Treeless Try Out

I'm trying to find a suitable treeless saddle for Remy and today we had a meet up to try several to give me an idea of fit for both Remy and myself.
Unfortunately,one of the girls couldn't make it so we didn't get to try her Heather Moffatt, but all in all it was a very informative afternoon.
So in the line-up we had from left to right Barefoot Cherokee,Trekker Talent II( mine), Bob Marshall Endurance and Torsion GP.



I rode in mine first of all ( Trekker), to clarify my position firstly ( I was worried that I may be sitting too far back) and also to confirm the fit on Anky.





We'd already established that the saddle wasn't really right for Remy, although his withers are high, he is quite wide and the saddle looked like it would put too much pressure on his wither ( in effect, the pommel area wasn't wide enough). However it fits Anky quite well and even though it has memory foam panels to give spine clearance,I think, with the addition of a designated treeless pad it would be even better. The blurb for this saddle says that it gives a true bareback feel with the security of a saddle and I have to agree. Of the four saddles I tried today, this one felt the widest, but having established that when I felt comfortable I wasn't sitting too far back, I think I could really get to like it.

I tried the Barefoot Cherokee next.





The first thing that struck me about this saddle was that it was very comfortable, but I did feel higher up off her back. The pommel at the front wasn't as much of an issue for me as on the Trekker and when we tried it on Remy it seemed to sit much better.
It doesn't have panels underneath so must be used with a padded treeless numnah or saddlepad and has D Ring attachments for the stirrups so should be used with safety stirrups or a barnes buckle release system.

Next was the Torsion GP





This was definately the most flexible of the saddles and gave the definate impression that it would fit most horses with no problems and it was a good fit on Remy. Like the barefoot, it needs a designated numnah and also has D ring stirrup attachments. I liked it very much. Anky seemed to like it too. We all noticed that she started to stretch down and relax ( may be coincidental , I don't know). Gill who owns this saddle and the next one,the Bob Marshall, told me of the Treefree make of saddle which is a copy of the Torsion with some improvements, including T bar stirrup attachments, so I will check that out on the web.

The last saddle is the Bob Marshall endurance.





For some reason we forgot to take a pic without a rider, but there's a pic of this saddle at the link below. Also the stirrups were a little short so I've taken a pic without stirrups.
This is the most expensive of the four and the quality is excellent. It seemed to sit perfectly on Anky and was very comforable. Like the previous two saddles, it needs a designated pad and has d ring stirrup attachments. It has very short flaps so gives a close contact feel for the leg. I also liked this saddle very much.


So, to conclude, I feel that I would be happy with any of them. Having looked at the pics I'm not so sure about heel/hip alignment,whether that's the saddle or me, but I know that the Trekker, Torsion and Barefoot saddles have a dressage version. By choice, at this moment I would go for the Torsion, it is the most flexible and I think, most suitable for Remy, although I think the Barefoot would be fine also.


Trekker Saddles

Barefoot Saddles

Torsion Saddles

Bob Marshall Saddles

We had a lovely afternoon and I have to say that Anky was very patient. We finished off with the obligatory eats, drinks and chat.

Stress-free?

Yesterday was a frustrating day. I decided to ride out alone with Anky as Jim was busy. I didn't know what to expect, but she was quite perky, obviously a little apprehensive without Corky but we started out and she felt relatively forward and willing. We got as far as the bend in the lane going into the wood ( 10 minutes out) when she stopped dead and immediately spun round and legged it back towards home. It took me completely by surprise, she's never been quite as spooked before. I managed to stop her (kudos to the treeless, it was very secure), after about 50 yds, luckily without touching the electric fence at the side of the track. It didn't worry me, but we are supposed to be having stress-free ( for Anky) hacks. After halting I turned her back, away from home and asked her to walk on. She walked forward about 30 ys and then stopped again, obviously looking for whatever was lurking round the bend. Our stress free ride wasn't going to happen so I dismounted and led her quietly and calmly down the track for a few hundred yards until she started to calm down, then turned around and headed for home. She was still a little apprehensive when we got back to the yard. I wasn't angry at Anky, but I am very frustrated with the situation.

I'm not sure what to do with her. Yesterday, I thought I'd just stop doing anything with her and let her recover, let her be a field orament. Or is exercise going to actively help her improve? Knowing she's not fully well is really colouring my judgement when I'm riding her and I'm not sure this exercise regime is really going to help her get well. Should I just continue with the lungeing and in-hand and leave the hacking out? Or only hack out in company and take her in the school the other times? God only knows, - at the moment, I don't.

I left her this morning and took Remy up to the school. He's not been up there for a few weeks and he was a little distracted, looking at things. He was a good boy though and I lunged him lightly on both reins followed by a little walk down the track to our apple tree.......

Back in the stables, I tried my new treeless on Rem again, we're having our treeless try out tomorrow, a few friends are bringing their gear for me to try so he's going to get a lot of attention.
I did the same again with Bonbon, five minutes in the stable, oh she is a lovely little girl.

This is the life!

Our two dobes were lying in their beds this afternoon and I watched Elfin lick Obi for over five minutes! She likes her man clean. She's going to peel him a grape next!!

