Flying High

This year has been the hardest one yet after losing both my grandmothers and hitting rock bottom health wise. But I have an amazing support system in my family, friends and my online cheering squad. So I am skipping the year end review and focusing on the recent high points.

First I felt a bit lost when I received my blogger gift exchange person and she did not want stuff. For the last five years my sister and I have done a framed cross stitch. So we had to think of a way to still give our person a personalized gift that did not fall in the category of stuff. Fortunately I remembered my sister gave my mom and I shirts with heads of our horses painted on them. My person had a cute picture of her two horses wearing bows, which sparked the idea of putting Christmas bows on the painted heads. My sister was the mastermind for this project and she really pulled it off and even made her own ribbons using an infant sized ribbon. The best part was when our person asked if it was okay to frame a t-shirt.  Of course now I have a ton of Christmas movies to watch since I did not have late nights cross stitching.

Painted Portion

With external bows

Second riding has been at a minimum due to the weather. The times I do ride I enjoy fully. On New Years Eve I did short rides on the three older Cobs. Roscoe volunteered to go first. I nearly regretted the choice to ride bareback. My core was screaming, but having muscles to scream was refreshing. We are not perfect, but I feel like the move to first level is doable.

Up next was Rosemary. She has come so far in the nine years we have had her. I was pleased she did not have any hind end issues after all the mud we have had. She is always full of drama, but also willing to try. We made her day today by taking her for a drive. Her heart is really between the shafts.














Then it was Comrade's turn. He is still recovering and healing his tongue wound. His weight has improved and he looks healthier. I was not sure how much he could do since like me he lost a bunch of muscle. Surprisingly, we walked, trotted and cantered. He had a literal bounce to his step, that again had me questioning the bareback pad. I think he was really happy to work.

I was totally glared at by Ember, but since I was solo I could not ride him. He had to wait until today.
Which brings us the the third point, my awesome baby boy. On Christmas we did another ride offline and he was better. He still had some stops and our steering is nonexistent. He had some spring in his trot and we actually did one stride of canter.

 I shared a bit of his trot and a Cob breeder said it was "suspended and reachy." The next day was the first time we have been able to work in twice in a row. He was even better and listened mostly to me instead of mom. At the end we opened the little area and walked him into the bigger side of the arena. He stayed next to mom and was pretty brave.

Today it was all me and Ember. Mom took video while we walked and trotted. I carried a whip for the first time and used it to keep him from falling in and to encourage him to keep going. Man I was so happy with what he was giving me. I decided to try for canter. Mom had to help so no video. Ember once he picked up canter was actually pretty smooth. I am flying high with how good he is doing. I can't wait to see what happens next time.

Bring it on 2020!

Tongue Tied

Send healing vibes for Comrade.

 Like me, his recovery has been slow. And now his tongue is infected again. He has been making funny faces and having some issues since the surgery. The vet said the scarring could make him chew funny. So we began to think we were worry warts. Then Thursday he did not eat his food and was drooling like crazy. Even at his worst before the surgery, he always tried to eat. Peggy arranged for the vet to come Friday. Of course by then he was colicky from not eating. Banamine helped him feel better and eat some hay. The vet came and looked at his tongue. Sure enough it was squishy. The options were another course of antibiotics for a longer time or bring him back to the hospital. Peggy chose the hospital and fortunately he could go right away. The vet who did the prior surgery kicked himself for not having Comrade come back for a follow up. He said this time they would get it fixed. As he poked and prodded the tongue, it exploded push. About 1.5 cups of that nasty white stuff. He could stick his finger in the tongue and feel the bottom.  To keep the wound open and draining, they cut a hole all the way through. Then they tied a rubber tube through the hold around the tongue.  Comrade was literally tongue tied. The vet figured it would not last long but it would help.
Peggy had a minor panic attack when she received an update on Saturday. A different vet  said that around midnight he had a "seizure." Then he kept going as if it was not a big deal. Peggy finally asked what him having a seizure means. The vet proceeded to say "his temperature went up." And a light bulb moment, the vet's accent made "fever" sound like "seizure." She could relax again.
The next update was less exciting. Comrade had diarrhea caused by one of the antibiotics. So he had to go on a sort of isolation until he passed three salmonella tests. He also lost his tube.
Hopefully he will be home next week and be on his way to being completely fixed! We certainly could not have done the targeted flushing that the hospital can, but we miss him. Comrade though is loving all the attention. He even nickered at the vet.

