Super Saturday

Can I just tell you that Saturday was... A-Freaking-Mazing!

Well, mainly Granite was.

I sent TK off to the Wake Forest game with his family (because I had an evening of dancing downtown planned with some girlfriends) and this gave me the whole evening to be at the barn. Hours of daylight left and nothing to do but be with my horse. I really like most of our boarders and certainly like my BO, but I was alone Saturday evening and I loved it! Just Daphne and Granite and I. It was perfect.
Plus, I was already super Zen because I spent the previous 3 hours cleaning my 1/2 of the apartment and I feel sooo much more relaxed when I know I have a sparkling bathroom and a spiffy room.

Any-whoo. I trekked out in the pasture to get the big-grey-man and bring him in. He had some pep in his step (a huge rarity) and he actually spooked and tried to kill me three times. I sent a text to TK proclaiming my impending death and asking that he please take the dog for me and tell my family I love them. But apparently the worst starts lead to the best rides. After arguing with Granite that he would, in fact, NOT swing his butt out at the mounting block, I got on and started on our merry way.

The ride continually improved. We did lots of trot work and trotting poles and changes of direction. I tried to stay off of his mouth, however, he collected pretty well when I did take up contact! I think this may be, in part, due to a new bit we tried! A french link, loose ring snaffle! I'd like to get those rubber stoppers (bc he is a baby and I don't want it pulling through on any occasion). He still chews a little (he chews on everything and has since I've known him) but he was much more focused and responsive.

I was really impressed with the way he felt in my hands, so I figured--'hell, lets shoot for the starts and see if he will canter'. And canter he did! 6 canter transitions, a couple of them within one or two strides of my cue! This is incredible considering that after his post-training breakdown, I could hardly get a trot and a canter was completely out of the picture. It felt like heaven and I fist pumped the air when I got it!

Granite continued on his path of awesome as I decided to work on lengthening and shortening trot strides. He was getting it! He didn't always answer the questions correctly, but he tried for me and he was listening to me. And that? Is a huge improvement.

Saturday, I saw the potential I knew he had (but I had started to doubt). I think the best part is that I haven't had his trainer on his back since late July. I started back at square one with him and its been shaky, ugly, and rough... but Saturday, we made progress. Just Granite and I together have finally made some progress. I know there will be some more steps back, but I saw a step forward and I know he CAN do it if I ask the right way. I was so impressed with our communication and our results!

After the ride, I gave G what I imagine was his last bath of the season. I whitened his tail and trimmed it and I scrubbed him good. I bathed the dog while I was at it. Then I hand grazed G, alone at the barn, as the sun set on our perfect evening!

The rest of the weekend was lovely too. I went out dancing with some long lost girlfriends, one of which is Hannah. Check out her blog, The Vitamin. She lives in the mountains and is a runner and a dog lover. I met her through Di-Aunt and she has ridden my old mare Karma a time or two. I had a blast dancing (I don't even like to dance) and drinking. TK came to DD for me and Sunday morning we headed to Charlotte for the Panther's game. You all know I'm a Redskin fan, but who can pass up free NFL tickets and a afternoon with family (TK and his little sister)?! It was HOT out and the Panthers are horrible this year, so we left during the 3rd quarter to duck into a bar and watch MY Redskins pull out a win in Over Time against the Packers :)

MK, TK, and Me in front of Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC

When we got back home we met Eva for Mexican food and suddenly TK and I started feeling ill. By the end of the evening we were both miserable. We had managed to contract food poisoning (from what we can only guess was breakfast) and were sick all night and most of yesterday. Neither of us made it to work, but ended up feeling better during late afternoon. BLECH

I have the evening off tonight and literally, cannot wait to get my butt over to the barn. As luck would have it, I bet my ride won't duplicate Saturday's but by gosh, I can't wait to try it out! Then I hope to fit in a run before fixing Breakfast for Dinner (mimosas included). I also found out that my work meeting was canceled tomorrow, so thats TWO days in a row that I get to ride this week (even without making it to the barn yesterday).

This weekend has proved to me that despite my less than ideal work and living situations, I am blessed with: fun, beautiful and caring friends, an incredibly talented horse, a fun-loving dog, the best man in the world, and a lovely life.

I AM THE LUCKIEST.

I know, its been forever...

Well well, I know its been a while. Thankfully I have nothing too overwhelming to say. But no news is good news indeed. Last week I got 3 rides in. All were mediocre (thats a lie, I think Tuesday's was great and Thursday's was crap).

