Updates

Here we are at the end of May.

I hit a breaking point with Sailor in mid-late April. He was acting out for the farrier, refusing to be caught, melting down in the cross-ties, and rearing in hand. We essentially hit a point of no return where he needed to get his sh*t together. I stumbled upon a piece of the puzzle by (almost) accident. I say almost because I was doing my monthly physical on him, so I was searching for answers about how his body was feeling. Yes, our epaxials and lumbars spasmed on palpation as usual. But like a pinball machine, every single ulcer point on this horse lit up.

He almost nailed me at Liv-13 on the right.

I did some digging- more away from traditional standard medicine and delved into holistic medicine and found... the cecum lives on the right. Now... where is Sailor lame? The right hind... right. Below. The. King. Of. The. Hindgut.

We're on week 5 of stomach and hindgut ulcer treatment. Sailor's coming around- he's easier to catch and handle, falling asleep during grooming, and we're slowly reintroducing carrot stretches, the mounting block, and the saddle. He's still ouchy on palpation, but we're working on massaging them out, and I've talked with an equine vet who will teach me how to do mesotherapy. I haven't decided if he's coming with me on the move to Pennsylvania in a month, but for now, he seems leery, but okay with what we're doing. Do I think he'll have a career? I don't know, I never know. I'm just happy he seems happier.

We fake cross tie again!

We're sampling (and maybe enjoying) new treats!

We're attempting to cuddle!

Candy scared the bejeesus out of me at the same time Sailor had his come apart. Candy had an episode of founder four days after he started Pergolide; one week after finally being officially diagnosed with Cushing's after years of testing. It's been a struggle with his weight since he's been retired. The barn manager and I had a "should we, should we not" conversation about muzzling 2 days before he foundered because his body condition was so lovely. Luckily, he's finally feeling much better (after blowing an abscess as well) and seems to be moving better than ever. There was a day where the light had dimmed from his eyes, and I was so scared it was time. We decided, "What the hell!" and took him out of the dry lot, put him (muzzled) back on pasture. Candy never looked back- turned out he was just mad to be away from his buddies for two days.

He threw a tantrum because there was a fence *BETWEEN* them.

Meanwhile... I'm moving up to Pennsylvania for a job in a month. I've found some places to lesson at, but haven't had luck with finding a boarding facility yet. I don't even know if I want to move the boys up. I'm considering moving Sailor up, taking 1-2 years to bring him along and see what he wants to do, but that's still money and time spent out of the saddle for me. Candy is a harder decision- I love him dearly, want him close, but... He's happy with his pasture mates and so content with them. Our grooming sessions have dwindled from 45 minutes to 20 because he wants to go back out to the field. I also haven't found pasture board; Candy wouldn't and won't be happy to spend his remaining days on stall board. It's a hard decision of who to bring, if I bring anyone at all. At the end of the day, I promise I'll do right by these kiddos, even if they're fickle, dramatic creatures.

- K & C & S

Making Peace

It's been more of the same since turning Sailor out. I had cautiously sketched out a plan to bring him back into rehab work in March after spending February doing positive reinforcement.

Well, February ended up being a nightmare month where maybe half of my days off were spent at home, asleep, and the other half of my days off were spent traveling, and working nights. It rained on the days I had energy to go out after work, sunny on the days I was too tired to go to the barn. I ended up going a little over 3 weeks without seeing the horses, which is the longest I haven't seen a horse since... ever? I've backslid in my riding abilities; I haven't sat on a horse in 4 weeks, haven't truly jumped since May 2017.

