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 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!

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.

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.

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, Multiple Sclerosis - A Really Good Day

Riding Bouffe this morning was the most enjoyable it has been in quite awhile. The biggest factor being that we both felt good. Bouffe had a quickness to his step I haven't experienced lately and even though it was only in the upper thirties, I felt good also, a lot of that having to do with the new saddle.

I thought the Billy Cook was the most comfortable saddle I had ever ridden in, but this Abetta is even better. It gave me the kind of ride I could sit in all day. I rode Bouffe today for at least thirty minutes and my legs never got tight or felt tired. Plus, the Abetta has a close contact feel and my leg commands came through much better than they did when I rode on the Billy Cook. The Abetta also seems to be more flexible, which also increased my comfort level.  Now there is nothing wrong with the Billy Cook, it is a fine saddle, just more saddle than I need at this time.

Now even though Bouffe was feeling good I took it easy because the ring was deep and not good footing for a horse with an old bowed tendon. We practiced neck reining, which Bouffe is getting better at, as we did figure eights and serpintines between our clockwise and counter-clockwise laps around the ring.

Bouffe coat continues to look good, even with the long hair, it glistens in the sunlight. I am very pleased with how things went today and hope it will continue as Bouffe and I get ready for that first April show, which will be here before we know it.

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 - Saddle For Sale

The new saddle did arrive on Monday afternoon and I took it to the farm this morning, with the intention of having a pleasurable experience, since the saddle was so much lighter and I wouldn't have to struggle to put it on Bouffe - but that wasn't the case. It was lighter and is a good looking saddle, especially with the matching bridle and breast plate, but it wasn't the size in the original listing. It has full quarter horse bars, which is considered a wide saddle and much too big for Bouffe.

I wanted so much for the saddle to fit that I put it on Bouffe anyway hoping maybe it wasn't as wide as it looked. After I tightened the rigging it did appear to fit, but once I mounted, after getting over the very high cantle, the saddle sunk down and was resting on Bouffe's withers, which wasn't going to work. So after fifteen minutes I got off and put the saddle back in my car. The saddle is now for sale and will be listed on eBay as soon as I finish the listing, which will have the correct information about the saddle. I will be asking $150.00 or best offer for the saddle, a string girth, the bridle and the breast plate.

Enough about the saddle. Bouffe was really looking good today and seemed anxious to do some work. But of course that never happened, which I think was alright with him, because the saddle seemed to be bothering him and he walked like he was tying up. He was fine once the saddle was off his back and enjoyed his carrots. When I put him back in his stall he acted differently and followed me to the door, instead of eating his hay. He stood their with that look in his eye, like he was telling me everything would be alright and he was there when ever I wanted to ride. I know it might sound ridiculous to some of you, but I am certain this horse is a gift from God, who was definitely there today, in that look in Bouffe's eyes. 

OTTB - Trying Out Monti Roberts

I don't know how many of you have scene Monti Roberts work with horses. He takes and unbroken horse or a horse with some behavioral issues and turns them around in fifteen to twenty minutes. Now, Monti works in a large round pen,  but I saw no reason why the indoor arena, which is not that large, wouldn't work.

As I have written before Bouffe does not like being in the indoor arena; so, I thought I would try out Monti's techniques and see if they would work on Bouffe. I led Bouffe into the arena in just his halter and then turned him loose. He raced around, just like Monti says his horses do. I followed Monti's instruction and paid little attention to Bouffe as he jogged and galloped in one direction and then the other. I had looked at the time we started on my watch and after three minutes Bouffe showed no signs of stopping and I wondered if this was going to work since Monti is usually tacking the horse up by now. But I continued to wait: five minutes, ten minutes and finally after fifteen minutes, when I was getting ready to give up, Bouffe stopped, walked over to me, dropped his head and nuzzled me. Success!

I reattached the lead rope and walked Bouffe around the ring. He remained quiet, even when I opened the door so he could see outside. This was a wonder experience for both Bouffe and me, one that brought us closure together.

OTTB - Very Disappointing Day

When I went to the farm this morning all the horses were turned out, I think still from last night. I couldn't get to Bouffe, because there were other horses turned out with him and my balance isn't good enough to lead Bouffe and keep the others from getting out of the gate. Also, Bouffe didn't have his turnout blanket on and I am paying a blanketing fee. I was not happy.