The vet came out last week ($$$) this time just for routine shots. But, I had his do an examination (lungs, nose, etc) just to make sure that Granite was completely healed. Reno has some residual snot and I heard Granite cough early last week. The vet gave him the all clear (and a handful of shots), the vet gave me a $150 bill. Blah! The farrier also came out. I LOVE my superfarrier. He said Granite's special hoof is looking great. There was also much less cracking as I have been applying pine tar to his hooves 3 times a week as instructed at our last farrier visit (the one where he had lost both shoes and his feet looked like hell). Granite did try to kick the superfarrier-- I was unpleased, so was Superfarrier. So Granite got nice new shoes (size 2 Light! yay for bigger hoofies), and momma got a $55 bill. Blah! THEN, Becky let me know that I owed her $155 for all of his meds over the course of the last month through his illness. So including board, Granite has cost me an arm and a leg this month and if he keeps it up he will cost me my sanity as well!

This weekend I brought TK out to the barn with me. Hes such a sport. He sits in the arena with Daphne and watches me and Granite do our thing (which is incredibly boring to a non-horse person bc all we do is walk and trot and turn and do more transitions-- nothing exciting or show stopping). This time, I threw him the camera to keep him entertained. And as a result, I share with you: new photos! The photos are from my ride Saturday. It wasn't great. Granite is chewing his bit non stop and really grabbing his mouth and head away from me and hollowing his back. I tried a new bit on Sunday and put him in the round pen under side reins and put him through his paces. About 1/3 of the way through the session he really started to soften and give! By the end of the work, he even stretched down a few times for me! I need to re-incorporate some on-the-ground work and see if it translates some of the softness to our under-saddle sessions.

Tacking Up (do you see how BIG he has gotten??)

 Not a great ride. Lots of bit chewing and back-hollowing.

 Sloppy hands on my part (trying to rectify the back hollowing/bit chewing)-- but lovely trot.

Me and My kids. 

<3 my family.

Well, thats really about all folks. I fed horses for the BO yesterday and didn't have time to ride, but plan to saddle up tonight!

And now, for your weekend Snot Update:

I know you've been patiently waiting for the latest Snot Report.... so, without further adieu: The forecast is DRY (with a slight chance of slobber!). YAAAAY.

I went out to the barn on Sunday and he still had a little snot, so I settled for grooming him and popping him back out in the pasture. I really wanted to air on the side of caution. Its not like we are competing or have any deadlines with which we are working.

Monday, I took the day off work to catch up on housework and sleep (we went to a Tom Petty concert a couple hours away and didn't get to sleep until really late Sunday night). After the house work, I was getting ready to go to the barn (wearing jeans and boots just in case Granite looked well enough to ride). Areosmith "Back in the Saddle" came on TK's Ipod shuffle (he equates it to a Magic 8 Ball) and he told me that it was a good sign and that I'd get to ride. TK is ALWAYS right, and proved so in this instance as well :) I got to the barn to find Granite hauling ass around the pasture chasing Reno. He looked good and healthy and his nose was clear, so I saddled up-- for the first time in a month! This was also the first time TK has ever seen me ride!

Granite was hyper (a rarity) and kind of bratty. He tried to stop at the gate and I tapped him with the crop (I went with no spurs but I carry a crop) and he kicked out. This is the first time he has EVER done that. So I kicked and cropped to tell him that was UNACCEPTABLE! And then he had a bucking fit (also a first). I was really worried bc TK is very protective over me and I was afraid seeing that would make him resent Granite or be concerned when I go riding. I don't want any of that bc he is so very supportive of my riding and my horse. I was wrong however and he told me while he was surprised, he trusted me and my riding abilities. Yay (I love that man!). Anyway, I think I won the argument with Granite. He got his act together and the rest of the ride, while sloppy, was uneventful.

I headed out to the barn yesterday to find a dry nosed, bright eyed, obese grey horse. I love Tuesdays because I get to go to the barn (ride?!) then go running at the park then I go to the grocery store then home to cook (shocking) for the bf then we get to relax. It is the best day of the week. Yesterday was even better because not only did I get to ride, but it was probably the best ride we have had since I first got him back from Becky!! He was really attentive and cooperative!

Things I tried to focus on:
-Moving Forward
-Bending into corners
-Leg yielding (especially when he decides to come off the rail)
-Walking over poles
-Weaving in and out of cones (using bending and leg yields)
-Trot transitions.

Things I avoided:
-Asking for collection
-Canter
-Long stretches of any one activity

I basically wanted to engage his mind using bending and leg yielding exercises. I wanted to keep him on his toes by weaving in and out of things and going over poles. He gets frustrated when we do one thing for too long, so I wanted to keep him thinking and moving. I wanted nice trot transitions, but left his head alone (i.e. in the air and chewing on the bit--- grrrrr) at the trot and just focuses on moving forward freely. We did some backing up and turns on the forehand. I had a very responsive and cooperative boy and I left the arena feeling like all of my frustration was actually worth it if I can have rides like this more often!

