OTTB, Multiple Sclerosis - Back In The Saddle

The weather cooperated today and I was able to ride for about thirty minutes, until the sun started blazing down on the ring. During those thirty minutes, Bouffe and I did figure eights and serpentines at a walk. I tried to trot Bouffe several times and I was always on the wrong diagonal and didn't feel secure in the seat. One thing that did work were the spurs, which were even more effective when I dropped my irons two holes.

To see if it helps me feel more secure, I am going to put the fleece seat cover on the 18" Smith Worthington saddle tomorrow. I measured the SW saddle again today and there is an entire hand width between my buttocks and the cantle where there should only be two to three figures width, which proves again the saddle is too big for me. I will know in a few hours if I win the auction for the 17" Passier Willi Schultheis  dressage saddle on eBay. From what I have read they are a close contact dressage saddle with a flatter cantle, which is exactly what I am looking for.

They other day, I found a full size bridle in one of my tack trunks and decided to use it today, rather than the cob size bridle Bouffe has been wearing. He was again his amazing self and stood completely still while I adjusted this bridle after the bit was in his mouth. He stood quietly by the mounting block while I got on and when I dismounted. I swear he knows it is his job to take care of me regardless of the circumstances. As far as I am concerned he is the perfect horse for me and I am very fortunate to have found him. The only behavior issue we need to work on is his dislike of the indoor arena and sometime this week I plan on doing that.

OTTB - Art Show

The photograph of Bouffe that is part of the header for this blog is to be on display in Baltimore beginning this Thursday July 11th. SoWeBo Arts is partnering with Zella's to hold a benefit art show for BARCS, the Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter. The show will be at Zella's 1145 Hollins Street 21223. The opening is Thursday evening from 6-8 pm.

I am very excited about this photograph being part of this show and hope it will promote OTTB adoptions. 

My hand is feeling better from the fall and I hope to ride Bouffe tomorrow.

Multiple Sclerosis - Bad Fall, Can't Ride

This post is where we get into the other part of this story, my living with MS. Last night while doing some yard work I fell, and in catching myself to break the fall, I thought I broke my hand. The pain was intense, and I had a flashback, to when I broke my shoulder and arm five years ago. I lied on the ground where I landed, and slowly began moving my hand. I could tell then it wasn't broken, but when I bent the fingers all the way back when I hit the ground, the muscles were stretched further than they were suppose to go,

I took ibuprofen every four hours afterwards, hoping I would still be able to ride today, but the pain is still there anytime there is even a slight movement of my hand. These are the times I hate having MS the most, but I have to accept the cards I was dealt and hope that by Monday I will be back in the saddle.

OTTB - The Indoor Arena

Bouffe spent about thirty minutes loose in the indoor arena this morning. His anxiety level was high, as he did an extended trot, one direction and then the other, around and around the perimeter of the indoor space for ten to fifteen minutes, before finally settling down to working trot and then a walk. Eventually he did get down and roll in the sand, which I was glad to see him do. 

The weather has been hot, so after today's session, the next time I go to the farm I plan on riding Bouffe outside, with no trips to the indoor.

I got the feeling today that from being turned out for so long before I got him, with little or no human interaction that Bouffe is herd bound. I need to talk to Leslie and see what she has planned for a field mate for Bouffe, which I'm not sure would help or make worse his behavior in the indoor arena. 

I wore myself out pretty good today supervising Bouffe's "playtime" and I will have to see in the morning if I go to the farm tomorrow, or wait until the weekend. I did swim a few laps when I got home to keep with the exercise program, which includes a regiment of stretching exercises every morning for my back, which I broke twelve years ago, and my legs for the MS; in addition, I also have dressage exercises I found on the Internet http://dressageridertraining.com/ I do feel so much better now that I am getting fit!

OTTB - Stamped His Progeny

It has been pouring off and on all day and the indoor arena was in use when I was at the farm; so, the training will have to wait until maybe tomorrow.

I happen to see a replay today of the 1992 Kentucky Derby that was won by Bouffe's sire Lil E. Tee. After doing some research I found this photo of Lil E. Tee that certainly shows he stamped his progeny with his looks and conformation, including the problematic ankles, which from looking at Bouffe's, he certainly had during his racing career. 

OTTB - Afraid of Indoor Arena

Bouffe seemed to have settled in to his knew surroundings and was his usual relaxed self while I groomed him and put his saddle on, until... We walked up the road from the main barn to the indoor arena and Bouffe was on edge as soon as he saw where we were going. 

The day of the show the trail class was in this arena and Bouffe wasn't to crazy about being in there. But today, I wasn't on his back, which made it easier for him to go into his flight mode, which he did. This is the first thing he has ever been afraid of; so, I decided to ride him outside instead and he was his usual well behaved self. We rode in the outdoor ring, which has a sand base, but was still wet from all of the rain. I have learned that the wet going is not Bouffe's favorite type of footing and I had him do some figure eights and serpentines at a walk, which he did like a champ. But I was disappointed about the indoor arena. So, tomorrow I plan on working with Bouffe on the ground, with a longe line and possibly turning him loose in the indoor arena.

I took a few pictures while I was there today. The first is Bouffe's private paddock and run in shed. The others are of him just being a horse without having to defend himself against the attack herd of grade geldings that ruled the field at Gunpowder.

OTTB, Multiple Sclerosis - Move Is Over, But It Took Its Toll

When I got to Gunpowder Stables this morning Bouffe was in his stall and greeted me at the door. It seemed like he knew something was up, and paced back and forth anxiously awaiting for it to happen. Grooming him seemed to settle things down and he stood completely still while I put his shipping bandages on him. 

As he and I walked up the lane to get on Steve Pelham's gooseneck trailer, Bouffe held his head high and remained calm as we walked onto the trailer. Time like these are when his class really shows.

I have never mentioned Bouffe's bloodlines, but he is by Kentucky Derby winner Lil' E. Tee and is out of Affirmed Gal by Affirmed, Bouffe has that classic blood on both sides.

Steve said Bouffe was much calmer than the last time, on the ride to Four Quarters Farm and remained that way when we put him in his own private paddock with a run in shed, which sits right outside the main barn and looks out on the rolling hills and woods of the property. Bouffe had that look of eagles, as he stood in the middle of the paddock, overlooking his domain.

I am hoping this is the last time I will have to move Bouffe. A restless night, in combination with the early morning move, took its toll on my body and I was exhausted and not able to ride by the time it was over. But it was worth it; fore, I have Bouffe in ideal surroundings, with people I know will take care of him, when I am not there.