Oh Granite... his little tongue just doesn't won't to heal... although it doesn't appear to be causing him pain. He devoured his apple today. His knee, however, he doesn't want me near it. He will nearly strike out to keep me away from it. But, he's as sound as he can be... oh perplexing!

Yep the tooth is STILL sitting in the wound. I don't know what else we can do unless I ask them to extract it or we just wait for it to grow enough so his tongue falls between his new canines. sigh.

 This is what remains of his big knee injury. 

Also, I'm registering for a 1/2 Marathon this week. Its in November. Thank God because I'm in such awful shape. Even with six months to train, 13.1 miles scares the ever living crap out of me. I must (find then) maintain motivation. I think I may start a training blog, just for some accountability and inspiration. Now... finding time to train. Looks like I'll be getting up at 5am now.

When it Rains....

Oh Granite....

So two weeks ago I finally did it! I ordered tall boots. Marched in to the tack store and was greeted by my favorite sales girl and she measured me up for a nice pair of boots. I mean I was thinking NICE. Like Vogels anyone? The Young Rider customs. But then she asked if I had lost weight since the last time we searched for boots (on a much smaller budget). I said, "yeah, a little-- its been two years." And she mentioned that I fit perfectly into the Ariat size chart. AND that Ariat had redone their zippers and that their nicer models has really good track records for being sturdy. So something in me said "Rachel, you ride a 4 year old, extremely clumsy boy and you will hate him if he runs you into the fence and scratches $800 boots... you fit into the off-the-shelf variety.... save $300??!!" So, I went with my gut and ordered the Ariat Crowne Pro Zips.

And its a damn good thing I did. I came out to the barn the very next day to see that Prince Charming's front left leg was swollen from the "thigh" to the fetlock. About 3 times its normal size. With an offending small wound on his knee. I freaked out but dosed him with bute and antibiotics after washing with iodine, hosing his leg and applying antibacterial ointment. The next day I asked the barn manager to call with an update. At 9am, I get the call that his leg is worse. Time to call the vet. AND explain to my new boss that although I have no available sick or vacation time, I need to leave to drive 40 minutes to meet the vet (I work in a different city now... thus the lack of blogging). When I get there that afternoon, his leg is , fortunately looking better. The vet prescribed antibiotics, cold hosing and no riding for a while. Sigh.

Two days later, I'm holding Granite's dinner because it has medicine in it and he's a sloppy eater and I wanted to be sure he ate it all. I notice what looks like blood in his mouth. Once he finished scarfing dinner I pried his mouth open (despite his objections) and realized that there was a 1inch lesion (hole, wound, whatever you want to call it-- it looks painful). He has a baby canine that just came in (he got his teeth floated exactly 1 month ago) and is so sharp that where his tongue sits on the small tooth, it was literally wearing a hole in his poor baby horse tongue. I almost cried! And then, I called the vet.... AGAIN. Two times-- one week! And yet again, I have to explain to my new boss that I need to leave a few hours early to met the vet...again.

The vet came out and tried her best to file this tiny little tooth without getting his gum. She gave me some antiseptic mouth wash and he is already on antibiotics. She assured me that wounds in the mouth tend to heal quickly. BUT, she felt 3 more canines on the verge of eruption. I've been keeping an eye on it and the bottom left is about to come through. His little mouth really doesn't look a whole lot better. I feel horrible for him and even if he wasn't on vacation due to his knee (the swelling is gone, he is sound but he hates for me to get NEAR the wound-- which concerns me), he would not have a bit in his mouth until this heals. Halter riding may be in my future.

I realize this is hard to see. Its a cell phone and its in the (moving) horse's mouth. But for reference, the shiny pink is his top gums. My finger is to the right of the "here" and the dark line you see is the wound on the under side of his tongue that I'm holding up. OUCH! It was red and purple on Wednesday when I found it.