Finally managed to squeeze in a visit- after 2 months of turnout, no rehab, no riding. Just grooming and occasional "playing" with Sailor, his back. Still. Hurts. Over T17- the deformed problem vertebrae. At this stage, I may text his sports medicine vet one more time to see what else we can try, but I think Sailor will ultimately stay a pasture pet. Even then, I've been struggling with the internal debate of retirement for 20+ years, or euthanasia. I hate the idea of discomfort, but can't justify euthanizing Sailor, when Candy hobbles around the retirement farm. Candy is in more discomfort than Sailor, but Candy "earned" his retirement. Candy still plays and romps, don't get me wrong, and I know the number of autumns left for him are very much in the low single digits. It's difficult to justify "Yes, I need to euthanize Sailor, a horse I can technically afford, because his back hurts." when Candy is in more discomfort than he is. Because it feels selfish to consider euthanizing Sailor; I feel like I don't "owe" him a retirement. We tolerate each other, but there is no bond. I feel like every week I struggle with trying rehab again with Sailor versus letting sleeping dogs lie; do I Shockwave, mesotherapy, splurge on the custom saddle, buy a sheepskin pad? At some point, I'd like to have a real savings account, buy a horse trailer, save for a home, actually ride again and finally start showing consistently. If I keep throwing all my spare money and time into Sailor, I don't know that I'll ever obtain those things. If someone told me, your horse will be rideable with a $6K saddle, I would make those funds appear, but I won't spend another $6K on something that "may" fix a horse.

I'm sure every week my optimism or pessimism will change regarding my riding and Sailor; I haven't made peace with a decision for him yet only because I don't want any of them for him that isn't a happy career and a happy home. I don't want the 8 year old retired amongst late teens, early 20s; I don't want euthanasia for him if I can't prove constant discomfort worse than Candy's. I can provide the home, but I can't provide Sailor with the happy.

So for now, the boys will toodle on in retirement.

He is beautiful, isn't he?

This knobbly-kneed handsome beast

Autumn Relapse

The last few weeks have been frustrating and a little devastating for me.

Sailor's back began to relapse again. He was refusing to stand for the mounting block, irrationally spooky, and just tight over his back after the first cold snap. We took a week off from under saddle work, and lunged only, repeated Shockwave, bought a new (to us) Back on Track mesh sheet, and kept trying. Between working 12-14 hour shifts regularly and having to go to the barn 6 days a week, I was exhausted.

Last Tuesday, when I put on Sailor's surcingle, he turned and walked to the back corner of his stall. His eyes said, "I'm done.",  so I texted Candy's retirement farm and my current trainer. I'll move Sailor to the retirement farm December 1st. His Christmas present was supposed to be a stall card with the show name he never got to use for a stall he will no longer have.

I'm not sure yet what it means for us. I got in touch with an eventer who does 1* with a horse with KS that made the mare previously unrideable and she said 24/7 turnout was the biggest game changer for her horse. I plan on giving Sailor the winter and most of the spring off, then starting him back in the Pessoa or maybe an Equiband to see where we go. It's complicated though- I struggled and could not find a barn with pasture board near me when I moved here. I have a set list of non-negotiables: excellent care, an arena with lights, and no set barn hours because my job doesn't let me have flexibility in the traditional sense. If I end up leaving the area next year, it further complicates things- do I spend the money to move a horse only to move him back a few months later when he relapses yet again? Do I go through the same semi-retirement I went through with Candy only to retire him completely 1-2 years later?

Then there are my own goals. My goal of owning and showing a 1.10m horse before I start a family and truly settle down. My goal of showing on the A circuit, or at least regularly on a local circuit.

I'm trying not to worry about the future of Sailor and I's partnership and focus on the now, but it's hard when even the now is painful. I'm watching friends finish up show season, and having to come to terms with the fact that yet another show season has come and gone, and I am not a part of it. Sometimes, I get frustrated that I couldn't have just leased an uncomplicated serviceable school master, and instead went for owning flashy and athletic, and now have two retired horses to show for it. Horses, though, are never fair. Life is never fair.

I'm sure I'll have my show season some day. I'm sure one day I'll jump fences again on something other than a 2'6 lesson horse. That 1.10m goal is farther away than ever, but I have no doubt I'll reach it.

Don't Jinx It Now....

Well, we are about 6 weeks out from Sailor's last Shockwave treatment, and officially 10 weeks out from his diagnosis/injections and beginning physical therapy/rehab.

