Intrepid Riders Faction Blog Award!! aka: A Bright Spot in my Week.!

Soooo, I was pursuing the blogosphere (while taking a mental break from real work) and realized that Gingham and Pia of Pia's Parade awarded ME with the Intrepid Riders Faction Blog Award. Um... cooool! I seriously needed a pick-me-up and if this wasn't it, I don't know what is! Thanks soooo much!

Here are the lovely words that Gingham had to say about me and the Big G:

This award made me immediately think of Rachel and Granite who blog their adventures over at Dapple of My Eye! 

Rachel has had her guy from the beginning and while my girl Pia might be "green," Granite wouldn't know a single thing if it weren't for her partnership, patience and training.  They've had their fair share of setbacks and delays as they make their way down the road together, but I admire the persistence and trust that Rachel always seems to display.  She's one of those impecable owners who balances, multiple jobs, friends, relationships, and big life changes without taking away from her main man Granite.  

Thanks for sharing your story Rachel! I love keeping up with it!

NTREPID RIDERS FACTION ~We strive to go where others only dare to go with our horse loves...healing,being respectful of the horse, riding, playing, camping, jumping, swimming and traveling down the trails of life. . . . with the horse in Heart ~ Overcoming many obstacles and sometimes weather, to ride!

This Award is dedicated to those Horse lovers and riders that inspire others to go deeper in ability, knowledge and understanding of the Equine(s) they have been entrusted to.The good of the horse is the ultimate goal apart from pressures to achieve ribbons and fit into lesson schedules.

~Some of These riders are fearless, when it comes to weather conditions and the forecasting of them...being with their horses, fills these folks' soul and takes the cares out of daily routines.

~They are unconditionally loving to the horse and may have rescued it from known ailment or living condition.

~Others have researched and purchased/ acquired their horse, to find a difficulty in temperament or a physical burden within the animal. Yet, Being dedicated , they have persevered to proudly be in partnership with their horse, lovingly striving for deeper awareness's between them.

~Some horse lovers may have been riding for years and suddenly, had an accident that takes them away from the great joy and freedom they have, being aboard such a magnificent animal. ~They have allowed the healing horse to rise in their hearts once again, and beckon them back!

~Fear is not my normal response to things ... just a desire to achieve higher understanding of what may lay ahead of me with my mare, that truly is a gift to my heart and soul. I always seek out knowledgeable and caring individuals to assist me, in any quest I may look into.

I am taking with me the good I have leaned from caring individuals that have shown great single minded LOVE to the horse, and am leaving the dust of the bad behind me, not allowing it to fetter my supreme desire to be all I can be : as a rider to my mare or gelding and also - to allow- her to be the Equine athlete she truly is!

There are not many rules with this award...JUST :

1)that you give it to only one person
2)link back to this post, so they may have an understanding to it's true nature. 
3) You may use any or all of the written descriptions, with the award picture.

While I think SO MANY of the people whose blogs I follow fit this description, I'm going to have to pass this award on to Marissa over at Tucker The Wunderkind. 

Marissa worked her tail off in Law School to be able to FINALLY own horses of her own. And now she owns two of the finest equines around. She has raised Tucker (and is in the raising process with Julie) and has been through so many of the same trials and tribulations with him as I am currently going through with Granite. It is so inspiring to know that if you preserver these magnificent animals will be worth all of your effort, ten-fold. Tucker is knocking them dead in the big leagues now, thanks to the unwavering dedication of his mom, and they both continually provide inspiration to those of us who would like to follow in their footsteps (ahem... Granite and his Mom). So keep leading the way for us Marissa and Tucker!

Still Sicky-Poo

My baby boy is still a sick puppy. We called the vet after seeing no improvements on Monday. He recommended trying 5 days of antibiotics 2x a day and since he has a 104 fever, bute once a day until it comes back down. Granite is a snot factory and you can see in his eyes that he feels like shit. He can't come in the barn because the vet is afraid he may infect others. So there went our plan to keep him out of the heat and in front of a fan. He has had 5 doses of antibiotics so far and itsnt looking any better (or worse, fortunately). I don't want to wait for the whole five to get an alternate treatment plan. Becky is heading out of Town for labor day and my boy is miserable. If he isn't showing considerable improvement by tomorrow morning, I'm going to ask the vet to come out and re-evaluate the situation. I'm worried about my man and hate to see him not feeling well, so the sooner I can do SOMETHING for him, the better.