Leslie was not there and I couldn't wait around for someone to tell me what was going on; so, I left. This experience just added to the questions I had about Bouffe's care after seeing on Wednesday that someone else had ridden him and didn't even bother to bathe him or at least rub out the sweat marks from the English saddle and girth. I agreed to have Monica lunge and ride him a little, but to have gotten him as hot, as the dried sweat on his body showed, who ever was on him road him hard . 

I am leaving for New York for a few days and this was an important training day that went up on smoke.

OTTB - Learning To Neck Rein

Even with the first signs of winter hair, Bouffe's coat shone brightly after I groomed him, which is a good sign of how much better he is doing and feeling. After all the rain we have had, the sun is still a rare sight in the sky and today was no different with overcast skies and a cool breeze. But it was still good to get back in the western saddle, which my body still seems to appreciate when I throw my right leg over the cantle and ease down into the seat.

In our session today I had two things I wanted to accomplish : practice neck reining and sit to the trot. The last time I rode, Bouffe and I worked for almost the entire thirty minutes on neck reining and I expected to practice some more today. Wrong! Bouffe remembered. He wasn't perfect but still showed that in just one session he had learned the basics. With just a little snag of the direct rein first I then placed the neck rein over his opposite shoulder and he turned. After several times I stopped using the direct rein and he had gotten the hang of it, much better to the right than the left, but still a big improvement from last week. Bouffe continues to amaze me. He is an excellent example of how smart OTTBS are and how willing they are to learn. 

The same thing happened when we worked on a sitting trot. It has been over a week since we practiced but from that session Bouffe  had gotten the idea that if he slows down his trot just a little I can sit comfortably on his back and stop bouncing up and down. I shouldn't have been surprised that he had figured this out. He is such a remarkable horse that I put nothing out of reach as to what he can learn. 

After many treatment of iodine wash and Furicin the cracked heel Bouffe has had for awhile is finally clearing up. I treated it one more time and fed Bouffe his carrots before putting him back in his stall. All is well.

OTTB - Fundamentals - Neck Reining

Sine we have gotten back from Cape May I have been feeling much better physically. I don't really know why, but it is wonderful to walk without feeling so much pain and balance issues, as I put one foot in front of the other. BTW the western boots are even better now that I took the orthodics out. 

I felt a real inspiration today, to ride Bouffe from my experience of meeting Dale and Duck on Saturday. We rode for thirty minutes today and never broke out of a walk - we just turned a lot, as Bouffe had his first lesson today in neck reining. 

Dale Simanton told me the first thing in teaching a horse to neck rein is for the horse to know your leg aids and since Bouffe does we were heading in the right direction. As before, when we were practicing bending, Bouffe turned to the left much easier than the right. In fact several times he didn't turn to the right at all. But after watching several videos today I know it was my fault; I wasn't using the direct rein enough. It will be easier for Bouffe and me when I get longer and maybe split reins instead of the English braided ones I am using.

I considered this a positive learning experience for Bouffe and me, as we break the old mold that thoroughbreds can't be western mounts - you need a quarter horse. I heard this from Leslie today (she is a die hard quarter horse owner) , which made me that much more determined to prove her wrong.

OTTB - Training To Jog and Retired Racehorse Training Project

I rode Bouffe today for the first time in a week and he and I both enjoyed the session. Now that Bouffe is in a stall he has gained weight just in a few days, probably from the extra feed. He was on his toes, which was a good sign and I never had to ask him to walk on and not plod. 

Teaching Bouffe to do a slow trot (jog), so I can sit the trot, is going to be a long process, for Bouffe is a typical OTTB and only has two speeds - walk and gallop. The trot is just pass through on the way from the walk to a gallop. Even when I did tight circles and serpentines Bouffe kept up his fast trot and would have galloped if I just moved my hands up his neck. So, as much as I tried I could not sit, I just bounced if I didn't post, which you don't do when riding western.

