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
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! :)
