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. 

Horse For Sale - OTTB

I hated to do it but I have put Bouffe up for sale. This is his page on Retired Racehorse Project horses for sale list:http://www.retiredracehorseproject.org/ottb-horses-for-sale/1-horse-listings/1085-bouffe
He is too nice of a horse to just stand around day after day and not be ridden.

Just Hippotherapy - Multiple Sclerosis

I finally went to the farm today but didn't ride Bouffe. Ever since the weather changed a couple of weeks ago I have been experiencing many of the MS symptoms that are typically brought on by hot weather not the cold. But my MS has always been much more sensitive to the cold than the heat, which is what is happening now.

I did do hippotherapy today but knew I was not walking well enough to get Bouffe out of his stall, groom him and put his tack on. He did enjoy the carrots I brought and seemed to understand as he always does that I was just not strong enough to ride him today. I saw him watching me riding one of Robin's horses as Eileen led me around and Robin walked beside me. It was only for a few minutes and then he seemed to be satisfied that I was alright and went back to eating his hay. Our spiritual relationship is still very strong!

First Time For Everything - OTTB

I have written over an over again what an unshakeable horse Bouffe is. Well, there is a first time for everything and yesterday Bouffe threw me off. He wheeled and dropped his shoulder and off I came. The cause for his action was a piece of plywood that is used to teach horses to walk on a wooden surface, such as a bridge. Yesterday it was windy and the plywood being warped was an easy target for a strong gust that lifted the elevated corner as we walked by doing a serpentine. I had held on to the reins when I came off and after getting up I led Bouffe over to the plywood. He snorted while looking at it carefully. After a minute or so he decided the plywood was not a threat and nuzzled my arm. When I looked at him those kind eyes were saying, "I'm sorry." 

I was going to get back on, but as we walked to the mounting block I started to feel a little sore. I felt a sense of peace about what had just transpired and knew this was a good time to stop. We walked calmly back to the barn. Bouffe was quiet as I untacked him and fed him his carrots. He seemed so appreciative that I hadn't yelled at him or snatched the reins when he threw me. We have a relationship that is something special and one I hope to continue for many years to come. 

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.

The Best We've Ever Done - OTTB

I had another lesson yesterday with Eileen. As soon as I got Bouffe out of his stall I knew he was going to be a good ride. After I finished grooming him he was antsy and had a look of anticipation as I put his tack on.

Bouffe usually stands at the mounting block and waits for as long as it takes me to get on, but yesterday he was anxious to get started and moved twice before I got on his back. Once I was on Bouffe walked along striding out, instead of his usual plodding. When Eileen asks us to trot we made it all the way around the ring, which brought a round of applause form Eileen and Robin, who was watching. We continued doing well as we completed figure eights and serpentines along with some more trotting. Eileen said it was the best she has seen me ride and was pleased with Bouffe also, saying he was amazing, which was direct reference to how he bucks and runs when he is first turned out and then is so quiet when I am on his back.

I told her Bouffe and I have a spiritual relationship and yesterday was a prime example. Because of the pain I has been in recently, I was not looking forward to the lesson and thought maybe I wouldn't even be able to get Bouffe out of the stall without help. But, there is just something about Four Quarters Farm that lifts my spirit when I arrive and carries over to my relationship with this wonderful horse.

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!

I Finally Got To The Farm - Multiple Sclerosis

The doctors still do not know what is wrong with me but are leaning towards it being an exacerbation of my MS. I am feeling a little better and went to see Bouffe and had hippotherapy yesterday. Today I am sore again and am not sure if  will get to the farm tomorrow, which was my original plan.

While I have been gone Bouffe has not been happy and was causing trouble when being led in and out of the field. But he sure was glad to see me yesterday and was very well behaved while being groomed and eating his carrots. As I have written before there is a spiritual connection between the two of us. One which I want to keep for a very long time.

Haven't Been To The Farm - Multiple Sclerosis

I haven't been to the farm for almost two weeks. Last week I was at a music camp, which was a planned vacation. But this week I have been sick with symptoms that could be attributed to several different illnesses. I ruled out my back today and hope by the end of the week to know exactly what the problem is.  