Riding western is still very comfortable for me and doesn't irritate the tightness and numbness in my legs the way riding English did. I figured out a new way to get the saddle, which weighs thirty pounds, closure to where Bouffe is cross tied in the barn. The saddle stand is on wheels that make it easy to push closure to the tack room door right outside of where Bouffe is standing. It keeps me from struggling to carry the saddle the length of the tack room and makes it much easier to tack up and put away. 

Today's session started out good and ended good. A student of Leslie's, Monica, is going to groom, lunge, and ride Bouffe on Saturdays, starting tomorrow, with the goal of boosting his conditioning. If everything works as planned Bouffe and I should be all set for the show on the twenty-seventh.  

Tomorrow I am going to the Thoroughbred Makeover and National Symposium sponsored by the Retire Racehorse Training Project. One of the makeovers was done by a western trainer, who taught his OTTB to be a cutting horse and compete in barrel racing. I am looking forward to tomorrow with hopes of picking up some pointers for training Bouffe.

OTTB - Longer Western Ride

Today was Bouffe's first day back since the show and he felt great. He was anxious to work and I rode him for about thirty minutes instead of the usual twenty.

I am teaching him how to jog (do a slow trot). He will go several strides jogging but then moves to what he is familiar with, the trot, and a quick trot at that.We also practiced tight circles around barrels at a walk. I've been watching some barrel racing on television and think it would be fun to try it with Bouffe. Switching to western tack has definitely been a good change for Bouffe and me.

OTTB - Western Makeover

I went to see Bouffe this morning and received reports of more praise for Bouffe and me from yesterday's show. The judge left a message that we should continue to compete western, for we were phenomenal and said I rode as well if not better than many of the able-bodied riders. I also found out the mystery person who greeted me leaving the ring yesterday, was a barn owner, who had brought her riders to participate in the show.

There was also talk of Bouffe and me participating in some other therapeutic classes in several other local shows.  Changing my riding style from English to western has had remarkable results and I am looking forward to Bouffe and my future in the show ring.

Bouffe was fine this morning and since I had hippotherapy he got a day off. Starting in October Bouffe will have a stall and no longer be on field board. This will make it much easier on him and me because the stall is next to his paddock and close to the tack room. I am anxious to get back on Bouffe on Wednesday.

OTTB - Going Western

All of the western tack I ordered arrived yesterday and I didn't sleep too well last night thinking about all of the logistics. First off the saddle weighs thirty pounds; it not that I can't lift it, it is just that because of the weight it is easy for me to loose my balance when I carry it, which means I was going to the farm early so I can drive in front of the barn. There is no way I could carry this saddle down the hill from my normal parking spot. Then after I get there, the saddle has to fit Bouffe and since this is my first western saddle, Leslie will need to check the rigging to make sure I have it on right and show me again how to adjust the length of the stirrups.

Well, to make a long story short I got the saddle to the farm, into the barn, it fit Bouffe and I rode him for about thirty minutes. Bouffe jogged better than he ever has since I have owned him; to the point, that I had to ask him to walk after we jogged two complete turns of the ring. I didn't want to do a whole lot with Bouffe, because he was a little foot sore from the farrier trimming him yesterday. The Billy Cook western saddle fit me better than any English saddle I have ever ridden in. It was amazing that the more I rode the better my legs felt. Plus I could walk with out any pain when I got off. I was a little stiff but it was nothing compared to riding English. I am riding western from now on.

The next show is Sunday and I plan to show Bouffe western in the walk, halt, the walk jog halt and the trail class. These are all therapeutic riding classes and I hope I have some competition. Stay tuned for an update on Sunday.

OTTB - No Saddle

I didn't ride Bouffe today because I bought a western saddle yesterday and it won't be here until next week. After riding in a western saddle last week I decided going western was what I should do. Yesterday, after hours of research I bought a used Billy Cook barrel racing saddle.
I am anxious to ride in it.

For the meantime I am working on Bouffe's crack heel after I groom him. He is really starting to look better. He is such a pleasure to work with and I know I am extremely lucky to have found him.

OTTB - Too Hot To Ride

When I left the house this morning the temperature was already 85 degrees with 88% humidity. It was almost that hot at the farm when I got there. Bouffe was already sweaty just standing in the run in shed. I brought him in and gave him a bath to cool him off and treated his cracked heal, which is getting better. By the time I left the farm it was ninety degrees. I hope Friday will be better.