Was my ride perfect? Hell no! Was it what I was hoping we would be doing in late September of his 3rd year. NOPE, I thought we would be much farther along at this point. But-- we made progress. I asked for a few basic things of him, and while I may not have gotten the desired responses immediately, I ended up getting them! I was really pleased because I made corrections, and I got reactions and if I can get that more often, I feel like he and I can move forward together :)

On the Mend... and the Only Child contemplates sharing

I am writing this while eating a Healthy Choice (Ginger Chicken... not so good... pass on this if you ever consider it) and waiting for my work meeting to begin at 7 P.M. During my "dinner" break, I took the opportunity to go visit the big man at the farm. He galloped up to me (still thinks he is getting dinner and meds; silly man), then he bit Reno and met me at the fence.

I was pleased to see only a mild amount of dried snot in both nostrils! Yay for dried snot and not snotty snot! I haven't taken him into the barn since this debacle started (3 weeks ago!) and its really obnoxious to try to hold him and groom him while he grazes. He is certainly not much for standing like a gentleman when there is grass to be had. Loser. But I groomed the man and baby wiped his nosey wosey. By the time I took him back to the pasture, he has a little bit of CLEAR snot in his right nostril. Hell, I will take it! Only one side and its clear! That means he is healing and he can kick the rest on his own and without additional rounds of antibiotics! We have concluded that he got the flu. Yes, he has been vaccinated, but there are like 42 billion strains of flu and they are only protected from a few. I don't want to be over optimistic or jinx this bit of progress, but I am guessing (hoping, praying, thinking....) that I will get to get back on his back for a light hack on Monday. That is my aim if he continues to make progress. I don't want to push his immune system and I want him to have plenty of time to feel better before I ask for anything (not like he gets much work with me anyway since I work most weekday evenings and am off gallivanting on weekends these days...boo!). That leads me to my next topic...

The contemplation of sharing....
As I may have mentioned, I A) have an anxiety disorder and B) am broke. This leads to lots of dwelling on my precarious financial situation. I typically start to panic over it all (I'm talking job situation, what ifs, future housing arrangement, savings, loan debt, etc......) around noon every day. Most of the time when I go for my long runs, I think about job applications or other crafty ways to increase revenue and reduce expenditures. I will obsess over other things too-- but as of now, the finances are the most immediate pressing issue and thus the focus of my insanity.

ALL of the to say,
I went on a 4 mile jog after the barn on Monday and spent the WHOLE thing thinking of brilliant ways to solve my life problems. Usually, this practice proves fruitless and simply leaves me with a headache and a resolve to "let it be" (at least until noon the next day), but Monday I had what may just be a brilliant idea! waiiiiiit for it......

wait.....

Ok: 1/2 lease the horse!

Here is my thought. If I am 'stuck' at my current job for a while, that means I am also stuck waiting tables. Which means on ideal (lightly scheduled, no rain or travel or extra plans) weeks, I can only ride 4 days a week. Once I get a solid and dependable W-T-C out of Granite, wouldn't it make sense to find a high school/ college/ young adult who wanted a nice quality horse to ride and even show at a great price?! They could ride 3 days a week, I can ride 2 or 3, we can work out a situation with them/me showing when he is ready. I would only ask for 1/2 of the board and I would do shoes and vetting. This way, he would get the attention and exercise he needs and I can't always give him. It will take that stress of being inadequate off of me. It will alleviate some financial burden from me and will even help to beef up Granite's resume if he shows a variety of divisions between the leasee and me.

 I mean there would be some concerns. With such a green bean, I would need to find an experienced rider and someone who was 'on the same page' as I am about his training and his future. I would also want someone I could trust and that I would be happy to encourage in their riding goals. This could be difficult as I am not at a big training/lesson barn. It would have to be a fairly independent person. And Granite's youth and training process will determine, to a great extent, when and if this idea is ever feasible. But, its an idea and it has some very real merits.

So... what do you think? Pros? Cons? have you experienced 1/2 leasing on either end? Weigh in on this one for me, as the idea is still in its infancy.

That Snot-Nosed Kid!

Oh.... Granite. We have completed 13 days of antibiotics. All symptoms of illness are gone except for this:

SNOT!!!

Color me a frustrated momma! We are going to call the vet and see what he has to day tomorrow. He hasn't had a fever in two weeks and we haven't heard him cough in a week and a half. His eyes are bright and he has plenty of energy. He gallops up when he sees me because now he gets fed twice a day so he can have his dose of meds. I'm glad the med have helped (although have not yet cured) but a side effect is....

Exhibit A: OBESE EQUINE!

Exhibit B: OBESE EQUINE!

The big man needs to get better for a multitude of obvious reasons, but I have got to get him back into work and only eating once a day-- the kid is getting FAT!

Updates to come.