He jumped his first line of cross rails last week and was tickled pink! He's becoming incredibly adjustable, learning his simple changes, working on transitions on the lunge and under saddle, and has now learned how to canter on the lunge in his Pessoa with minimal meltdowns. Other boarders have commented to me about how happy and relaxed he's becoming.

He continues to stress me out, though- I wonder how he'll do with the cold temperatures on the way. I've begun the hunt for a Back On Track mesh sheet to see if that helps, and plan on keeping his routine of 5-6 days of work under saddle/in the Pessoa through the winter.

He's had a few "twinges" here and there, but overall, is now "green horse" naughty instead of "painful" naughty. His latest fun trick has been backing up to avoid work; he'll even back up nose to my boot and refuse to turn so that's been frustrating, especially since one of our arenas requires a short trek over and into it. He's also developed a panic button when he meanders too far back in the cross ties and startles himself (as in sits down, and slips out of his halter) when he hits the slack. I'm hoping he gets over these vices soon- I really think he would be benefit from hacking out more (mentally and physically), and so far I only trust him to "hack" on the lunge line in the Pessoa. Baby steps, I guess? I've had some offers to hack out together from boarders, but my schedule is so erratic it will be hard to coordinate.

Geese will murder him.

But still, he seems to be trending upwards; I'm worried the more I brag about him and his progress, the more I jinx it, and he'll break again.

Fingers crossed, he keeps doing well!

Meanwhile, Candy has been a champion as a confidence booster- one ride, and I remembered I DO know how to sit a buck.

Post-peppermint boy 

- K & C & S

When You Knew It All Along...

When Sailor's issues undersaddle started last October, I was scared- scared because I knew most likely what it was, and scared for what it meant for our future. I did saddle fittings, a new saddle, chiropractic work, hock injections. All because I knew it was ruling things out, and would be things I ultimately needed to continue after Sailor's diagnosis.

Back in May- I pointed out to my chiropractor his weird vertebrae. It was out of alignment; she put reduced it, and recommended working long and low to build his topline. If the vertebrae gave him no more trouble, we were good to go.

So that month, we started walking for 30 minutes a day 5-6 days a week, then the next week walking 10-15, trotting 10, walking 10-15. By the last week of June, we were walking for 10, trotting for 15, cantering both directions, and cooling out on the buckle out of the ring. I jumped him over 2 cross-rails. We took a lesson and he was the best he had ever been.

Then he fell apart again- never rearing or behavior like before, but inverted at the trot, defiant when asked to get round, tense and guarded at the walk. So I had the vet out again, who recommended this time we go to Hagyard's and get him worked up.

So we did. And the vet saw what had stumped us all- a sound horse with a great topline, mild back pain, decent saddle fit, but a horse with a switch: perfect on the lunge line one direction, dangerous in the other direction.

And on X-rays? Kissing spine everywhere.

So we've injected his back. Put him on a calming supplement. Started a Bute/Robaxin taper. Adding in Shockwave. Starting him in a Pessoa while re-teaching him how to lunge because he's become a rank creature. And hoping for the best. The diagnosis could not have come a worse time (but is there ever a good time?) with me having to leave town for 5 days in mid-July for a wedding, so I'll be limiting my merry-making so I can make the 45-60 minute commute back and forth daily to continue his PT.

The veterinarian thinks if we can get him under control, he can go back to being a 2'9"-3' horse. I think he will never be the 1.10m jumper I purchased him to be.

My goal now is to get him happy, comfortable, and trained to see where he will take me. I've always said that if he will not be a 1.10m horse, that's okay- but he needs a job, especially while I have Candy in retirement.

 I'm not optimistic, and I see retirement or euthanasia-if the pain gets too bad- in his near future, and it breaks my heart since this little peanut means the world to me.

Learn As You Go

Slowly but surely, Sailor and I are having little breakthroughs each day...

