod along and strode out both at a walk and a trot, which was much better for me because I didn't have to tired my legs pushing him to go along. In fact he actually cantered for a few strides today, which was a first. 

We did our usual figure eights and serpentines under Eileen's watchful eye and completed them without too much difficulty (Bouffe did fine but I was slouching some and dropped my shoulder on the turns). But all and all it was the best lesson I have had. Bouffe did well and I still had some strength in my legs when we were finished.

Back In The Saddle Again - OTTB - Multiple Sclerosis

Because of health issues that the doctors aren't really sure what is wrong, other than to blame it on my Multiple Sclerosis, I haven't ridden Bouffe up until today when I had another lesson with Eileen. What ever was and still is wrong with me physically went away once I was on Bouffe's back.

Now, Bouffe was his usual lazy self and was barely walking around the ring until I showed him the split reins in my hand that were ready to smack him on the shoulder. No other action was needed, as I am sure he remembered all of the times he had been hit with a whip during a race. He jogged beautifully, which gave me a chance to work on my posting. We also practiced three loop serpentines and figure eights, which took some effort on both our parts to complete.  But all and all it was a good lesson and I wish I could feel as good all the time as I do when I am riding Bouffe. It was another spiritual experience!

Back In The Saddle - OTTB

After about six weeks I finally rode Bouffe today for a lesson with Eileen. Even though I was told Bouffe had been a handful to bring in and out of the field I got right on him after tacking up and never had a problem. If Bouffe wasn't a thoroughbred nothing would have been said, but he again showed the breeds naysayers that thoroughbreds are not hot uncontrollable horses that can only be ridden by those who are unconcerned with their own personal safety. Strong words, but I am tired of hearing the negative thoroughbred comments. For more information on retraining the thoroughbred and what this wonderful breed can do please see this website:
 http://www.retiredracehorseproject.org/

Bouffe and I walked and jogged, did serpentines and figure eights, which all met Eileen's approval. All and all it was a very good lesson.

I'm Doing Better - Multiple Sclerosis

I had another lesson with Eileen, who said I did better again today. I think the rebirth of my equestrian skills may have something to do with what I was wearing today. 

I had purchased a magnetic necklace years ago that was suppose to help with my balance and it did help some. But today I combined it with the Tommy Copper shorts and I started walking better immediately. By the time I got to the farm I was feeling more steady putting one foot in front of the other than I had in a long time. I remained more stable as I groomed Bouffe, tacked him up, walked him down to the ring and started riding him. My posting at a trot was smoother even though Bouffe did not like the deep going. 

Because of his old bow and dislike for wet going, I normally would not have ridden him under those conditions, but today was the only open time Eileen had for a lesson. Bouffe did survive and enjoyed his carrots. Maybe Friday the going will be better.

Things Are Looking Up - OTTB

My hamstring muscle is much better, so after physical therapy I went to the farm and saw Bouffe. He is loosing his winter coat and his mouth was better, as he ate his carrots like before and let me put a bridle on him. All good signs that we will finally be able to start training again on Wednesday.

Even though my leg is better I still got tired by the time I finished grooming Bouffe, which something I have to keep in mind. I still have MS.

I Finally Got To Ride - OTTB

The weather forecast yesterday was for rain all day, but it held off until 10AM allowing me a chance to ride! Bouffe didn't seem to be as excited and gave me some trouble putting the bit in his mouth. But after several minutes of fighting with his swinging head I got the bit in and we walked to the outdoor ring for a lesson with Eileen.

This was my first lesson and the chance to really ride for several months and I could tell I was out of shape. Especially when Bouffe decided to be stubborn and I had to urge him on with my legs. Eileen is an excellent teacher. She pushed me some, but was very patient and said I did good for the first lesson. She had us trot quite a bit, which definitely was good for me but Bouffe wasn't so eager. I know now I will have to wear my spurs every time I ride him. I tried to ride with one hand on the reins, which for me was difficult; even though, surprisingly, Bouffe seemed to understand what I was doing.

Yesterday I rode Western, but still wore my English britches and riding boots, which are very comfortable and give me support. The Tommie Copper clothes I ordered will be here today and I am anxious to try them on and see how they feel. If all goes well I expect a big boost in my riding ability. Maybe Bouffe and I will make it to the big shows yet.

Rest In Peace Snickers

It was a sad day on the farm this morning. Robin's veteran hippotherapy horse Snickers was found dead in the field. He was 31 and had always been the champion for older horses. He worked everyday as Robin's bombproof mount for many timid patients and also won the Novice class last year with Robin aboard. He will be missed.

Bouffe was fine and ate his carrots but seemed to be as low key as I was at the loss of Snickers. He didn't eat with abandon like he usually does and even stopped several times to do what seemed like reflection on what had happened. He has always been a very sensitive horse and was certainly affected by the quiet demeanor of those at the farm this morning. 

Spring Planning - OTTB

I went to the farm and saw Bouffe this morning. I also had hippotherapy. The ground is still snow covered, but again Leslie had plowed the lane all the way to in front of the barn, so I was able to drive and park right in front of Bouffe's stall. Thank you Leslie!

Since I was unable to ride, I spent my time before hippotherapy talking to Bouffe while I fed him his carrots. He again bit off pieces of his liking while I held the carrot. I told him it would soon be time to go back into training and he stopped chewing and gave me that Bouffe look like he understood and wanted more details. When I told him I planned on he and I winning the novice class championship this year he shook his head up and down, much to my amazement. I have written before how I think this horse is a gift directly from God and yesterday he showed me again that he really does understand what I am doing and wants to be a part in it. I'm not one to write or usually believe in this type of stuff, but it has happened too many times in the last year. This horse is definitely special and is a true spiritual awaking in my life every time I visit him. 

Hippotherapy went very well; in fact, I think it was the best session I have ever had. It makes such a big difference when Eileen is there to handle the horse, which yesterday was Roscoe, who is young and can be a challenge at times. But yesterday Eileen, Robin and I worked as a team and I was able to ride better than I have for a long time and felt really good after I dismounted, which doesn't always happen. Thank you Eileen, Robin and Roscoe.  

OTTB - A Very Content Horse

Even though it was snowing again this morning I made up my mind that I was going to the farm. Leslie had cleared the entire road right up to in front of the barn, so it was an easy trip getting to Bouffe's stall. He greeted me again with whinnies and was very interested in the bag of carrots i had in my hand. He always makes me laugh the way he eats them.

I never have to cut them up or break them in smaller pieces. I just hold each carrot up vertically, one at a time. He lets me know how big of a piece he wants and holds it in his mouth until I break it off. It is just another little thing I consider a special relationship with this fantastic horse.

He seemed very content as I went into his stall and checked his legs, which looked good. I think we have both found a very special place in Four Quarters Farm.

Finally!!! - OTTB, Multiple Sclerosis

I finally went to the farm today. I had hippotherapy, which went very well, but I wasn't able to spend much time with Bouffe. There is still a lot of snow at the farm and the only way to get to the barn, after parking my car, was down a steep hill, which was packed down and icy in spots. I did negotiate it when I first got there and was able to spend a couple minutes with Bouffe, who greeted me with whinnies,  before my session. I was going to go back after I was finished but Bouffe had been turned out and I didn't feel steady enought to go up and down the hill again.

There is more snow forecast for tonight and tomorrow, but warmer temperatures are on the way and I hope to get back there and spend some quality time with this special horse.

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.