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.

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!

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.

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.   

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.

We Work As A Team, Sometimes - OTTB, Multiple Sclerosis

Bouffe is a very kind horse; who, I have said from the beginning, knows my physical problems and wants to help. But today the helping was only on his terms. 

When I took Bouffe from his stall he walked slowly and stopped anytime he felt my gate waiver. He stood quietly while I groomed him and tacked him up,  letting me use his body for support anytime I felt the need. But once in the ring it was a different story.

We had an excellent lesson with Eileen, but Bouffe was not really interested. He spent most of his time looking at the Minni's  and other things he thought he saw out in the field, which was very distracting and tiring, as I had to continually squeeze him into even a normal speed walk and trotting took all my strength. My legs got quite a workout and they were too tired to do the last trot Eileen had planned. 

Now Bouffe is a very lovable horse and gets lots of attention because of it. But today I wish he had been a little bit on his toes and not plodded along as he did for thirty minutes and had to be made to do anything except a very slow walk.

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.

Another Good Lesson - OTTB - Multiple Sclerosis

Bouffe and I had another lesson with Eileen this morning. She is such a good teacher and coach. I was able to get Bouffe to trot one complete circuit around the ring, which doesn't seem like a big deal, but since I couldn't get him to trot even half that far last week Eileen said it was a big improvement. I alternated between sitting and posting, which also went much better than last week. This was also my first lesson wearing the Tommie Copper clothes, which definitely made a big difference as my legs felt stronger.

This might all change when the Passier saddle I just bought arrives next week. Of course it is English and the one I owned before fit me and Bouffe perfectly and was the most comfortable saddle I had ridden in to that point. I will be interested to see if I still feel that way now that I am riding Western. 

Eileen rode Bouffe at the end of the lesson and he took it all in stride, just like everything else he has been asked to do. He is such a wonderful horse and definetly a spiritual being.

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.

OTTB - It Wasn't So Scary After All

This morning Eileen and I decided we needed to make Bouffe's experience in the indoor ring a pleasant one right from the beginning; so, today's lesson was just for Bouffe. I really didn't have to do a thing as I watched Eileen work Bouffe on the lunge line, first one direction, than the other, until in the end, he was completely relaxed and followed Eileen around the ring after she took the lung line off. It looked just like something from a Monti Roberts demonstration! I was extremely pleased.

Next week we want to do the same thing plus have me ride Bouffe in the outdoor ring before we end the session. The following week the entire session will be indoors. It all sounds like a great master plan.

Hopefully, if the weather continues to cooperate I want to ride Bouffe again on Friday in the outdoor ring.

Multiple Sclerosis - "You Didn't Give Up"

"You didn't give up." Those were the words I heard from one of Robin's hippotherapy patients this morning, when she praised me after I had finished riding Bouffe. I didn't realize anyone was watching, as Bouffe and I shared the outdoor ring with Robin and her patient (I have to find out her name) for thirty minutes. As we were leaving was when the compliments came including, how well I was riding and what an inspiration I was, which she attributed to the fact that I didn't give up. She also asked about Bouffe as he stood there quietly. I didn't have much chance to say anything as Robin and Eileen spoke for me, praising  Bouffe. 

Speaking of Bouffe he really wasn't very interested in training this morning as the ring was thawing out and I could tell he hated the going. But at least it wasn't deep or slippery which I imagine it was by this afternoon as the temperature continued to rise. 

I mentioned Eileen in the previous paragraph. She is again working for Robin and is going to again be my riding instructor starting on Wednesday. Leslie just hasn't had the time to teach me and I am looking forward to lessons with Eileen, where I must remember to listen and cooperate. I made amends in a previous post and I must live up to what I wrote. I believe this too is God given and a second chance for me to become a better rider. I have Bouffe and now I have a instructor who I trust will give me every chance to achieve the goals I have for myself and Bouffe.