In other news, I had my second round interview last night. I think it went well. I believe that I had decent answers for the 6 questions that were asked of me from the 7 elected officials. I also think I did an adequate job of engaging them with the 3 questions that I asked them. The interview only lasted 30 minutes and they didn't tell me what kind of time frame I could expect as far as a decision goes. Originally, I was told that an offer would be extended during the 1st week of September (you'd consider that next week--right?). Mine would be a conditional offer (if I were the preferred candidate) because they have not yet spoken with my Town Mayor or immediate boss. I like to think both of them wouldn't have anything to say that would cause a retraction of the offer.

I hate the waiting and the not knowing which way my life is headed. I don't really have a plan B except to continue with the being broke and working two jobs and applying for new things. I also don't want to look at signing a new lease because I was hoping for a change of geography in addition to an employment change. But thats another can of worms...

So this week, I work 3 doubles, waiiiiit to hear something, worry about my horse and probably have the vet out. Then this weekend is to include lots of time with my rock, TK. We are going to the zoo, to a cookout and to see Secretariat. I hope to be able to catch up on some cleaning, some running and some visiting with my sick pony as well. Oh life.... I know its going to get better and I am so fortunate to have Eva and D and TK and my other close friends here to support me in the craziness-- but its still hard to make it through the days sometimes.

Sick Puppy

I went out to check on the big Grey Man on Saturday (my first available time since Tuesday; my life sucks). He was worse off and I immediately made my decision that there would be no trail ride! Both nostrils have green/yellow discharge and he is now coughing at the stand still. He was eating alright and acting like himself, so that was encouraging, but not the deterioration of the respiratory/sinus issues. I went to the barn yesterday and found him no better and no worse. I groomed him and talked to him for a while (willing him to get better) then put him back out in the pasture.

Reno's mystery cough (diagnosed as allergies) is gone, but now the other horse (an arab mare) in the pasture has started to cough. This has me thinking the horses have clearly caught something.

I emailed Becky asking is she thought we should A) administer the oral antibiotic I have, B) administer the antibiotic injections that D has or C) call the vet. She suggested that we bring him inside during the day so that his body could put all of its effort into healing and not into keeping cool. We have the fan on him and will hose him. We have started him on the oral antibiotics and plan to call the vet for a phone consult. If things get worse or the vet recommends, I guess we will be having him out this week.

This is NOT what I need right now (or ever, because I hate to see my boy not feeling well). My BIG interview is tomorrow (50% chance of a huge opportunity/ lifestyle change). I also have our Town Council meeting this week, a doctor's appointment and 2 nights of waiting tables. I'm grateful that Becky is around to care for Granite and to be there for the vet if need be.

I'm just trying to hold on for dear life until payday and the weekend.

Thoughts, Positive Vibes, Prayers, Wishes, Etc are requested.

Thanks!

A return to normalcy? Nope.

I returned from the beach Sunday night and said goodbye to my Colorado friend on Monday evening.

I went to the barn and had a mediocre ride on my boy. He didn't want to canter for me, but gave me an energetic trot and I was pleased with that.

I also scheduled his very first trail ride to take place on this upcoming Sunday! D and Becky are able to go with us as well! They both have rock solid trail horses and I think that will be a confidence builder for Granite. We plan to go to Pilot Mountain State Park and ride some rather flat and boring trails (good for him!). I am so stoked. I'm trying to redirect my thinking with Granite and really just try to be low stress and fun during our rides. I am also trying to keep them short.

I went out yesterday on my evening off and tacked up the kid. We started off pretty well, doing lots of turns and trotting poles, trying to break it up and make it fun. He was doing really well (cue ominous music) then he started coughing. Its dry and dusty, so I let him stop then I started again, and in a bit... he coughed some more. Then we cantered (YES, he picked up the canter for me!) and he wheezed. And then started hacking. I brought him back down to the walk. We regained composure and we went in the opposite direction. He picked up the canter again (amazing!!!) and then the wheezing and coughing. I immediately pulled him back down and walked him out. He didn't cough any more once I walked him out and took him in. I hosed him off and did our usual after ride routine. No coughing. So apparently it is directly related to elevated breathing. I am concerned. Eva's horse has a cough a couple weeks ago that the vet dubbed allergies. It has since cleared. I think we are going to hold out a couple of days to see if it gets better or worse. I'm so worried for his healthy (obviously), my wallet, and the prospect of our first trail ride being ruined! Its always something isn't it??

Today was my TK's first day as a High School Teacher! He was so cute. He was also so nervous. I know how passionate he is about his job and I am so proud of him. I wish I could find that passion in my 9-5....