But, aside from the boy being laid up, I've seen him 12 of the past 13 days (yay cold hosing) which may be a record. I'm getting even more attached to my lovely man. I took some (classy) cell phone shots of him being ADORABLE while I groomed him after work today. It was storming out and it was so nice just to groom the boy and give him an apple and give him kisses.

Oh Hi Mom! I've seen you a lot lately!

Yes, I am the most handsome boy alive!

 Is that you back there?

Nope, his stall isn't up higher, big man just towers over everyone (1250lb at last tape and 16.2h)

Don't leave mom!!! (sound of heart breaking)

Oh , PS, theres a "fun" show on June 11th. Its $5 to get in the gate (competitors or spectators) and all the classes are free. Its just an open show. Western and english classes. I think I plan on taking Granite (assuming he is well) and just showing him around. If he's calm, I'll take him in some classes. If he's freaking out, then I paid $5 for some great exposure for him. I hope things align and we can go, it seems like a great opportunity!

I miss you all but try to catch up on blogs vis Google Reader (thats why I don't comment much anymore) during my lunch breaks (when I get them).

Cheers,

Rachel

Catching Up

Hello Blogworld,

Since I didn't make it out to the barn today (lame) I figured it would be the perfect opportunity to fulfill my promise to you all to blog this week. When I left my office at quarter after 5:00, it was pouring down rain, sideways wind, black skies, scary! I got on the interstate and proceeded West toward home (and the barn) at a blazing 45MPH... joy. I HATE driving in the rain and my beloved 12 year old 'red car' leaks on me during particularly torrential downpours. So, after about 15minutes of that fun, I made the executive decision to abandon barn and head for the hills (also known as my apartment). Of course, the closer I come to my city of residence, the clearer the skies get--- but I remain resolute that Granite gets this evening off and I will visit with my long lost acquaintance-- they gym. The gym was nice, although I hate when I realize how quickly one can get out of shape! Remember when I used to knock down miles at the time? I ran one... and then decided the stair-stepper may be more kind to my lungs (incorrect-- in case you wondered). Anyhoo I survived 30 whopping minutes... barely (and a 30 minute walk on mu lunch break). Can you tell I'm back on a mission to be a little less fat since I've put on 8lb since dating TK? I'm sure this huge glass of merlot I'm currently consuming will put me well on my way... riiiight.

So, wondering what we've been up to? Riding! And working. We've had another two lessons (I think) with Jen since moving to Oak Meadow. One was lovely and the other maybe overfaced Granite and myself with some little gymnastics. We have since decided to step back from jumping just a little and work on striding and such. Granite manages to hurt himself in the pasture daily. Its always a new surprise to see what wound he has come up with. I guess thats what happens with my little 4 year old busy-body is in a pasture with lots of older (less tolerant ) boys. Oh yeah, may I point out, the little man turned 4 on April 13th. 4 days before I turned 25! Youch, we are getting old!

On his 4th B-day Granite decided to turn into a pill-pot and spent almost 2 weeks being intolerable under saddle. I seriously started comparison shopping on dream horse to see what I could sell the kid for (I liked what I saw actually-- then I envisioned the vacation I could take for his sale price and the coach bags I could purchase for his monthly board...sigh... the life of a non horse owner). I think I ascertained that the behavior coincided with the implementation of a new bridle and ceased when I changed to another new bridle.... Either way, he got his head back on straight after 2 weeks of crazy. His Aunt Eva came to visit recently and rode him for the first time in a while. I love love love getting to watch him go undersaddle with someone else :) It always makes me feel a little better about our progress, or lack there of.