Football Funsies and a Slow Recovery

First and foremost: The Gran Man.
I went to check on him Tuesday night. Attitude, eyes, breathing, energy levels all looked good. Still had some snot. The vet recommended (on Tuesday) 5 more days of 2x a day antibiotics. We have seen improvement, but he's STILL not there yet. I've had to work every night since, but got a report that Granite has been enjoying the new crisp morning air and running around and not coughing! Also, I have heard that he has a crusty nose, but not must fresh snot of which to speak. So, I can't wait to assess the situation with my own eyes, but its looking positive at this point (but you never do know with horses, do you?). I will go check him out Saturday evening (which will be the last of his additional 5 days of anitbios.) and I assume we will make a determination as to if he is well or if we need some more vet intervention. Cross your fingers. I am ready for my boy to be well (and to get back on him!).

I have to wait table tonight (ughhh, not getting that job makes for no light at the end of the tunnel-- at least for the foreseeable future). TK coaches his Varsity football team tonight at a home game! His JV team (for which he serves as head coach) won last night for the first time this season! I am so proud and so jealous that I have to be working tonight and not cheering on Western Guilford High School!

But, the exciting news is, if I just make it through 7 more hours of my day today (so depressing after you have already accomplished 7 of them), I get to look forward to tomorrow. I will be packing up and heading out at 9am with TK and his family on their PARTY BUS to go tailgate and watch the Wake Forest v. Duke football game (I am a UNC fan as you may know, so boooo Duke). TK's family wants me to drink the Wake Kool-Aide and become a fan (his parents are Alums) but I'm somehow doubtful. But I subscribe by an "Anybody but Duke" motto and I love football in all varieties (favorite sport next to anything equestrian of course!) so I am pumped for the game on Saturday (and the forecast in the low 80s!).

On Sunday, I get to have a reunion with my 4-H club! YAY! They have asked me to judge Pets and Goats at the Central Carolina Fair as a fundraiser for the club! I haven't been able to help my kids as all in months (since taking the 2nd job) and I was thrilled when I was available for this opportunity. I know virtually nothing about pets and goats, but they assure me that this will not be a problem. It should be interesting and I will try to take some photos of the experience. I promise to report back immediately.

I plan to scoot over and check on the big man after my official judging duties have been fulfilled. I hope to find him WELL....

THEN... its the Regular Season Opening game for my beloved WASHINGTON REDSKINS vs. their arch rival the Dallas Cowboys (ops, I threw up a little in my mouth while typing those words...ugh!). I will be positioned at a bar with my lovely bf, D, and two of my favorite grad school friends an hour before kick-off in order to heckle any Dallas fans who may be nearby. I have already announced my impending tardiness at work on Monday morning (don't ever say that I am not proactive).

So, I hope you all get in muuuch more riding than I will this weekend. But I will be doing one of my second favorite things: enjoying football with my faves (minus my Daddy who is the ultimate football viewing buddy).

HAPPY WEEKEND BLOGGERS!

Breaking News:

This Just In:
My pony is feeling better. I checked on him twice a day all holiday weekend. I haven't heard him cough all weekend, his eyes are bright and his energy is back. After 7 days of antibiotics, I still have some yellow/green discharge, although it has decreased substantially. Becky called the vet to discuss, and he had put G on 5 more days of antibiotics. So-- looks like we have dodged the vet visit bullet another day. And I'm happy to see visible signs of improvement. I was definitely scared for a while there. I'll be really pleased after a few symptom free days and when I can finally hop back on the big man (after over 2 weeks).

Also:
My tall boots broke again last week! This is two times in about a dozen rides. I returned them to the WONDERFUL sales girl at Horse& Rider Inc. in Greensboro, NC. And this time, instead of a replacement, I asked for a store credit. That way I won't spend the money allocated for tall boots but I can try to save up another couple of hundred dollars to get a nicer pair that will hopefully endure. I'm very glad that was taken care of.

Lastly:
I got a phone call this morning that I did not receive the job for which I was a finalist. They will officially appoint the other candidate tonight. I am still in shock and don't know how I feel about it. The work isn't exactly what I want to do long-term and the location is near where I want to be, but also not spot on. So, the positive side is that maybe I will find that truly perfect match. The negative leaves me working two jobs and struggling with money and working an under stimulating job. I do trust in the process however, and think the right thing will come about at the right time for me.

ReCap of my weekend (sadly non -horsie):
TK took me to the Zoo saturday (the weather had a hint of fall, which is my fave, so I was in hog heaven). Then we checked on Granite again before getting Mexican food and watching some college football.
Sunday was a cookout with some friends and more college football. It was a blast.
Monday was some quality time with TK's family, some pool time with my friends, more checking on the pony, then a walk, wine, more college football (can you tell I LOVE football season).
I had a really great and relaxing weekend. I guess I needed it to prepare for getting bad news today!