Beautiful Day, Great for Hacking

It's been a beautiful day today and this morning after spending some time in the stable grooming and massaging Anky, we rode out. Just a short ride as it's a couple of weeks since we last rode. The treeless saddle(here)that I've just bought still felt quite wide, but after a few minutes I settled into it and I have to say it's growing on me. Anky felt fine and at one point going through the wood she became very alert, but stayed forward and she felt pretty good. The dentist confirmed that her teeth are fine and she is starting to feel very soft in her mouth and she's much more relaxed through her body.
Before putting them all in the field I spent some time in the stable with Bonbon, just a few minutes of the same work as yesterday plus a little backing up from the voice. She's our little girl and we love her, but I also really like her personality and her willingness to participate.
A good morning, followed by an enjoyable afternoon playing sax and piano and chatting with a friend over a bottle of wine.

Remy and Bonbon in the field this morning.

Changing Coats (not rooms).

It's been brighter today and was wondering about riding, but Anky has been so good whilst I was away and I'm wondering if riding her is causing her too much stress. I think our rides have been stress-free, relaxed and only at walk so I can't believe it, though you never know with horses.
They're all changing their coats ( hmmmph, I hate it, a sure sign of winter coming) so this morning I gave them all a good grooming. They have good shiny coats (even Anky's is much shinier now), all to be replaced by coarse woolly fluff ( like putting away shorts and t-shirts for jeans and jumpers). They seemed to enjoy it. Bonbon, curious and wanting to join in. She's such a sweetie, always has been, although she seems to have hit the terrible (well, not really so terrible :-) )twos at the moment, testing out her authority. I've started to do a little bit extra with her. She's very good on the lead rein and well mannered in the stable, but she's started getting pushy at the gate at coming in times and also feed times. She's being groomed by our head mare to be 2nd in command and gets a little bit anxious trying to keep her position at the gate keeping the other 2 away. They have a certain order of coming in which very rarely changes. Corky (head mare)comes in first, then Bonbon, then Remy (unless Anky really wants to come in) then Anky last.
It works very well. Bonbon does get a little bit impatient and worried at the gate, but I'm sure as she gains confidence this will change.
Today, in the stable with Bonbon, I did a litte work with walking on and halting. I use click and treat (never, ever thought that I would use this method, but it really works, Trudi got me into it). I asked her to walk on from my voice with me standing and touching at the girth, at first she didn't understand and started searching my pockets for treats and giving me big kisses, but after asking a few times she walked on at the signal. Then halting, just the same asking for the halt, then on halting, clicking and treating. She's a smart cookie, and so inquisitive and interested in things.
I did the same with Remy, but he was far more interested in his grub (typical bloke!!) should have cleared his hay away if I really wanted to get his attention. :-().
After putting them in the field I picked some more tomatoes and some fruit from the garden.

Pic below shows not just any watermelon, this is our delicious, juicy, mouthwatering, home grown watermelon!!

Dressage should be fun!

Since returning from the UK, I've had no inclination to ride. I feel like I've got jet lag ( LOL, I think it's all those English Germs!!). I'm sure I'll get over it and be raring to go after the weekend ( weather forecast is awful).

This really brought a smile to my face.

Horse Dentist

We had the horse dentist today and I'm pleased to say that all the horses were well behaved and Remy and Bonbons teeth are developing normally.

Anky's droppings are more or less back to normal now and she's been quite perky the last few days. They've been shut out of the front field for a few weeks because the acorns were falling so today we let them back in. An added bonus is that the field is quite sparse because it's been so dry, so not the usual lush grass (great for Anky).

I took this little vid.

Back Home in La Belle France

Got home this afternoon after spending 6 days in the UK with family. I hadn't been looking forward to it and there were too many people, too many cars and too much noise and rubbish, but I had a great time catching up with friends and family.

So true to my word, this is my new boy. He'll be arriving in the next couple of weeks.



I wonder what the others will think of him?

Tiger Tiger, Burning Bright

Second ride on the treeless. The very large pommel is definately an issue. Perhaps it'll help to open my hips! :-) I'll stick with it, see how it goes. Anky certainly doesn't seem to mind it.
I have 3 friends who all ride treeless and they are coming over for a lunch bringing their gear with them so I'll be able to test another 3 saddles, it will give me more of an idea.

I'm off to the UK tomorrow to visit family so won't be blogging unless something fantastically interesting happens whilst i'm there ( highly unlikely).

However, I may be visiting a stud who have developed this new breed, so you never know!!


Cats and Horses, my two favourite animals ;-)

Experimenting Treeless

I really want to back Remy before the winter but he's quite an awkward shape at the moment so i've decided to try treeless.
The budget won't allow an expensive purchase so I've been looking at mid-range, well made brands with a good name.


I know nothing about treeless saddles and after a little investigation I've looked at several including the Heather Moffet, Barefoot, Trekker and Torsion saddles. I really would like to trial the HM Vogue Fhoenix but as I say the budget won't allow,and trying to get a treeless agent in the sticks in France may be difficult. I've been keeping an eye on treeless saddles on ebay and came across a like new Trekker with all accessories, numnah, leathers, stirrups and two very nice neoprene girths. The bidding was very low, so I put in a bid and 2 days later, voila! it was mine. Hmmmm, I didn't really think I'd get it and was in the process of ordering a Barefoot. Never mind, I paid for it and it arrived yesterday.

Its a rather ugly saddle but the quality looks ok. It has nice soft leather flaps and a nubuck leather seat. It has memory foam panels on the underside which give spine clearance. I'm not so sure about that, the panels dont look very deep, but we'll see, the blurb on their website assures me it can be used without a special numnah. The numnah that came with it has an insert for panels, but unfortunately not the panels themselves. I do have a gel pad which I could use though.