1. He does, in fact, know how to be a gentleman at the walk, trot, canter.

2. Trying to ride a green OTTB in the outdoor for the first time in months on a brisk windy day when they've just introduced a new horse to the herd in the field behind the outdoor ring after he's had 5 days off is not a good idea. Lunging your horse and doing a victory lap at the walk around the outdoor? Better idea.

3. Don't look where you want your green OTTB to spook. Look where you want to go.

4. You will never EVER spook at the same things your horse spooks at.

5. You better start doing Pilates. Sailor is doing horse Pilates, you are a sack of potatoes.

6. Invest in bell boots.

7. You will never be financially stable between student loans and having horses. Hopefully, eventually, you will be "ok" until Sailor is able to leave the property. This will only happen when he manages to keep both shoes on and stops destroying Italian bell boots.

8. Those dreams of doing ROOTDs? See above.

9. He is stinkin' cute, and almost makes you not regret your life choices.

New Year, New Me

New saddle, new hocks, new turnout, new... horse?

To start from the beginning-

October- Sailor began rearing and bucking with me and acting rank.

November- Sailor was spooky, and jittery; he bucked so hard after a lesson over fences I had lower back pain for a week, and I refused to keep jumping him. Called the chiro out and gave him 3 weeks off. Had a saddle fitter out, tried a few saddles, and saw some improvement. He was rude with the pro; bucking and kicking out under saddle.

December- bought a new saddle, but was literally too afraid to sit on him for more than 15 minutes to try it. We started doing carrot stretches and I massaged him myself 3 times a week. Sailor discovers soft peppermints are his *favorite* thing in the world.

January-He started bucking and striking on the lunge, so I finally called out a lameness vet and injected his hocks. Added Cosequin and magnesium to his SmartPaks.

3 pro rides- "He's been the most boring horse to ride. He's so quiet."

1 lesson, and 1 flat ride later... He's been "himself", floppy ears, putzing around, and just... playful.

The new saddle

A snowy boy!

On the other pets- Candy is cruising along- happy as can be with the cold temperatures! Wilbur had a relapse of pneumonia, and Lila may have ovarian cysts we need to deal with.

Now to pick what Sailor will do as a big boy.

- K & C & S

1 Step Forward, 500 Steps Backward

So owning Sailor has been a saga. I have gone from sitting a few bucks and laughing to ugly crying the second he flicks his tail and snorts in disagreement.

About 1 month after I got him, Sailor reared and bucked with me. We had a few training rides, a few lessons, and all seemed to be well-tense and guarded, but well.

Then we had a jump lesson over crossrails, and he BRONC'd after every fence. We stopped the lesson early, and I called the vet, and the chiropractor, and my mom, and my boyfriend.

Saddle went off to be adjusted. Sailor got adjusted. And I emptied my wallet.

Sailor got 3 weeks off because my work schedule made it convenient, and I thought it was a great rest for his back and a good way to spend his time while the saddle was adjusted.

We started back on the lunge over poles, then in the Pessoa, then on the lunge in the saddle over poles, and he looked so comfortable. So I sat on him, trotted him for 10 minutes, and scheduled a flat lesson.

The flat lesson, he was distracted and anxious. I was anxious. He was willing until we asked for the canter, and he gave me a frantic flat trot. We tried again, and he dove through my outside leg and snorted. The aggressive rider I used to be on Candy and Lexie wasn't there. And I just bawled. So my trainer hopped on, rode through a few micro-bucks and got the canter both directions.

I made the decision to call out a professional saddle fitter, and decided I would not ride him until we addressed the saddle. If the saddle fits, then his back gets X-rayed, and he starts ulcer treatment.

And, as much as it breaks my heart, if we can't figure out our working relationship by the end of the winter, or at least improve it, well. I really hope it's not the case. Riding isn't fun right now. It isn't relaxing. But I like him- I like his canter when he is proud of clearing a fence, I like his big scopey jump when he is nervous.

Here's hoping we can fix him, and start to develop a partnership.