Which leads me to the big news of the day. I got a call back for a second round interview for the job I interviewed for last week. I am one of TWO finalists. I will be interviewed by the SEVEN elected officials of the Town and they will have made a decision by the first week in September. If I am offered a position, I will begin on October 1st. This could be life changing. It will include a huge salary increase, no more second job, a move 1.5 hours east and in with my best friend, a new home/trainer situation for Granite and a big career break for me. Please please please send some positive thoughts my way next Tuesday night as I tackle this interview.

Its OFFICIALLY going to be another abnormal week filled with waiting tables, work meetings at night, more waiting tables, a trip to a Carolina Panther's game, possibly a trail ride, possibly a vet visit and LOTS of studying and preparation for this final round interview for a job that could really change my whole life-- for the better.

Granite and Reno say PLEASE get this job so we can stay together!!!

Don't forget about me kids!

I've been totally MIA from both the horse and the canine. I told you that I skipped riding this weekend because of loose shoes. Well, the shoes both popped off by Tuesday. The shoes took a lot of hoof and while he was sound, his momma was concerned. My (wonderful) farrier was scheduled for Wednesday, so I held my cookies and waited. Of course when he saw Granite he said that I could have called him. But, my horse was sound and I was incredibly busy anyway-- so a few days sans shoes was ok.

Despite the loss of lots of hoof and some pretty gnarly looking hoofies, The farrier gave Granite a thumbs up. He used all 8 nails this time and told me to put pine tar on his hooves two-three times a week to lock in some moisture. Granite also moved up a shoe size. This made the farrier really happy because of our upright hoof and the fact that my boy is big and has gotten much more solid since he began undersaddle work (and eating the green green grass).

So, I got to visit Granite on Sunday and Tuesday and Wednesday. But now my good friend from Colorado is in town for a few days. She stayed with me wednesday night and yesterday I went to meet up with her and another friend after work. And this weekend, we are heading to the beach. Now I have no money and no free time. I took off waiting-tables-work to be with her this week (so, even less $). The whole beach trip stresses me out. But I only get to see her once a year and she did buy the plane ticket. So, Granite will have to get over a lack of mommy time. I did beg Aunt Eva and our friend Jenn (both exceptional horse women) to hop on him in my absence. Hopefully at least one of them will take him for a walk (maybe trot) hack. He just needs to get out. Its been almost two weeks!

In other news. I had to call in sick to work on Monday. I woke up to my eyes almost swollen shut. It was so awkward. It has happened once before and the doctors said it was some sort of allergic reaction. It went away by evening time on both occasions. But one can't go out in public with eyes swollen nearly shut. EWWW.

Tuesday was my job interview, and thankfully my eyes were of normal proportion. I went to the town (about an hour east of here) and hung out for a few hours. I wanted to get a better feel for the place. I sat in a coffee shop for a while and reviewed my materials (I prepped for this for days! I had packets to give the interview panel- of 5 people- and had studied a lot). The interview went pretty well, but unfortunately, I didn't get a very positive vibe about it. They told me when I would know if I made it to the second round. They also told me the dates of the final interviews. I guess that is better than not telling me at all (eliminating the chance that I may get a call back). But, like I said-- it wasn't a good feeling. Cross your fingers none the less, I could use the 2/3rds salary increase and rooming with Eva and being closer to home!

Tonight I am going to watch my boyfriend coach football. I usually work Thursday Nights (at my real job) and Friday Nights (at the fake one) but this week, I took off of the fake job because of my friend. This means that I actually get to go to a game of his (he is the JV head coach and Varsity Defensive Coordinator for a local High School)! I am going with his whole family to watch his boys in their season opener. I have my team colors and camera ready! THEN, when the game is over at 11 something at night, we are driving 4.5 hours to meet my Colorado friend and her other friend at the beach. YES, we are crazy. Thanks for asking. BUT, you know, you are only in your mid-twenties (ok, Mid-to-Late...) for a few years, why not take advantage and arrive at the beach at 3am? Maybe my friends will have saved us some beers!

i'll miss my pup and my pony this weekend. Next weekend will be normal. I will ride and run and do all the things that keep my life happy and balanced. But, I guess the summer is waning and so is my youth--- lets live it up!

So... Go Coach TK and the Hornets :)

Weekends don't count unless you spend them doing something completely pointless.

Happy Friday to all.

Just wanted to check in and wish you all a wonderful weekend. I haven't ridden since Sunday (which was the best ride I have had in a while). My absence this time around was due to waiting tables Monday night, a rain storm Tuesday, Working on Wednesday night and extreme heat last night. Also? Granite's feet look awful. I love love love my farrier. I don't blame it on him at all. I blame it on the dry, hot, hard ground and the never ending pestering flies! I think Granite stands around and stomps all day. The farrier is scheduled to be out on Wednesday and (so far) we still have our shoes on. But, the right one is loose (and now a bit crooked) and the left one doesn't look much better. We have some cracks that look like they may take some hoof off with the shoe if he catches himself. So, I will air on the side of caution and abstain from riding until he gets his new kicks next week. I know this will result in a nearly 2 week riding hiatus and I hope that won't put us even farther behind.