So, this morning Anky was the guinea pig. She came in looking ok, ate her brekky and set to eating the hay, so I thought I'd test the saddle on our hack.
The saddle is very light and the stirrup leathers attach with traditional bars and not rings. It came with a set of bates t-bar leathers which I have on my other saddle and really like.
It looked a bit strange on her, bigger than a treed saddle. It felt secure when I got on and the first thing I noticed was that it felt wide. The rather large, ugly pommel at the front seemed to be forcing my legs apart. As we progressed on our ride and i settled into it, placed my seat more central between the pommel and cantle it became rather comfortable.
It's true that you can feel far more of your horse moving underneath you, Anky really was moving my seat more today. She seemed unconcerned by the saddle, walking out purposefully, relaxed and soft to my hand. So, we'll see how we go with it, but my first impressions are positive. If I intend to use it on Remy I am going to have to get used to it and feel confident riding in it. As my first foray into treeless I feel that it was rather sucessful:-)

Work on the lunge again with Remy, this time at the bottom of the garden. He was fine, if a bit sluggish. Walk on both reins out on the circle. A short session.

2 goods and a not so good.

The two goods this morning.
Rode out with Anky and she was the best she's been. The walk was forward and purposeful, but relaxed and loose. She was soft in my hand and responsive. We were out for almost an hour, she was alert and just felt 'good'.
Remy in the school, lunged on both reins without assistance from Jim and he stayed forward and out on the circle. He started to slow and come in a couple of times but I put the whip towards his shoulder and asked him to walk on and he did. A very short but sweet session.

The not so good this afternoon, Anky stretching in the field.
I brought her in as the flies were also bothering her. She had a little feed of Alfalfa nuts and then lay down (sigh). She got up again after a few minutes and continued to eat her feed, then lay down again. After another few minutes she got up and started to eat her hay apparently feeling better. Not rolling, pawing or sweating, just uncomfortable. It is around her season time, so perhaps that is affecting her. Ho hum onwards..............

Lungeing Remy

Anky was in some discomfort when we brought them in last night. She was lightly stretching and when we brought her into the stable she lay down. She wasn't rolling, but definately uncomfortable. She only stayed down for a few minutes, then she got up and ate her tea. We kept them in for a couple of hours and she seemed fine, eating hay and acting normally. He coat was staring as if she was cold, so I put a (very) light rug on her for the night. I know it's been a little chilly the last couple of nights but it has warmed up a bit now so not sure what to do tonight.

This morning she came in fine, tucked into her breakfast and started on the hay. If i'm going to continue doing anything with her I'm definately going to have to assume she's feeling fine unless evidence to the contrary. I can't keep second guessing or I'll never do anything.
So, we hacked out and she was alert and forward but reasonably relaxed and soft in my hand. I was very pleased.
Remy in the school again. Jim took him out onto about a 15m circle on the left rein and I asked for walk on. Jim walked at his croup encouraging him forward and discouraging him from coming in. He was excellent and we even got a short trot. On the right rein he wanted to come in and resisted the driving aids so we went back to walking a smaller circle and getting a good walk-on and staying forward on the circle. After a few revolutions on the circle I asked him to halt and called it a day. We'll continue tomorrow.
I'm going to introduce him to trotting poles but can't find any for sale around here. Trudi can you remind me where you got yours please? (memory like a sieve!)

Chasse

The horses were edgy this morning when we brought them in.
After a few minutes I realised why! The Chasse (hunting) season has begun.
I hate the chasse, I hate what they do and although the chasse in our area have been courteous and mindful of our horses, I always have that feeling of unease and threat when they are around. I know this is France and I know it's what they do. I don't intend to try and stop them doing it (would be futile)and I'm not getting on my soapbox, I just wish they would go and do it somewhere where I can't see or hear them!! (a bit nimby, I know) To be fair, they only use the land immediately surrounding us once every 5 or 6 weeks, so I know I'm better off than a lot of people I know.
Last year on one occasion they got very close to our top field and the sound of the dogs and guns was very loud. Our horses were in there so I went through the field to the boundary man ( the one who tries to stop the dogs going haywire and running on to our land!!), not to complain (I'm always polite :-)), but just to remind him that the horses were there and they would be afraid. I had just started speaking to him at the fence when I felt a nudge on my shoulder followed by a head coming over my shoulder. It was Bonbon, closely followed by the others, they'd also come over to chat to the nice man!! How could I possibly tell him they were afraid!

Anyway it put paid to our plans for riding so I lunged Anky followed by a massage.
We took Remy up to the school again to continue from yesterdays lungeing session.
The noise of the chasse was very distant now, but of course, Remy could still hear it and he was very distracted. What I like about him though is that he doesn't panic or throw himself about (perhaps he just can't be bothered). He stopped several times obviously listening to the chasse in the distance, but then when I asked him to pay attention, he calmly resumed his work. Not as consistant as yesterday, but I was pleased with the way he behaved.

Solution for Dubious Training Methods?

We hacked out today, we were out for 50 minutes and Anky was very relaxed and forward. She was walking out nicely and stretching out to my hand. She's much better taking the lead, much more alert. Corky looks to be getting fitter also, according to Jim she was on a mission today!

We took Remy up to the school for his first real experience on the lunge. I was the lunger and Jim was the whip holder. Remy will now walk on from the voice so it was Jims job to keep him moving and out on the circle. He responded really well and moved off from the signal, continued at walk and on the couple of occasions he tried to come in to me, Jim pointed the whip at his shoulder and pushed him out. No problems, no confusion, out on the circle on both reins. A good session. He's a cool character. I just hope he's not cool verging on dull. ;-)

I'm wondering if this would be a good solution for all those dubious training methods? It could save many horses from their suffering. Perhaps the FEI should look into it?

