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!

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. 

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!

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!

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.

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.

We Both Felt At Home - OTTB, Multiple Sclerosis

I had a lesson today with Eileen and as soon as my body sat in the Western saddle I felt just like I was sitting in my favorite chair at home. Bouffe was his usual cool, calm, collected self also. I tacked him up a few minutes early and he stood calmly cross tied while I fed him some carrots. He seemed even more at ease when I had him stand and wait cross tied with his halter over the bridle until Eileen was ready.

I am getting the hang of this Western riding and Bouffe did everything I asked of him in the ring, which included figure- eights, serpentines and walk and trot. It was a very satisfying experience.

Lesson Learned - Multiple Sclerosis

After five minutes, my lesson today with Eileen was rained out. It was just as well, because Bouffe was not too happy being ridden in the rain, with thunder rumbling off in the distance. But, in just that five minute time I learned a very important lesson : I wanted my western saddle back.

Even though it was for a very short period of time I did not feel secure or comfortable in by beloved Passier. It is the finest saddle I have ever owned, but when Bouffe didn't particularly like doing figure eights with the upcoming storm off in the distance, I tightened up and really missed the deep seat and especially the horn of my Abetta. 

Since I attribute my Multiple Sclerosis and the poor balance it caused with breaking my arm, I have finally realized how seriously I can get hurt and now the person who rode horses no one else would, has a fear of falling off. As I said almost a year ago in this blog I am going western and this time I plan on staying there. 

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.

Changes May Be Coming - Multiple Sclerosis

I may go back to riding English. Yes, after all I have written about how much I enjoy riding Western I may go back to where I started. Yesterday, I decided to wear a pair of my elastic britches, which are used only in English riding attire. I found that the tightness of the material against my skin brought relief from the numbness and tightness of my hip joints caused by my Multiple Sclerosis. I wore them again today along with my tall boots when I took hippotherapy. I was amazed how well I walked around the farm and how comfortable I felt on horseback and when I got home, where I continued to wear the boots and britches.

This was all brought on by a TV commercial I saw for Tommie Copper copper fiber clothing. In the ad the leading bareback bronc rider tells his story of how many broken bones he has had and the pain he felt in his joints from his injuries until he started wear Tommie Copper  compression garments. Now he is back on the top of his game. I bought a complete set of their compression wear yesterday and it should be here in about a week. I am anxious to try it out. But the main thing it has shown me is how much better I feel and how much better my mobility is when I wear the clothes I wore today.

Last Wednesday riding lesson was canceled because of the extreme cold that once again plagued Maryland. I am hoping to have a lesson this Wednesday and I think by his attitude today Bouffe is looking forward to getting back to work. He seemed full of himself today as I feed him his carrots. I hope we can start back on Wednesday it has been a long winter.

Another Sunny Day/Hippotherapy - Multiple Sclerosis - OTTB

It was another sunny morning and I took advantage of it and went to the farm early before my hippotherapy appointment at ten. Bouffe was unusually affectionate and lay his head on my shoulder as I stood at the stall door and talked to him about our plans for the show season. He has a serious look on his face like he was pondering what I had said about possible shows. I did get a lead from Robin about shows at Freedom Hills in Prince George's County, which would be an expensive trip so I have to make sure we are ready. I have a lesson scheduled with Eileen for Wednesday if it doesn't snow, there is a storm in the forecast. When is Spring coming?

I had another good hippotherapy session with Robin, Eileen and Roscoe, who behaved beautifully in the outdoor arena. Robin complimented me on sitting so straight. It was the best I had done in quite awhile and I think the new rollator has something to do with it. 

A Break In The Weather and A Change of Plans - OTTB

There has finally been a couple of warmer days and I was able to get Bouffe out of the stall and groom him. Because of the warmer temperature (in the 40's) my walking was better but my legs still felt too weak to think about riding. 

While I was grooming Bouffe I asked Leslie when the first show was and was very disappointed when she said because of the poor turnout last year there wasn't going to be any this season but the one in October. This really put a big change in my plans for Bouffe and me. I was looking forward to being able to show him in the novice class and now I may be back to where I started with trying to look for a show that has para-equestrian classes, which also means I might have to go back to riding English. This has really blown everything out of the water and I haven't even started to look at my options.

Anyway, Bouffe was fine and enjoyed his carrots. I have hippotherapy on Monday and I might be able to ride Bouffe during that session or maybe some other time next week.