- K & C & S

Adventures in Owning a New Pony

What I thought it would be like:

What it's actually been like:

One chiropractor appointment, one vet appointment (for cellulitis), a new SmartPak, and saddle refitting later...

I think I can ride my *new* horse in exactly 2 weeks from now.

- K & C & S

A Horse of a Different Color

When I moved back to Kentucky, I chose not to take Lexie with me, and I was devastated- the amount of crying, wine-drinking, and chocolate eating I did made it look like a bad breakup and it felt like I was losing a loved one. I decided I would wait until the fall (at the earliest) to start a horse hunt or bring her up. I took lessons here and there after I left Lexington, and fell into a small depression when work ramped up. I was on call constantly and didn't have a day off for weeks. Standard intern life, conducive to riding Candy but not to lessoning on a going horse consistently.

During this time, I got a phone call that a horse I was interested in had dropped in price... conveniently into my budget. I had lessoned on him weekly for two and a half months during my preceptor in Lexington, and really loved his personality.

After a week or two of negotiating, an almost spotless PPE, I accidentally bought a horse a good 3 months ahead of my timeline!

Meet Sailor! He's a 16.1h, 7 year old OTTB with a puppy dog personality and a (nervous) heart of gold. I think he'll make a cute derby/3'-3'3 hunter, but for now (mostly because of location), we are going to dabble in eventing.

Can't wait until he moves here in September!

- K & C & S!

Not Quite a Student, Not Yet a Doctor

I'm 2 days away from wrapping up week 3 (of 52) as a veterinary intern. So far, I've been learning a lot, but struggling to find my place.

I used to be an unlicensed vet tech, and I tech'ed for 5 years. It's been hard to undo my habits of cleaning, tidying, restraining animals, and doing everything in between. I'm struggling to find my way as a doctor, which is exactly what this program is for. Hours have been long, but not as long as they could be, and I'm grateful for that. I spend the day working with patients and clients, sometimes on my own, sometimes not- depending on the service.

Overall, I can't say too much about the experience yet. I am sure the knowledge I'll gain will be indispensable.

- K & C

Finding a Fit

I've been a little quiet on the horse front, mostly because... well, there is nothing. Since moving, I've been struggling to find a lesson program that fits my needs. I found one that was seemingly perfect- if only they would call me back.

The area I moved to has a handful of eventing barns and even less hunter jumper facilities. It's been a frustrating two weeks for me- I took one lesson, but ultimately decided the program didn't offer what I needed as a rider, and have been cold-calling facilities ever since. I can't decide if I'm being impatient or if our fast-paced culture is making expect a returned call within 24-48 hours. It's been depressing, and has been making me really nervous about my upcoming internship year- I miss the lesson program I joined in Lexington (1.5 hours away) and miss the lesson horse I had bonded with there (also 1.5 hours away). If I worked a standard 40 hour a week job, I could justify a 1 hour drive to a hunter jumper facility. If I worked a job with a good salary, I could justify the weekly $70 riding lesson, but unfortunately, I don't work either of those jobs, and never will. Being realistic, I'm not sure when I'll actually lesson regularly again, not sure when I'll have a *sound* horse of my own, or when I'll compete again, if ever.

The only positive is that Candy is safe and sound in Kentucky with me- his retirement facility seems like a perfect fit and the care seems phenomenal. Any farm with 5 horses over 30, all with mirror-shiny coats, has to be good, right?

Trying to find the good in this situation. I feared it for a long time, and it's here, and it's just as I was afraid. I just hope that although the immediate future is cloudy and rainy, I hope that my long term career with horses and in veterinary medicine is bright and sunny because of these sacrifices.

-K & C

Veterinary Intern Essentials

I'm about to start my veterinary internship (Wednesday!), and I've already stocked up on my essentials to get me through the year. What do I love? Here's a list... Featuring the world's best attempt at an image board collage. #amateurhour

 1. Comfy scrubs are a must. I love Grey's Anatomy and Figs scrubs to keep me clean and mostly fur free.

2. Comfy shoes. I spend 12-16 hours a day on my feet during clinics and will keep those hours during my internship. I love my Dansko clogs and New Balance 574s for my high arches and for preventing foot fatigue.