A lot of you suggested that he and I slow down. Some suggested taking a break all together, others said to go back to the very basics. Some of you suggested I be consistent and continue riding as much as possible. So, I'm not sure what I will end up doing. I think just persevering until I know if I have a life change in my near future or if I will have to continue working 55+ hours a week and balancing the rest of my responsibilities. I went out last night to spray the hot man down and I do truly love that horse with all I have. He is gorgeous and funny and means so well. I will be sticking with him as long as possible! It will all come together... eventually.

So this weekend? I plan to do some jogging (7 or 8 miles total) and going out to the barn to visit granite on both Saturday and Sunday. I may try to clean some tack, work with the clippers, or pull his mane. All of these activities desperately need to be done. I will take the non-riding opportunity to tackle some of them. I think I will drag TK out to the barn on Saturday. He has only met Granite once, and hasn't gotten an opportunity to get to know him yet. This may be a nice opportunity. I may even hop on Granite bareback and walk him around the property. Maybe it will be a nice break for Granite to spend some time with his mom minus the arena and any stress I put on him to perform. Blessing in disguise perhaps?

In other news. I am taking two weeks away from Facebook. I am obsessed, so its time to take a step back. This leads me with time to stalk your blogs :) So get to writing people! Football started this week and my beloved REDSKINS play tonight. Unfortunately-- I will be working. So not cool. Also, the lovely bf (a football coach himself: JV Head Coach and V Defensive Coordinator) has his first game of the season tonight. I know I am wishing both of my teams lots of luck under the Friday Night Lights tonight! Wish I could be on the sidelines at either game (um, I love you TK, but the Redskin's sidelines are preferable). With football comes the promise of fall and everything I love about my favorite season!

Enjoy your weekend folks!

When things stop being fun...

Yes, I've been missing. No, I haven't been any busier than usual. I just haven't really wanted to face the issues I am having with Granite. I haven't even wanted to think about him really, let alone blog about him. I have pretty much had to give myself a pep talk before I can drag myself to the barn.

I know its ridiculous. Some of you have re-habbed the un-re-habbiable. Some of you have been dealing with insane soundness issues and many of you have had to make some of the hardest decisions ever (letting a horse go: whether it be to a new home/lifestyle or to let them die peacefully). I shouldn't be this exasperated over some simple training issues.

But although my feelings may not be justified or necessary, they are my feelings none the less and they are real. And they hurt. And they scare me. And they make me desperately sad. Its been a long time since I've been to the point of not wanting to go to the barn.

Our trainer did a great job with him, but it doesn't translate to me riding him. She told me the other day that "bad riding leads to bad results and good riding leads to good results" when I asked why she wasn't having problems getting his transitions and I was. That doesn't help me to figure out what I'm doing wrong!!! I've ridden (rather successfully) all of my life. Now, why can't I seem to get my horse to improve. I don't want him to be wonderful and amazing at 3. I just want him to improve and not go backward when I work with him. It seems like the more times I ride him when Becky doesn't, the worse he gets. Then she does a few rides and hes back to OK. We had two nice rides this weekend, but Becky rode him all last weekend (trying to undo the damage I have apparently caused).

I thought for too long Saturday about selling him. I mean, he is the reason I work all the time (and only see him 3-4 days a week). And I live in constant worry about him getting sick or injured (bc I can't afford to fix it). And now, I worry about me even being able to ride/use my horse let alone pursue my competitive goals. But, I couldn't even make my money back by selling an extremely green broke 3 year old at this point. So I have to stick it out-- which is for the best bc I am madly in love with that horse and I just KNOW that one day, we will get through this.

So for now, I am trying to take things day by day. I have a couple potential job opportunities out near Eva's house, so cross your fingers for me. If I get any of these positions, I can try to find a trainer who can teach me to work with my boy and relocate him with me. I would be making much more money as well and it would alleviate a lot of the anxiety I feel about Granite getting injured or ill and me being unable to manage it.  Please cross your fingers for me!!!

On a much more positive note. TK gets more and more wonderful. My family adores him (the beach trip was wonderful) and I am truly happier with him that I imagined was ever possible. I am so blessed to have finally found my somebody!

Eva, Tyler and I on my Daddy's boat at home!

Daphne at the beach, escaping the sun under our makeshift 'tent' for her.