Granite did manage to pop a splint in his left front (same as his special hoof) after being shoed by a different farrier. Randomly he had a gland behind his left jaw (throatlatch) swell as well. Fortunately both of these things happened right before the vet came for spring shots (and teeth float all a whopping $237 argh) but the vet was less than helpful and told me to "get them examined if they got bigger" even though I would like to think I asked him to examine both things THEN (I wasn't able to be there-- joys for working 45min away and having ZERO vacation leave). Thankfully the glad swelling went away and theres never been any lameness in the leg and from what I read these are common in youngesters and cause little to no problem after they become boney lumps. The vet did advise me to ride him in front boots from now on and go easy over fences for a while (already determined). Our barn is switching vets after that experience and we had a meet and greet with the new vet last week. I feel pretty confident about trying her out! Granite did pull a shoe yesterday and I decided that because his back toes are wearing really quickly and the splint and my general confidence in my Super Farrier, I'm going to have TK arrange to hold Granite so that I can revert back to my trusted shoer. He's been working with Granite since G was a yearling and if nothing else, he's much less expensive and he knows how to calm my nerves.

Since G pulled the shoe, he just got a bath yesterday and you heard about the weather shenanigans today (after the tornadoes of the last couple weeks, I'm weary), so I'm really looking forward to riding tomorrow.

One last piece of news. My dad had to have (yet another) full hip replacement and is stuck home alone for quite a while. TK and I went to visit him and momma over the holiday weekend and we (maybe I didn't quite consult TK actually) decided to leave little Daphne Dog with her grandfather while he heals. This way he won't be home alone and Daphne spends her weekdays at Aunt Diannes at daycare, so I figured a few weeks at the beach being a therapy dog would do everyone (but TK and I who miss the dog like mad) some good. Mom and Dad report that Daphne is doing her job and helping some very stressed and recovering individuals smile a little more often.

Sorry for having been absent for so long, I work on websites and social media for the majority of my day (if I'm not writing press releases, speeches, or mayoral proclamations) and when I get home at night (typically around 8PM) I usually don't want to go anywhere near the computer :)

I got a Flip for my birthday-- yay-- so enjoy some rough footage of the dog and pony.

I promise

To blog this week!

Cross my heart <3

Spring Has Sprung and Hope is High

Hi blog-land. Just wanted to pop in and share with you the photos from our rid eon Saturday. It was 80 degrees and sunny with a light breeze. It was beautiful and a great day to spend time with my Gran-Man. I rode (and had the ring to myself!) then gave Granite a much needed bath before grazing him by the pond while cleaning my tack. Daphne and TK were obviously there to complete our happy little family on this beautiful first spring weekend. 

Granite was pretty good. Fairly soft and responsive. We've been trying to school over little fences more often and Granite really seems to enjoy himself. After reviewing the pics it becomes glaringly obvious that I haven't jumped with any consistency in about 7 years (wow, I'm old) and that Granite really has a lot of work to do to learn where is feet are and where they need to be in order to safely and efficiently clear fences. It will all come in time-- baby steps for now. 

Unfortunately, the big let down was that we were unable to attend the Hunter Pace today. I had the stomach flu and was out of work Mon-Wed and apparently a variation of the same streamed through the barn. The barn manager and her entire family got sick and were unable to go. Dianne had filled her trailer, so I didn't get the opportunity to take Granite out, but the Hunter Pace season is a long one and we will have plenty of opportunities in the future. If nothing else, Jen promised she would save a spot for me and come out of her way to make sure I can ride in the Hunter Pace on my 25th birthday next month (I think thats all I want... that and some tall boots of course). 

Well, its back to NCAA basketball watching for me... enjoy some pictures TK took on Saturday of our schooling. Granite is looking pretty good. I have to say I am impressed with all of his progress these last couple of months. I'm so ready for spring and all its promise!

Our First Lesson at Oak Meadow: Win!

Hey guys. Sorry for my habitual absence. Thanks to the prodding of some fellow bloggers (Nicku, Marissa... not naming any names), I have been convinced to use some of my sick day to send the blog world a quick update. I managed to contract some horrible GI bug and have been out of work for the last two days. I HAVE to go back to work tomorrow, but I'm really weak and haven't really tried eating solids in two days (wait, do bananas count as solid?). I also haven't seen the big grey monster in 2 days. 