3. Little black book. I use Moleskine pocket notebooks exclusively. I have an address book for medication dosages, and a plain notebook for taking notes on rounds, patient histories, and treatment plans. They're a splurge, but hold so much information and last forever!

4. A favorite pen- yeah, yeah, yeah. These are kind of a goober essential, but I use black, BIC Atlantis pens. I buy them in bulk at Sam's Club. I like my ink to match and not smear, and have found these to be ultra-reliable over the years.

5. 1 Liter Nalgene water bottle. Whether it contains caffeinated Crystal Light or plain water, my Nalgene is always with me. I jokingly call myself a psychogenic water drinker because I am always sipping to keep myself alert and hydrated.

6. Patagonia. Between the Better Sweater and my obnoxious patterned Synchilla vest, I am always warm and toasty even in the chilliest of clinics.

Beyond that, I have more standard essentials: my Littman Cardiology III stethoscope, a Vick's thermometer (super fast- handy for the wiggly ones!), a trusty watch, a lint roller, and a pocketful of healthy snacks.

- K & C

Horse Supply List- I'm An Addict

Horse Stuff
1 Prestige Nona Garson Saddle + black fleece saddle cover
2 Bridles: 1 Five Star Tack Wembley Bridle, 1 Five Star Tack Ascot Figure 8 Bridle
1 MHB Creations Fly Bonnet (charcoal, baby blue, hot pink, rhinestones)
1 Five Star Tack Signature Breastplate with running attachment
1 Five Star Tack Hickory Cavesson Noseband 
3 reins: 1 Nunn Finer Soft Grip Rubber Reins, KL Select Fancy Stitch Reins, Harwich Curb Reins
6 Bits: 1 Loose Ring French Link Snaffle, 1 Rubber Dee, 1 French Link Dee, 1 Plain Snaffle Dee, 1 Copper 3 Ring Elevator, 1 Loose Ring Plain Snaffle
1 Girth: 54" Total Saddle Fit Girth
1 Pair of Prestige Stirrup Leathers
1 Single HDR Stirrup Leather (Grab Strap)
1 pair of MDC Hunter Classic Stirrups
5 Saddle Pads: 3 Lettia Coolmax Baby Pads (Green, Brown, White), 1 Dover Saddlery Pad (Black), 1 BoT Pad (Black), 1 Barn Baby Pad (white)
1 Ogilvy Memory Foam Half Pad (charcoal with baby blue)
1 Thinline Trifecta Half Pad with Cotton Rolls (white)
1 Thinline Sheepskin Half Pad (white)
2 Thinline Hind Shims
2 Thinline Front Shims
1 Beval Wool Half Pad
1 Fleeceworks Show Pad + memory foam shims
2 Pairs of KL Select Italia Bell Boots (natural & black)
1 pair of Veredus Carbon Open Front Boots
1 pair of Veredus Carbon Hind Boots
2 sets of Dressage Sport Boots (black)- front & back
1 set of BoT Polos
1 pair of BoT Hock Boots
1 pair of Nunn Finer Double Lock Brush Boots (black)
1 set of 4 white polos
Miscellaneous/variable numbers of black and navy fleeces polos
2 sets of 4 Standing Wraps (black & navy)
1 set of 4 Black Standing Wraps
3 pairs of baby blue 14" Pillow Quilts
1 pair of BoT 14" quilts
1 Noble Outfitters Grooming Tote containing: 1 Haas Schimmel Brush, 1 Haas Lipazzaner Damen Brush, 1 face brush, 1 hoofpick, 1 comb (pink glitter), 1 Oster Mane and Tail brush, 1 bot knife, 1 pair of scissors, 1 mane pulling comb, 1 bottle of Farrier's Fix Hoof Oil, 1 bottle of Show Sheen, 1 bottle of Pyrahna Fly Spray, and 1 bottle of Eqyss Marigold Spray
1 small black bucket containing: 1 hard brush, 1 Oster soft brush
1 Cosequin bucket containing: a sponge, Gallop bay shampoo, Mane and Tail Conditioner, and Fungus Amungus shampoo
1 set of Wahl face clippers
1 set of Andis body clippers
1 Baker Halter
1 Leather Halter with Candy's show name on it
2 Lead ropes - 1 Royal Blue and 1 Black and Rainbow
1 halter + muzzle
1 sheepskin muzzle guard
1 set of sheepskin halter covers
1 Horseware Cooler in blue stripes
1 Horseware Quarter Sheet in blue stripes
1 Rhino Lightweight Turnout
1 Beval Medium Turnout
1 Amigo Heavyweight Turnout
2 fly masks: one with ears, one without ears
1 Centaur fly sheet
2 Stanley trunks: one for standard horse supplies, one for seasonal items
1 small Stanley chest containing sundry first aid supplies