Support and Inspiration

Following on from something Horse of Course said I've been thinking about how much I've learned since moving to France 3 yrs ago. When we moved here I knew nobody, especially anyone with horses. I'd corresponded with Trudi who's since become a good friend and a constant source of help and information, thanks Trudi.
I missed the stimulation of the yard, the reassurance of having people around to discuss things with, ride out, just general support. I turned to the internet, dusted off my horsey books and gradually got to know many other horsey people in the area. It has opened my mind to different methods of training, different ways of interacting with horses. I find that I now have the support that I need, which gives me confidence and inspiration. So I'd like to say thanks to my friends and fellow bloggers.

Had a good day with Anky and Remy today. I'll write it up later.

Dodging the rain..........

....this morning with Remy and Anky. I took Remy into the garden to practice our lungeing technique (said in the very loosest of terms!!). I had an "I am totally useless at this" moment when he got confused and instead of walking on he kept coming in to me, but we continued and he did 'get' it and we walked around on both reins. For our next session I will take him up to the school and with Jims help, take him out onto the circle properly.

Anky has a scratch across her back where the saddle would lie, so she's having a couple of days off hacking. I took her up to the school again for a short lungeing session followed by a little in-hand work. This is all experimental for me but I'm taking Trudis advice and I think with a combination of Anky moving better and perhaps me starting to get to grips with it we're making some progress. Today we got some nice steps in shoulder-in and then leg-yield.

I've just put some Himalayan Salt Licks in the stables and Anky spent a good five minutes licking it this morning. She obviously needs it. Bonbon thought she'd like to share!!

:-(

Mum and Dad have gone home today. It always leaves me feeling a little lost. They were here for a week and it's gone so quickly. I'm going to the UK in 10 days though so I'll see them then.
Had a short session with Anky on the lunge this morning, much looser again. We finished with a short session in-hand and her walk was much more purposeful and the lateral work ( shoulder-in and leg yield ) was much more fluid.
Here's a pic taken by my Dad just before our hack on Monday.

A sigh of relief.

Our land was breathing a sigh of relief this morning as the heavens opened. We desperately needed some rain. The horses loved it, they were playing and rolling, loving the freshness and the lack of flies after the last few weeks of hot sticky weather.
It's my parents last day today, they go home tomorrow (sigh)so we went off for lunch in our local town. Whilst out we finally bought some water tanks (it's only taken us 2years) to collect the thousands of gallons of water that come off our roof and run straight into the gateway of the field. Hmmmm, we may get them set up before winter. :-))
Just been and checked the horses, they are absolutely filthy!! Happy though.

Alfie

Facebook - love it or hate it, it's a remarkable resource. I've had friends contact me from way back and it sure does bring back memories.
Uncle Erics livery yard 1992, great days, great friends, good job, plenty of time at the yard. I get quite emotional when I think of those days.
Out of nowhere, Yvette a good friend sends me a message to say hi, we get chatting and it all comes flooding back. Whatever happened to Winston and Alfie, she says?
Winston, if he's still alive would be late twenties now, I had to stop riding so I sold him to a lovely lady who said she would keep him forever, I visited him for several years and I'm sure she did keep him forever.

My next horse, Alfie (he's the one in my blog title) was a big strapping chap, very loving, but quite a lazy boy,loved hanging out in the field, couldn't see the point of hacking out or schooling heaven forbid.LOL I had him for five years, he had an accident when he was nine and after several days he died. I remember the worry and fear, then the hope of those days, only to be devastated when he died. Futile hopes, thank god we don't know what the future holds.
Here's a very scrawny looking me with my boy.


This is a pic of them all (thanks to photoshop Winston, Shea and Alfie.

Cantique

I was last up this morning, had a lovely lie-in. The horses were all in and breakfast was made. Great.
I took Remy up to the school, he was a little on edge as they'd all come in a little spooked.

He was very good, a short session, no confusion, he got it straight away. Walk on up the long side, I let the lunge line out to a couple of yards (showing my age now) and walked as if lungeing, level with his shoulder/girth, small circles in the corners and off again on the long side. He also kept out of my space today. I was really happy with him.

Jim had other plans so I also took Anky up to the school. I rode her at walk for about 20 minutes. Started on a long rein, encouraging her to stretch out to my hand, lots of changes of rein, walk/halt transitions, then leg yield from the quarter line, into the corner asking for inside flexion, out of the corner to shoulder-in. Trying to keep relaxation and softness. She certainly feels like she's starting to loosen up, less resistance, I hope it's a sign that she's feeling better in herself.

We were invited to a concert this afternoon by a friend who sings in a local choir-Cantique.
We were entertained to an hour of choral music in the beautiful church at
Montbron. The accoustics were perfect and the sound was excellent.

Brantome

We had a good day out yesterday with Mum and Dad, we went to Brantome, a beautiful town surrounded by the river Dronne.
It was market day and there was a lovely atmosphere

We had lunch out at a lovely cafe by the river, it was a really lovely day.


The horses had a day off and were all well when we returned. Anky seems to have renewed appetite and I hate to tempt fate but she really does seem to be improving. As we put them out in the field last night, she did an almost normal poo ( not the kind of thing that makes good blogging, I know, but it made my day!) and set off with Remy down the bottom field. I may be wrong, but I swear she had a swing in her step!