We did leave on a good note. I saw Granite 6 days last week (and rode 5 of them)! The cherry on the sundae was that I had a lesson with Jen on Sunday. She has an amazing way of communicating with me so that I understand what I'm doing wrong and what Granite understands. 

We worked on me slowing down my posting and not bugging Granite enough with my legs. He was a really lethargic baby horse and I just keep pestering him to move forward. Turns out, he IS moving forward and I am causing him to rush! 

We worked on Granite doing softly and keeping him from dipping below the bit. We also added some sitting trot circles and canter transitions from them. THEN, we worked on jumping. We did the highest fences we have ever tried (maybe 1.5 feet). Granite did so well! No refusals. Jen used poles on either side leading up to the jump to encourage straightness and she used a crossrail with high sides to encourage him to hit the center of the fence. Granite was a pro and I was a proud momma. I was worn out after my lesson: it was amazing! I cannot wait to do it again.

AND... we will be competing in Granite's FIRST ever Hunter Pace at Yadkin Valley Hounds on Sunday! Wahoooo!

Until that update... enjoy some photos of last Sunday's lesson. Courtesy my lovely assistance, TK.

Granite Conquers the Trail

Sunday was day two at Granite’s new barn. He slept easy during his first night in a stall. There were shavings in his tail and on his side to prove it. He ate every ounce of his hay but seemed to have enjoyed himself.

We decided that day two at the new barn would be the opportune time to invite some friends and hit the trail. Haha. There are a few miles of trails adjacent to the barn and Little Rachel (Barn manager’s daughter) and her pony Logan offered to show us around. Jen and her expert Hunt Horse, Pickle, and D and her Master Trail horse, Jay, both trailered over to join us. We were also joined by another boarder (Harriet) and her horse (Nacho). Of course, I have no visual for you, but there were 4 chestnuts… and Granite.

We tacked up and headed off. Granite apparently has a rather large stride because we migrated to the front of the pack rather quickly. We stayed there for the majority of the time. We went by bright orange ribbons, a windmill, no fewer than 2 tree-stands, many puddles, culverts and inclines. Granite only balked at the first puddle, but after some encouragement from Nacho, he went right through. He didn’t think twice about crossing the puddles on the way back! Granite even took the lead for a while. The trail is right next to a huge interstate, so it was loud. But, Granite handled it all like a pro. We even took a loop around the lake that scared Granite to death on Saturday. He didn’t seem to mind since he had company.

After the trail concluded, we took all the horses in the outdoor arena. I put G through his paces. He hates the bit I currently have in his mouth (a new one has shipped and should be here any day now) and he is still very looky at the new barn, so the ride wasn’t great. BUT, he rode with 4 other horses in a new arena and gave me all of his transitions. He was really a champ. Little Rachel got on and hacked him for me as well. She loved him and it made me smile.

After hosing Granite off, we went to lunch. We got back (Granite had rolled) and I decided to take advantage of the 77 degree weather and bathe the monster. This was his first bath in 4 months! I washed him twice and still could have gotten more dirt out. He stood for probably 45 minutes in the new washstall while boarders sat around and chatted with me and I bathed him. Everyone is so impressed with how patient and calm my young horse is. He has made me so so proud this weekend. I clearly don’t give the big guy enough credit.

Taking all of this into account, I think I’m ready to take him to some Hunter Paces and Schooling shows next month. Little Rachel does a lot of these things and when there’s and open spot in the trailer, I think I’ll try to catch a ride. I know he will do fine competing in a hunter pace (slow or moderate division) and I think I’ll take him just to ride him in the warm up ring at the first couple of shows. I don’t think that actually competing In a show is too far off for us! I just need to get a few more lessons, get the biting issue fixed, and save enough money for a pair of decent tall boots. We will be there so soon!