Another Good Ride - OTTB - Multiple Sclerosis

I had another good ride today on Bouffe; in fact, it was better than the one last Friday. The reason being, a new, at least for Bouffe and me, saddle. 

Last week I purchased this older all leather saddle on eBay with the intention of reselling it. It doesn't have a manufactures name and is well worn, but still a beautiful saddle that is in good condition. I noticed when I took it out of the box that the gullet was narrow. Upon measuring it I found it has standard quarter horse bars, which is what fits Bouffe. The only draw back was that is was only a 15" saddle. But I figured what the heck, I would try it out anyway. Ends up a 15" saddle fits me better than the 16," plus it also gave Bouffe more room between the pommel and his withers. The Abetta saddle I have been using lays right on the saddle pad and directly on top of Bouffe's withers. I can fit my finger between the pommel and the pad on this new saddle.

There was definitely a difference in the way Bouffe moved today also. His shoulders seemed freer and he jogged around the ring without constant encouragement like he was feeling much better. The same held true when we did figure eights and serpentines and he never acted lazy as he has before. My conclusion was the Abetta was hurting him. I know it made a big difference in mine and most likely his experience while we were riding for a half and hour. I am anxious to show Eileen next week when she is back from vacation how much better Bouffe and I are both doing. Weather and my health permitting I hope to ride again on Friday.    

My Best Ride In Quite Awhile - OTTB, Multiple Sclerosis

Well, it has taken me ten days to get back, but today was the best session I have spent with Bouffe in a long time. First off I stopped taking the Baclofen that was prescribed for me to take three times a day. I stopped it because it was making me tired, but after a day of not taking it I discovered I was walking better too. Today was the best I have walked leading Bouffe to and from the ring along with grooming him and tacking him up.

I hadn't ridden earlier this week because on both occasion I was too tired by the time I got Bouffe ready and just put him back in the stall. But today I had more energy along with better mobility and rode for thirty minutes. I was even able to get Bouffe to jog once around the ring instead of just along one side. I did drop my stirrups down one hole, which made it much easier to get on, along with more stability when I was jogging. I worked on my neck reining and the longer stirrups made the legs commands more effective also. Bouffe is learning and I was able to get him to bend to the right and the left with just a little direct rein and a lot of leg. All and all this was a really good day!

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.

Good Lesson Today - OTTB, Multiple Sclerosis

Even though it was hot and I was still sore and not walking so well, I went ahead and took a lesson from Eileen today. I was glad I did.

Bouffe was in his very cooperative mode and stood cross-tied with his saddle on for about ten minutes before we had our lesson. He was very mellow when I was riding him and trotted more willingly today than he had in the past. Eileen was pleased with our performance as we did figure eights, serpentines, circles and the before mentioned trot better than in the past. I did have spurs on, which may have helped some.

I am still learning how to use split reins and Bouffe is still getting used to the Tom Thumb bit. But overall we did better than the last time. Bouffe is just a very special horse who takes everything pretty much in stride and remains a spiritual being in my life.   

Been Too Sore To Ride - Multiple Sclerosis

I know I haven't posted in a week, but I have been too sore with muscle tightness from my Multiple Sclerosis. I went to the farm on Wednesday but wasn't walking steady enough to even get Bouffe out of his stall. I was so sore yesterday morning that I didn't even bother to go. I have hippotherapy on Monday and hope this coming week will be better than the last.

A Good Ride - OTTB

"A good ride," is what Leslie told me she thought I had with Bouffe today. She was right. He seemed to accept the new bridle with the Tom Thumb bit much better than he had on Wednesday. Plus the bridle has split reins, which I can and did use to slap him with once when he got in his lazy mode and once was all it took. From there on out he responded as soon as I just picked the reins up off his shoulder. He is such a smart horse, who knows exactly what he should do to make me work to my fullest, which is good on my part.

I spent the entire time I was on him today practicing neck reining, something Bouffe seemed to understand. But as soon as I didn't give him the right signals he just stood there until I got it right. As I have said all along Bouffe is a very spiritual being and is a learning gift from my Higher Power.