Today we hacked out, she seemed less distant, more involved somehow and she certainly was more relaxed through her body.

Les deux boulangers

Mum wanted to go shopping today :-( not my favourite pastime (unless it's for something horsey!) so we rode out early, Corky still acting up, she's a funny old mare, just taking the mickey out of her dad, I think! Having led her past the frightening whatever it was, Jim remounted and we continued on our short hack. Anky felt ok, fairly relaxed and willing. I've spoken to an equine vet in the UK who's been helping me with Anky, providing advice and information and we've got a feeding and supplement regime sorted out for the next few months.We're going to give her a course of oral aloe vera gel which should help heal any damage to her intestines, and follow on from the gastrogard with a product called Neigh-Lox which will buffer any excess acid and also protect the stomach lining in order for it to continue to heal and then remain healthy.

Worked with Remy in the school, he learns quickly, but he is so big and must learn to keep out of my space in the in-hand work. He's a joy though.

We got a nice surprise on our return from shopping, the men had decided to bake ( I know, bizarre) and the kitchen was filled with the lovely smell of lemon sponge and oaty biscuits! Yummy.

Noisy Haylage Monsters

What a lovely evening we had last night.
As we were putting the horses in the field around 9pm we could hear music coming from the village so decided to go take a look. We hadn't seen any posters so were surprised to see the village square full of tables and chairs,various stalls a bar and a bandstand. There was a lovely atmosphere and people were dancing to music from a combo of sax, guitar drums and accordian. They played french folk songs and a few jazz classics, we even got a rendition of Mac Le Couteau!! It was great.

We had an eventful ride this morning. We set off for our 30 minute ride, down the same track we've been down many times before, but this time Corky would not go. And so Anky would not go!
We could hear banging in a far field just as we were approaching the haylage monsters behind the hedge, so can only presume that the combination of both things set Corky off. The problem was that we were on a narrow track with electric fencing on one side and after last time I really didn't want Corky backing on to it.
We managed to get into the field on the opposite side and approach from that direction, but Corky wouldn't go and I didn't want to pressurise Jim :-) so I got off Anky and led her past. She was quite worried, but very well behaved and further down the lane I managed to get back on. After that they were ok if a little on their toes. Jim commented that Corky was lovely to ride when a little bit huffy!!! And it was nice to ride an Anky with a little bit of spirit.

My parents have arrived this afternoon for the week, so I'm hoping for lovely warm sunny weather and we have lots planned.

Through Billies Eyes

I didn't do anything with the horses yesterday, still recovering from my exertions the day before! :-)

Today we rode out, just for 30 minutes up the lane round the fishing lake and back again. Anky came in looking perky, ate her breakfast and did a semi-solid poo! (Believe me, poo watching has become a way of life recently).
There was very little energy in the walk, but she felt very relaxed and was stretching down to my hand, so I'll take that as a positive.

We've changed her over to Luzerne (alfalfa) nuts instead of the Alfa A as there is no molasses in the luzerne nuts. She's now having corn oil in every feed and we've ordered some psyllium. She's had the last full syringe ( 1 per day for 28 days) of her Gastrogard today, she'll now have half a syringe per day for another 14 days. I'm really hoping she doesn't revert to having the discomfort she had before once the dosage is reduced.

I took Remy up to the school, it was a good exercise as we had tractors and trailers (harvesting the corn) coming and going along the lane all the time we were up there.
He got a little worried at one point and jumped away on the lunge line, he didn't try to get away though and soon calmed. I led him around for a couple of minutes to reassure him and then we did a little walk work up and down the long side. He's starting to respond very nicely to the walk on signal and I can walk at the side of him rather than leading from the front. I say I can walk, but when he really walks out I have a job to keep up with him.

This is something a friend of mine wrote today, she's going through a bad time at the moment. I wish I could help her.

Through Billies Eyes.

I remember a different place, before we came here.

We all had our own rooms, we didn't stay in them much though we spent our time running through the fields, playing, or just grazing and sleeping. Whatever we wanted to do.
Sometimes we would get excited, we just knew something was going to happen, different to other days, we could smell it, we could feel it, we would watch her approaching, we always did, but these days were special. She would come and greet us in turn, I always speak to her, she understands what I say, its funny she doesn't make a sound back but I know what she is thinking.
When she walks away I follow her, we all follow. We don't know where she is going but we trust her, its always somewhere good. We walk across the now short stubby fields that only a short time before had been lush and green. Now and then she stops and listens and looks around, we understand and wait behind, wait for her to move again, onwards we follow, she disappears between the trees and bushes, we can't see what is on the other side, we are anxious, then she is back again and we are happy to follow, through the trees and out the other side, and there before us is another magical place, a green expanse where the breeze is cool and we can see for miles around, we are still not sure and wait patiently for the signal, as she steps aside and lowers her head we know we are in a safe place , we run as fast as we can, leaping and racing each other as far as we can go and then race back again where she is waiting, we roll in the long grass which feels wonderful on our backs, we are happy and relaxed because she is watching for us.

