Calm, Forward, Straight

Calm, Forward, Straight

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

In the Arena #87 - Turning the corner...

Major apologies on disappearing for so long. Moving absolutely kicked my ass. If I ever have to do it again it better be when they're hauling me out for the big dirt nap. I'm not kidding.

Also, it took for-ever (a month) for the internet provider to permanently install my dsl connection. Surprisingly, my neighbors kept running over the wires that were laying across their gravel driveways. You know you're in the boondocks when...

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I've been living with my horse for a little over two weeks now. It's so great. SO GREAT! I can watch Val frolicking in his paddock ambling around from one meal to another from the comfort of my bed. I can feed him breakfast in my pajamas. Without even brushing my teeth first. Heavenly.

Even better - I've already ridden more in the last week than the two previous months. Happy rides. Harmonious. Cooperative. Lots of transitions, with the focus on rebuilding our fitness by trot, trot, trotting. Keeping us moving forward is my main goal at the moment. Apparently Val appreciates it when I'm not a stiff jangly bucket of nerves. He's pretty relaxed himself these days. Hunting season hasn't flipped him out at all this year. We rode bareback today with hunters blamming away the next property over and he didn't even blink. Such a good boy deserves many gingersnaps!

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I definitely won't be entertaining much at all in the Shimmy Shack. I had several family members shoehorned in there for a few minutes over the weekend, causing a little claustrophobic attack. If it can't be al fresco - it ain't happening folks. So sorry ;)

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After reading Feet First: Barefoot Performance and Hoof Rehabilitation recently, (yes, I jumped on that excellent bandwagon - what a great book!) I decided it might be good for Val to supplement his magnesium. During the ten plus weeks without our farrier I researched white line disease extensively. The Veterycin treatments I gave him seemed to help quite a bit - my farrier could see the improvement. I'll be interested to see how much of a difference the magnesium makes. Actually, I'm thinking I may also need some. Lots of people are deficient in this mineral too. We're using magnesium citrate - it's more easily absorbed than magnesium oxide and can be found at Bulkfoods.com.

Speaking of my farrier - he's officially teaching me how to trim Val, as he may not be able to continue coming to the island. Several folks ditched on their appointments last week, and he was furious. Me too. I'm hoping he'll make it out here a few more times so I can get confident in the process. Fingers crossed. He's a patient teacher, and very generous with his knowledge. Thanks Will.

I'll have to close now, as I'm off early on another all day hay run tomorrow. My hay suppliers are giving me dire predictions about the price and availability this winter, so it's time to stock up. I'm looking forward to catching up on all of your blogs! :)

15 comments:

  1. Glad you're back! It sounds heavenly to be so close to your horse. I know the joy of feeding in pajamas :)
    Sounds like you're getting some great rides in. We're really focusing on getting forward in the trot right now too.
    I'm so impressed yo ucan ride bareback with humters next door. What a good boy you have.

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  2. Welcome Back!!!! Val is such a good boy for not freaking out at the gun shots.

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  3. So glad to hear that you're officially moved into the Shimmy Shack. It is nice to feed in p.j.'s without hair combed or teeth brushed!

    Sounds like you and Val are having a great time. Good luck with your hay run. We did it last month and it was expensive but I feel better we have enough for the winter.

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  4. Yay! You sound super happy with your new living arrangements. That's great.

    Good for you, taking on Val's feet- anytime you've got questions you can always post pictures on the internet and get tons of feedback ;)

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  5. Happy to hear that all is well with you. How fantastic to be able to look out of your window and see Val...sigh. I admire how you are living life your way and working through challenges like trimming Val's feet. You are an inspiration!

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  6. Good to see you back, and glad that you're getting settled in. You both look pretty happy with your surroundings! :)

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  7. I'm glad you're back!! I think learning to trim Val's feet is a good thing. You are so remote - and if people are going to flake on your farrier, you probably will lose him.

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  8. Weeha! You you do sound terrific!! I think I am hearing a collective sign if relief/joy/contentment going out for you right now. Happiness is: living with your horse(s)!!

    I'm so smiling reading about p.j.'s, unbrushed teeth, all of the ambling Val is doing!
    And look at your tanned self alongside your steed! So great to see you again!

    Yea, small and tight quarters would be too much for me too. You guys will figure something out!

    Happy days of riding C!!
    XO
    KK

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  9. Good for you! It is a great book. Isn't it?

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  10. Glad to hear you're not dead! I was getting a little worried....

    It is wonderful to live with your horses, isn't it. There are sacrifices, to be sure. But there are also no words to describe the feeling of opening your eyes to them every morning, and closing your eyes to them every night. Congratulations!

    Oh, you're a hermit, now. Everyone with their own farm becomes a hermit, as I'm sure you've realized. But, it's a happy hermit lifestyle!

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  11. Yay! I'm glad you got moved in and have you DSL set up.

    I really need to get that book. It sounds like everyone has loved it. Keep us updated on the magnesium supplement and trimming training. I'm excited for you!

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  12. Congrats on getting through a major move and so glad to hear how wonderful it is! Enjoy!!

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  13. Congrats on the attempt to take on the trimming. I think you will love learning and I agree with Sma., there are a ton of great resources and help online :)
    Oh also; regarding your Q about Chia seed for us humans. I tried it sprinkled in my yogurt and on top of salad, totally fine :) Maybe in juice or smoothie too. I am going to take 1/2 to 1 T every other day..it's ENERGY!!!!! I'm curious to how u like it and if you will be sharing it w/ Val too :)

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  14. So happy that you made the move and have Val with you all the time. Glad things are getting back to normal for you there. You crack me up about the Shimmy Shack and entertaining. So funny.

    Great about the self trimming. Someday for me! You inspire me!

    I was just telling Kristen that my husband, Brian, eats Chia seeds all the time. He makes a dry mix of different grains and seeds and eats it like cereal.

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  15. He is a beautiful boy! How wonderful for you to be enjoying your new home and as far as entertaining... I don't do much of that anymore.. I'm too busy being outside. I like to meet people "out" these days. Why clean when it is SO nice outside? And even when it's not, I'd still rather be cold out at the barn. :)

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