Finally Answers!

I am not the only one who has been dealing with health issues for a long time. Comrade has been having weight loss, diarrhea, making weird mouth gestures, having a hard time eating food, swollen tongue and mouth ulcers off and on for almost 10 months. Peggy has had the vet and the dentist out, put him on tummy medicine, changed his food, gave him lunches, but nothing has worked. Just like me he would be good, then having an extremely bad day.

We worried he would colic from not eating. Well Sunday he was the worst we had seen him. During it all he has always eaten his food. It may take him an hour, but he wanted the food. Sunday Comrade could not eat even really mushy food. He tried, but then would go to the water trough and stick his head in like an alligator and wash the food out of his mouth. For the first time, Comrade walked away from his food and he did not even attempt to eat hay. Larry told Peggy she had to get the vet out the next day.
Luckily the vet made it out a couple hours after her call. Comrade did not even want to graze. So not him. The vet found his tongue swollen, but not reactive to manipulation. So they took x-rays of his head at various angles. Both Mom and Peggy saw something, but waited until the vet confirmed. He had a possible foreign object in his tongue.
This was not something he could handle and recommended Comrade go to Morven (Marion Dupont) and see the mouth specialist. Even better the vet was able to get him in the same day. So Mom and Peggy loaded him up and took him in. They said that the drugs our vet gave him brought his appetite back and he ate some hay when he got to Morven.
Morven has a CT scan for horses which is the biggest reason Comrade was sent there. And sure enough his tongue lit up with an object. The hard part was that it was in so deep they could not pinpoint its location. An ultrasound showed a massive abscess in the tongue but not the object. Mom and Peggy left him in the vet's care and headed home.
They were going to open the abscess and hoped the object was in the same area while he was standing. Unfortunately they did have to drop him and use the fluoroscope to locate. They removed an 1 1/2 inch wire from his tongue.

 They believe the intermittent bad days were when the tongue would swell from infection and then resolve. The vet said getting a foreign object in the tongue is not a frequent happenstance in horses. Comrade stayed at the vets yesterday and was already eating hay even with on open wound on his tongue. Gotta love Cobs. Today he was supposed to come home, but he popped a fever. Hopefully all the good medicines will get him on track and we will have our fun cob boy back home soon.
It is such a relief to finally have answers. We felt helpless as he struggled. Sometimes it is so hard to get the urgency of a situation across to a vet. So send healing vibes to the big Red Boy!
Oh and DaVinci is doing so much better. His swelling is nearly gone and the bites are no longer as angry.

Dualing Professionals

Thank you everyone for your comments on my last post. I still can't believe she is gone, but seeing her half finished cross stitch project certainly makes it real. And yes Kristen we can talk about a project of your own. Pm me on Facebook or email me at equinpilot@yahoo.com.

While Mom was gone Comrade was having issues with his mouth. The dentist had found he has a gap that will hold food. He told us to use a hose and rinse his mouth. Comrade was not totally thrilled at the prospect considering the weather was below freezing. At one point he even drooled down the gate. He seemed to resolve the issue.

All during that episode, Comrade kept eating. He is a Cob so food is priority. So when we started seeing issues this month the differences were noticeable. This time the drool was almost nonstop and he was not eating hay. Peggy got the dentist on the schedule to come. But Comrade's condition deteriorated to the point of shaking and minor colic. So we called the vet.

Comrade showing off his new sheet

The vet found he had a temperature of 101.8. He was obviously fighting something. So the vet took blood. She also looked at his mouth and did not see a huge amount of stuff in his gap. He got banamine for both the temp and the colic. Soon after he dug into his wet hay pellets and some soft grass hay. That evening his temp was down to 101.5 and in the morning it was down to 101.

During a blanket change Mom and I were appalled to see him so tucked up in his tummy and haunches. He looked horrible. No temp, but he was uncomfortable. Peggy gave him an oral dose of banamine after which he dug into food for the next three hours.