It is not the same here, there are no magical places, we still follow her on the special days but we can see where she is taking us, we can still run and roll and eat, but is not the same. It is hot and we don't stay long, we prefer to stand back in the big room, we all stand together helping to keep the flies away. Sometimes she sits with us, quietly in the corner, she makes a strange noise and there is rain on her face, but it is not raining outside. I have heard this noise before on the day I couldn't find my friend. I saw him when we were all together in the field, but then he started running around and I tried to follow him and he kept rolling in the grass but he wasn't happy. We were taken back to our rooms, he didn't come, I could hear him but I couldn't see him. When she came for me and took me to where we were, I could see him but couldn't hear him anymore. There were others there, they all stood making noises I couldn't understand and they had rain on their faces but it wasn't raining on me.
I stood with them and whickered low, but he didn't answer me, so I turned to her and she nuzzled me it made me feel better, so when she sits in the corner with rain on her face I nuzzle her, it makes her feel better.

A weekend of ups and downs.

The Up.
I had a lovely morning on Friday when Trudi and her daughter Lydia came over. It was a lovely warm, fresh morning and we were able to work with Anky and Remy in the school.
Trudi did some in-hand work with Anky and then helped me as it's all pretty new to me. She made me realise that I have to find my own way with the in-hand work(thanks Trudi), find out what works for both me and the horse. In other words, "don't follow in the footsteps of the masters, search for what they sought." The quote is in my head, I'm not sure where I've read it, but it seems to sum it up.

Lydia, the video queen and budding film maker charmed both Jim and I. Before going off with Jim to oversee harvesting of produce in the garden she took this little vid, she's such a star.
Watch it with the sound on.

We took Remy up to the school and played, he's learning to walk on ahead now, he's quick to learn and apart from getting a little bit excited he was a good boy for his Auntie Trudi:-)



The Down.
We returned from an afternoon with friends yesterday to find Anky a little colicky in the field, she was stretching and lying down and rolling. My heart sank, I'm so emotionally tied to this horse now I can't be objective and it's really starting to get me down. We brought them in and she lay down in the stable, she wasn't rolling or pawing, just quiet. I kept a close eye on her and after about 30 minutes she stood up and whickered at me for her tea. By the time we put them out for the night she seemed fine. Jim did remind me that although she is still showing symptoms, she is much better than she was. Having started the Gastrogard treatment, we are now taking steps to try to heal any inflammation in the hind gut, which often goes hand in hand with gastric ulcers.

This morning she came in looking fine so I took her up to the school for some in-hand work. I concentrated on getting her focussed and motivated and we did some nice walk work, including a little shoulder in and leg yield down the long side of the school.

Another Up.
We've just spent a lovely afternoon with some friends, playing silly games in their pool and having a laugh. Like big kids we were - just what I needed.

Aaaaah, a cool breeze!!

It was lovely this morning, warm but with a lovely cool breeze. Couldn't be better.
We rode out with Corky and Anky, we investigated a new track and Anky went down it no problem. She is tight in her back, only to be expected really, but today she was forging. I'm hoping she'll gradually start to relax over her back, it's only occasionally that I feel her really moving my seat.

I've been gathering quite a bit of information on Gastric Ulcers and associated problems. It seems that Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS) and Right Dorsal Colitis (RDC) often go hand in hand. The only FDA approved drug for the treatment and prevention of recurrence of gastric ulcers in horses is GastroGard®, which is what Anky's on, but this won't treat colonic ulcers. Feeding corn oil daily is recommended, to be added to the feed to increase Omega-3 fatty acids. A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids may help to reduce inflammation in the colon. Also Psyllium mucilloid can be added to the feed. Psyllium increases the concentration of short-chain fatty acids in the colon of other species which reduces inflammation and may reduce inflammation in the horse colon. I don't know anything about Psyllium, but I've heard of it being sold as a supplement for horses so I'll have to investigate. We feed the horses sunflower oil, so I'll change Anky to corn oil from now on.

After riding out, I took Remy up to the school. He's not been up there in a while and he was a little reluctant, but once he'd got his head round it he went up there ok. He was distracted this morning, but he settled once in the school. We've been doing little sessions, asking him to walk on from the voice and a light touch on the girth. I want him to walk on of his own accord, which has confused him a little after all the leading work we've done. I think he's starting to get it and today in the school it seemed to click and he gave me a purposeful but relaxed walk stride. I think he's got quite a good walk. Early days, but I find him a very exciting prospect.

It's so hot!

We managed to ride out early this morning, but it was still too hot. I don't know how people manage to get anything done in this kind of heat. On the way to the hairdressers the car recorded an outside temperature of 39 degrees. Thank god for air conditioning!!

The heat was obviously getting to me as I told the hairdresser to "cut it as short as you like".
Never, ever do that!!!!

Horse Flies.........Ughhhh

I took Anky in the school today, Jim had to go out so I thought I'd ride her at walk for 20 minutes in the school. Hacking Anky out alone doesn't make for a relaxing time. She felt ok. She felt straighter in the walk with a much more genuine bend on the left rein. She's still reluctant to bend to the left and wanted to tip her nose, but after a couple of minutes she started to give a more genuine bend and stretch the outside, with a much softer feel in the outside rein. She felt quite soft on the right rein.

I always feel sorry for the horses in summer, having to deal with the flies, the mouche plats are gross, crawling around under their tails they must be so annoying. The ones I hate the most are the big brown horse flies, they give a terrible bite. The only good thing about them is that they are pretty dozy and easy to kill.

Yesterday whilst riding, one of them got me on the arm and by the end of the day the swelling was from wrist to elbow, tight, hot and very itchy. I'm not a hypercondriac, at least I don't think so, but last night I felt like I was starting with flu and I'm sure it was the bite.

Anyway I made the mistake of looking for info on the internet. Now that could make you into a hypercondriac..........