Riding/Rider Stuff
1 GPA Speed Air
Varying number of brown hairnets
5 Sunshirts: 1 brown Kastel, 1 heather Tailored Sportsman, 2 EIS (black, baby blue), & 1 Hunt Club grey sport hirt
5 "cold" weather shirts: 1 burgundy FITS zip, 1 black EIS, 1 Nike Rolex pullover, 1 Columbia fleece pullover, and 1 red Nike pullover
5 Pairs of Schooling Breeches: 4 Tailored Sportsman (Charcoal, Black Forest, Black Olive, and Boysenberry/Black), 2 Pipers (Burgundy and Military Green)
1 Pair of Show Breeches: Tailored Sportsman
1 Black North Face Down Jacket
3 Vests: 1 grey Auburn fleece vest, 1 black North Face down vest, and 1 grey Champion down vest
1 Navy Blue Mountain Horse Barn Jacket
1 Pair of brown Carhartt insulated overalls
3 Pairs of Gloves: brown SSG Digital Riding Gloves, black Roeckls (show gloves), winter-weight black Roeckls
1 Pair of black DeNiro Salentos
1 Pair of grey Parlantis
1 Pair of brown Ariat Crowne Pro Paddock boots
1 Pair of brown Tredstep Leather Half Chaps
2 Pairs of spurs: roller & Tom Thumb
2 Pairs of spur straps: black and brown
2 Riding Crops: 1 black crop, 1 black/baby blue/hot pink cross country bat
1 black Tipperary vest with baby blue laces
2 Pairs of Hunter Wellies: navy (quarantine/gross boots) and olive
1 Show Coat: grey GPA
2 Show Shirts: 2 Essex Talent Yarns
2 "Nice" V-Neck Sweaters: grey J. Crew and black Ralph Lauren
5 Belts: 1 leopard print needlepoint belt with monogram, 1 green Tredstep Flex, 1 brown 2" Handy Hunter, 1 brown Hunt Club Polo, and 1 maroon Hunt Club
Coordinating Set of black/baby blue/white boot bag and bridle bag

I HAVE A HALF PAD PROBLEM, I AM AWARE.

All this for a....
23 year old
Retired
Andalusian.

Photo Dump/Updates

Trying to get back into the swing of blogging, although it may turn into more of a veterinary intern blog rather than a horse blog.

In the meantime, here is a photo dump from the last two months!

3 year anniversary present from the dude.

Shameless swing shift selfie

Candyland.

An "oops" on my love, Lexie-Lu.

Last ride redemption!

Sweet Sailor- favorite lesson horse at the barn

Graduation trip: Disney World and Harry Potter!

Something Exciting Happened.

As of 2 weeks ago, I am no longer a DVM candidate- I'm officially a DVM!

For Sale/Lease: Rider

5'8, skinny-fat, 26 year old rider. Smart and eager to please. Good build for the adult equitation, but needs some work to place in stiff competition. Has experience in the jumper ring up to 1.0m, and would make a solid 3' hunter/equitation rider if she ever pulls her head out of her ass. Has buttons, just doesn't always remember them. Requires a horse willing to take a joke. Asking $40k or whatever will pay her rent for the next year.