Ember snoot honing in

The next day the vet was coming to do a more thorough oral exam. She found three large ulcers on his tongue. She could not tell us how it happened or why he had an infection. Other than treating the ulcers, there was no other treatment advised. Salt water washes am and pm much to Comrade's delight.
When the dentist came, he did not believe the minor sharp edges were enough to cause the massive ulcers. He took pictures and video to send to three vets he knows around the country. All three individually came back and said that at some point Comrade's tongue was swollen and he chewed on it. That would explain the constant drool too.
 I was really glad not to be present. This vet practice refuses to sedate for our dentist and they feel they are superior. Except that when we used them, the horses were over sedated and sore afterward. Plus they were too expensive. We certainly won't burn the bridge, but we have been looking for another vet. So when the vet asked to do a full dental on Comrade, Peggy was quick to say that the dentist would be coming in a couple of hours. Let the dual begin. The vet lectured over and over about why the dentist  was not the right way to go. Phone conversations with the dentist of course said how the vets don't do things right. Poor Peggy was the concerned owner stuck in the middle. The determination of the dentist and his persistence to find us another vet helped Peggy make the decision. Plus he left a large syringe type thing to do the salt rinses.
In the end we are just trying to find the best care for our horses without breaking the bank.

Comrade had a recheck today from the new vet and no more ulcers. He will be so sad when he does not get anymore soft hay. So will Rosemary who has diligently been stealing it from him.

Windy Elimination

Well we learned a valuable lesson this weekend, don't have the trainer ride Comrade before a show. We had our lesson on Wednesday. I started riding him and actually  had a pretty good ride, but I have been fatigued due to some health issue, so I handed the reins to Lauren. Comrade put up an epic fight against her leg, forward is not his thing. I had no idea her ride would turn into a long, painful session. She ended up staying on him while I rode Roscoe.

"I can do Halt"

Motorcycle impression

So when show day dawned, we hoped he would be ready to work. I told him I would not kick his butt that hard. Both boys self loaded, super ponies, and we headed off. My farrier's wife warned us the wind was picking up and had already caused the judge's tent to fall over. Comrade was straight up sore and tight. He felt the worst he has felt in a long time. I hoped he would relax as he warmed up, but as time ticked away it was not happening. In addition to his soreness, I was tight and my outside aids were shot. I knew the test would not be our best.

Tight, both of us

We started into the ring, had a spook just before turning into A and carried on. Comrade's normally good trot work was missing. Then we picked up the left lead going right, bless him though, we corrected it on the circle. As we went left, he was slightly better. We picked up canter and I was happy about getting the shape, when we started an outward drift. Remember my awol outside aids, yep I totally failed. Next thing I knew Comrade hopped over the fence. I leaned to far inside and pushed him right out. I kept going and reentered at A, figuring to finish my test. The judge signalled I could and we ended fairly well. I was kicking myself. I wish I had pulled Comrade and just done both tests on Roscoe.

Just before our exit

Sadly Comrade missed out on the series end awards with the windy elimination since he needed that score to qualify. Ah well, I had to refocus and get Roscoe ready.

The end is near

Shell shocked

The wind had him a bit up. He felt the need to look around more than he normally does at a show. Roscoe decided he was still on vacation and he could not remember what it meant to move in front of my leg. We worked on getting him moving. I felt better on Roscoe than I did on Comrade which says how bad Comrade was feeling. It also gave me a confidence boost. Roscoe decided to spook around the arena as we got ready to enter. Thank you wind.

But we did at least have a better halt than last time.

"Forward... what?"

"How about step under..."

He was tight in his trot, but he delivered a canter with "lovely energy." I actually felt like I was able to get the right shape on the circle. He tensed on the downward from canter and to walk.

Yay we can canter

Okay Roscoe, now we have to trot

"Fine we can trot"

Then he our free walk was more of a coughing session. Roscoe did actively walk as he coughed. The judge wanted more stretch.

 Coughing put tension in Roscoe, which was reflected in his upward transition. Things improved as his trot continued and we got a 7 on our canter circle and I finally managed to sit up and straighten him to get a 7.5 on our canter straight.

My favorite shot

 Since I put him together, my transition earned us an 8. Icing on the finish was a 9 on the final center line. Roscoe took care of me and I can't wait to be able to actually be better for him. The judge was pleased with him and scored him well, but I know we both have more to give.

"Are we done yet????"

That said, Roscoe delivered this season. He improved every show and became so workman like. Though he only did three intro tests at this show, he managed to nab 3rd overall in Intro against people who have ridden the tests much more.