Anyway general concensus for treatment is anti histamines, aloe vera and an iced towel.
I'd love to grow some Aloe Vera, I wonder if they have it at the local garden centre. :-)

Blip in transmission......

...yesterday. Today was better. I felt better, Anky seemed better so we rode up the lane and back. Both Anky and Corky were fine. On our return I did Ankys stretching exercises and she seemed nice and relaxed.

It's been so hot and dry recently that the only thing growing on our lawn at the moment are the dandelions, so I decided to mow them. Unfortunately I ran over a coil of rope in some long grass at the side and it stuffed up the mower :-( Needless to say Jim's not very happy as he's spent all afternoon trying to fix it.
I blame the dandelions!!!



Thanks to my fellow bloggers for their kind words and for not telling me I'm a twit :-)

Merde

It's been a shit day today.
I can't say it in any other way, I can't pretty it up, make it sound deep and meaningful, thoughtful or dramatic. I don't have the literary prowess for that anyway. It's just been a shit day.

I awoke feeling far from my best this morning, but Corky and Anky need their ride out and I want to ride. So off down to the stables. As I approach with the tack Anky does a cow pat dropping, stretches (that horrible extreme stretch) and lies down with a sigh. She looks pathetic and weary. I feel desperate, frustrated and also very weary. Also pathetic because at that point I feel very low, inadequate and powerless. Am I feeling sorry for myself, yes I am!! And I hate myself for it.

I don't know if Anky's getting better, some days I think she is, other days like today I think she'll never be right. I'm definately neurotic about her, I watch her, looking for signs of improvement, is she eating, is she moving ok, is she stretching, is she gassy etc, etc, etc.......it's very wearing and I shouldn't do it and I am now overreacting, yesterday I was so up beat about the whole thing. Today, I don't feel great and I know that it's colouring my judgement with Anky and also making me question my own role with the horses full stop.

I did nothing with my beautiful boy, I'm sure he's all the better for it.

Today, and for a few days , Ive thought that I don't want my head filled with PK, NO, PB, R, AB, Rollkur, German, French, this way , that way, high hands, low hands, the incessant backwards and forewards of conflicting methods and ideas...........Aaaggggh. My head is spinning. I'm not up for it!!!!!

Back Onboard

I had a lovely day yesterday at Trudis'. Moo was looking very well and after a short session in hand with Trudi it was good to get a sit on, thanks Trudi.
We then had a nice relaxing lunch and entertaining conversation with Trudis' daughter Lydia.
After getting the all clear from the etiopathe we rode out today, just 20 minutes up the lane, but it felt good. Both Anky and Corky were fine, Jim said Corky felt really quite loose (wow, the magic of osteopathy!!!!)and Anky was walking out quite well so i'm happy.
A short session of bit work with Remy after which they were all turned out in the field.
It's going to be very hot again today, so won't be getting much done this afternoon.

Tack Talk

Same again today with Remy, work in hand. I started with a short session with the bit asking for relaxation of the jaw and the beginnings of flexions and I was pleased with him. We worked on the giravolta and he moves forward and crosses his hind legs over in quite a controlled way, but he's not very consistent in his head and neck. We have either too much or too little bend. Something to work on.



I was out this afternoon at our local horse group, today was really just a horsey "ladies who lunch" but was quite interesting as everyone brought some unusual items of tack. Saddles, bridles, headcollars. bits, gadgets etc. we had a room-full, which provided us with some stimulating discussion. We even had a few examples of hoof boots which I'm very interested in as I want to keep the youngsters barefoot if possible.

A busy but enjoyable day.

All Three

A short session with Remy today. He seems perfectly happy with the bit now. He's mouthing nicely. I put the numnah and circingle on him today to see how he would react - hi didn't. I took him out to the picadero and we worked on the giravolta on both reins. He was a little distracted, but he did ok, he's definately getting the hang of it. I have to be careful now though as he's anticipating. I moved to his side to tighten the circingle and he started to move away from me. Asked him to stand and tried again and he stood quietly. He's had a swelling on his hock, there is a graze on the side, probably where Bonbon (our 2 yr old) has kicked him. He teases her something rotten and when she was little he got away with it, but she's more or less the same size as him now and quick to let him know she doesn't like it. Anyway it's going down slowly so I don't think it's anything too serious.

We walked Anky and Corky out today as planned, they were a little confused wondering why on earth we would want to do this. They were very well behaved and on the way back we came through the front field. I decided to walk round the perimeter with Anky, but Jim went down to the yard. Anky didn't realise that Corky had left her until we were half way round. When she realised she whinnied and pulled away, half rearing and kicking out, trying to get to her. I had her on the long rope so I let her canter around and sort herself out. She started to trot and then walk and I walked with her and then halted and asked her to come in to me. She was still focussing on Corky, by now in the bottom field almost to the yard but she came in and halted. I turned and led her around the field with a loose line, halting and changing directions and she just calmed, halted when I halted, walking on when I did, her focus returned to me. So I was really pleased that she calmed so quickly and walked down the field happily and calmly.

Lise L'Etiopathe

The etiopathe came this morning to see Anky and Corky

Because of the problems Anky's been having, probably caused by the ulcers her caecum is swollen which in addition to making her carry herself differently is actually dragging down her pelvis on one side. So today the etiopathe rectified the problem and gave her a good look over. After discussion with Lise the training program is to ride out as often as possible at walk, starting at 20 minutes and gradually increasing the distance, and short sessions on the lunge or in-hand in the school. We need to encourage her to be more active behind which will increase blood circulation and help to keep the gut moving and hopefully take down the swelling. Also tone up the stomach muscles which will help support the gut.