Stagnant

I feel like the mood of my blog has been one of not quite hopelessness, but frustration and stagnancy.

I am an incredibly fortunate soul- I have an internship next year at a phenomenal private practice, I have found a small apartment to call my own, will be able to afford weekly riding lessons most of the year, found a wonderful, beautiful retirement farm to keep my horse of a lifetime, and my equine soulmate is in good health, shiny, and happy. I have plenty to be incredibly grateful and thankful for, but I feel so... just... empty.

I've been taking weekly lessons at a wonderful hunter-jumper facility in Lexington for the last month and a half. I've loved every lesson horse I've sat on, appreciated all their quirks, and savored ever moment in the saddle.

The last time I was riding once a week was over 10 years ago; for the first time in my life, I am riding less instead of more, and it is breaking my heart. Being out of the saddle even this much makes me ache. It's so hard to be so distant from a hobby that is all consuming, that you love, and allow to drive your very being.

I know my situation is only, at most, a year, but it is difficult wanting to maximize and cherish each day when you spend every moment counting the seconds, days, months until your next ride. It is difficult to give up something that has been with you through your darkest moments and your brightest days.

I've spent a few weeks trying to put into words how I'm feeling about my current situation, and my life for the next year; it is so hard to explain that while I am grateful for my situation, and thrilled for the next chapter, I am so devastated to put horses on the backburner, even if it is only temporary.

2017 Resolutions

Given my current situation... my New Year's goals are a little... depressing. Basically, I'm trying to make the best out of what I will have.

Riding Related:
1. Continue riding- really all I can set goal-wise. Even if it's a 20 minute walk session on Candy once a month, just stay in the saddle during my internship year.

And that's... it.

Career Related:
1. Read all of Ettinger's- the internal medicine bible.
2. Attend IVECCS if possible.

Personal Related:
1. Try to maintain a positive attitude/positive vibe.
2. Get my body back to pre-vet school weight/fitness.
3. Focus on living a minimal lifestyle- less consumption, less waste.

Nothing too exciting- at a weird transition phase of my life, and just dealing with all of that.

- K & C & L

Blog Hop: Location

Courtesy of ASSFS!

As most of you know, I live in Hell, aka the Deep South- eastern Alabama.

While it's definitely not Horse Mecca, I am impressed by the variety I've found here- everything from therapeutic riding to trails riding to A circuit H/J and all the disciplines in between.

Average Costs (for English):

• Board
• Pasture- ~$300- $400
• Stall Board- $500-$700
• Training board isn't really a thing here, but then again, I am not one to actively seek out training board.
• Farrier
• Barefoot- $35
• Front Shoes- $110
• All Four Shoes- $170
• Hay Bales- the price has really increased with the drought
• Coastal/Bermuda- $5/bale, $35/round bale
• Timothy- $12/bale

Weather? Do you like moisture? 

Temperatures are mild (mid-40s at the lowest during the day) in the winter, but the humidity makes the cold really sink into your bones. Spring/summer/fall usually hot and moist. It likes to rain in the afternoons or for days straight. Or recently, not rain for 4 months, then rain for 4 days straight.

Riding demographic? I think it's definitely a lot of trail/Western riders, with a smattering of English riders.

Other notes? We are super close to Pensacola, FL and Marietta, GA, as well as reasonably close to Brownland, which is lovely. We also have a vet school with a pretty darn stellar equine department.

Frustrating things in the area? Lack of "special" horse care- it was super hard to find chiropractic work until earlier this year. There are basically 2 farriers in the area consistently. Lack of big(ger) name clinicians (or any clinicians, really, except Doug Payne last year). And I understand all those standpoints- it's not as though this is a high dollar horse area, and most people do Western or leisure. Having lived in Lexington, KY for all of my riding career, my view of the horse world is very warped and very privileged. 

- K & C & L