He ended the season with a 68.47% at Training 1. Mom took video, but I have not had a chance to transfer it off her phone yet. Comrade would have beat Roscoe since his scores were higher. Instead he got bute for a few days and next week he will get adjusted. Hopefully he will feel better soon. Everyone gets a break in November, then we show in December. Since the end of December begins my month of inventory, I may even have Lauren show him in January. For now we will stick to the schooling shows until I can get him sharper and in front of my aids.

Warbling, Cob Trot and Air Traffic

Saturday began our weekend of shows. Mom, Peggy and I powered through washing 4 horses. Ember and Roscoe were tucked into their stall, after being sprayed down with WOW. Our fingers were crossed that they would stay fairly clean.

After giving everyone dinner, I changed into show clothes and we loaded up to go. It was hot and a bit humid and I hoped Comrade and Rosemary had enough energy. I purposely asked for Comrade to go first to give Rosemary the later time. Luckily this venue seems to have a nice breeze. We left Rosemary on the trailer when I headed out with Comrade.




Well Comrade decided to call to her... over and over. He called some at the last show, but it was more this time. I told him he could warble all he wanted if he kept his frame and listened. At least this time I remembered the spurs this time. We got both our leads in warm up, which gave me confidence going into the test. He was really distracted though and it showed in his walk. I was a bit put off by some of the people in warm up, who did not keep track of the other horses. Every time they came by Comrade, I was forced to move off my line to avoid a collision. What ever happened to passing left to left? Anyway they continued to tick me off when it was my time to go in the arena. Warm up at this show is right next to the show ring and these guys did not clear the path along the show ring.
 

8 halt

Comrade and I made it work. We started and ended strong, with pretty solid trot work in between. His canter was not confirmed and his walk nonexistent, but it was a solid test. Comrade kept warbling during the test. Surprisingly, the judge did not mention it at the end. I agreed with her comments that he needs to be as confirmed in his walk and canter as he is at the trot. So put the volume up when you watch. You will also hear the sound of air planes.

7 track right

8 trot circle

6.5 Canter

8 Change direction

5.5 walk, Oh Comrade

7.5 last trot

8 halt

As we saddled up Rosemary, we saw the first hot air balloon. I guess during the August show last year a balloon had to land  in the field. Everyone hoped a repeat would not happen. There was an air show going on just down the road. So the air traffic was heavy with planes, balloons and motorized glider things. Rosemary noted it all.

As we entered the ring to warm up, she grew underneath me and snorted. She surprised me by picking up trot, a big bouncy COB trot. Her tail flagged, her head went up and she strutted. My normally so flat you can barely post girl turned into a pogo stick. I decided to just ride it. That much suspension is hard work and she is not in good enough shape to carry it long. She certainly wowed the audience while it lasted. Once she settled, we worked on transitions. She gave me canter both ways and her trot improved. It was hot, so I could not do much with her. She was a bit jumpy with the air traffic adding to the busy show environment. Despite that, I felt good as we went in for our test.

Air Traffic

Look at that step under

Ready to enter at A

Rosemary fought the first halt, then I did not see the judge salute and then we tripped at C. We smoothed out for our trot circle and blasted off for our canter. She needs balance, but I knew that. The canter did improve her trot and the change to the left was great. Her trot circle was improved and her canter about the same as the right. Where Rosemary shined, was at the walk. She rocked the free walk with stretch and over step. Her last trot was the best of the test even though we missed center. We finished straight with a better halt than the first. I could not have asked for a better first test out of Rosemary. You can hear the planes and see them in the sky overhead during her test. Comrade gave his two cents too.

6.0 first halt

6.5 Trot circle

Improved trot after canter

7 change direction

Trot after canter

7.5 free walk

7.5 final trot

7 final halt

Score wise, I felt they reflected the tests. Comrade scored 70.5% winning the class. He even got a 7 for impulsion and gaits. The judge called us a "talented team" and said I was a "secure rider." All of my rider scores improved. I guess doing a bunch of dressage tests has helped me too. Rosemary scored 66% earning third place. The judge felt that she improved as the test progressed and probably would have done great if she had rolled right into another test. She said her gaits were active and she just needs to work on balance. I love these Cobs. We pulled off two super tests despite heat, warbling, Cob trotting and heavy air traffic.

Rosemary was ticked because Comrade tried to eat her ribbon

Happy now after getting a banana