Corky's swelling has gone but her pelvis is still very unlevel so Lise manipulated around the sacroiliac joint and she's now level, she released some of the tension in her shoulders and neck and says she is good to go. The training program for her is the same as Anky including short sessions of hill work to strengthen the quarters.

So, with instructions in place I'm also good to go. I'm feeling more positive about Anky and now (hopefully) we have the full picture I feel much better prepared to continue with the training plan.

Pumpkin Soup

The horses stayed in last night as we expected feu d'artifice (fireworks) from the fete.. It didn't happen, I feel sad for all the efforts that had gone into it only to be rained off!!
So the horses went out first thing and were glad to go out to lovely sunny weather.
They've just come galloping up the field, Anky in the lead, she had a buck and a squeal and a general scamper about so I think she's feeling a bit better.

I've made soup with one of our pumpkins, it's rather nice.

Raindrops keep falling on my head.

We do need the rain, it's just a shame that half the villages in France have arranged their festivals and vide greniers(empty attic - jumble sales) for this weekend!!

I spent a couple of hours in the barn with the horses and Frankie this morning. Frankie and JC are two kittens that we rescued last year. The photo below was taken when we first got them and they're grown now, but we still call them the kittens.


Frankie likes the horses, and I think they like her, she spends a lot of time with them.

I gave Anky a relaxing massage and she was very chilled out. Bonbon was asleep and I could hear her snoring gently on one side, and Remy was snuffling at his hay on the other. Frankie was curled up in the corner of the stable and I could hear her purring.

I am a very lucky girl!!!!

Veggies, Hats and Mr and Mrs Frog

Good sessions today with both Anky and Remy. Same as yesterday with Remy, practised the giravolta on both reins, which he seems to be understanding well. Started lunge work at walk around the perimeter of the picadero, good on the left rein, but was a bit confused on the right rein and kept coming in on a small circle around me. Jim walked on the outside for a while and he seemed to "get"it.
Lunged Anky in the school, she's started stretching more over her back and today she seemed tuned in to me, we walked and trotted on both reins and she was really responsive to my body movements.

We've started getting quite a lot of veggies from our little plot so today I thought I'd take some piccys.




We've picked the onions and garlic, but we have tomatoes, beetroot, peas, beans, carrots, cabbage, rhubarb, raspberries (we've eaten all the strawbs and because I've been so lazy they've been overun with weeds :-( )

We have, melons, pumpkins, peppers, squash, potatoes (although, they don't look too good) and fennel.

I can't take any of the credit, Jim does the veggie plot. The only things that I do are the strawbs and the garlic!!

It's been so hot here recently so today Jim bought me a ventilated riding hat. Yipeee.


We were hosing down the terrace tonight and suddenly an enormous frog pushed it's way out of the drain hole closely followed by it's mate. The first frog had to dash for cover, but as you can see, it's mate stayed put!!

Philippe Karl's Petition

Took Anky up to the school today, usual lungeing, five minutes each rein, she is looser and more relaxed, starting to stretch over her back and neck.
Worked with Remy for a very short session, practiced the giravolta on both reins. He was very calm and responsive. A short, sweet session. (thanks for the info, Trudi)

Just been on Philippe Karl's website reading the correspondence between him and Christoph Hess of the German Equestrian Federation.
Philippe Karl is certainly passionate, but, unfortunately, I think he's banging his head against a brick wall.

It would do no harm at all for all riders to watch the vid below to see what good training can achieve and how beautiful a horse and rider can be.

Working Equitation

Just seen this vid , it is Pedro Torres and the horse is Oxidado, a Lusitano. They're doing the working equitation speed test.


What a brilliant horse and rider!!!

Mum, there's a monster in the grass!

Had a quiet couple of days, not too much with the horses. I think Anky is coming in season and I've seen her stretching a couple of times. Not the extreme stretch that she had been doing, the same stance but a much gentler stretch and for only a few seconds a time. If she is coming in season, she's certainly not showing the level of discomfort that she has in the past.

Took Remy up to the school today. A short session concentrating on keeping his attention, walking on, halting, moving him around the school.

Obi greets us every morning with the blanket off his bed and he'd left it in a heap in the garden. Coming back to the stables this morning, Remy spied it lurking in the grass and for the first time since starting working with him, I saw him react suspiciously and warily. He raised himself up and started to snort at it, it was funny, the little (well, not quite so little) love was quite prepared to stand his ground. Jim brought it over to me and I let him sniff at it, put it back on the ground in front of him and he sniffed it on the ground. No problem, he relaxed and followed me back to the yard. Good boy.

Haras De Pompadour

I spent yesterday afternoon at the very beautiful Haras de Pompadour. I went with a friend to watch a Pro/Am Dressage Competition. Why do I do it??? I've never seen so many beautiful horses being ridden so badly. They were pushed and pulled about, lots of spurring and whipping. Overbent, mouths strapped shut, tense, tight, held like a vice.
I'm not saying this from the standpoint of an expert, but I can certainly see bad training and riding when I see it. I despair of competition dressage, I really do.

A beautiful young horse, full of vitality and potential, moving easily and joyfully. Good training should enhance this, but over and over we see this being replaced by resigned acceptance, dead, sad eyes, bodies pushed to the limit.
Oh, dear, it's a bad day today!!! I can't bear the thought of Remy ending up like that. No happy blogging today.