Soooo, yeah. You saw how the trip started. Thankfully, it got into a smoother rhythm from there. I had a great sleep and recovery day the next day and after that, we went looking for tack stores. Much to our demise, we only had two places to check out and neither carried english supplies. We drove to two different locations but discovered that they were no longer in existence. Boo! I did score a pair of bell boots for the almighty destroyer, and a mini Bacon Breyer ornament. Thanks grandma!
Will have to pain that sock, but looks like the Baconator!
Amethyst.
Citrine.
Grandma and I also hit up a gem show (they are everywhere along the freeways). There were so many pretty and sparkly things. Since Arizona doesn't have cool things like grass, they have to have cool rocks. And they do. And stupid cactus. We also went to the Desert Museum. I highly recommend going there if you ever have the opportunity. We always go when I am visiting. This time we checked out the birds of prey program and it was very informative and very cool. They showed us a variety of birds, as they flew over head (some wings even grazed my head). But I started to get weak feeling and we didn't get to stay as long as I would have liked.
Cactus and pokies as far as the eye can see.
This beautiful girl was my favorite.
A Prairie Falcon
Hummingbirdy
This one wears the right colors.
As a group of crazy animal loving women, we are quite entertaining to watch when things like dog shows are on tv. Fortunately for us, the Westminster Dog Show was on. Ever since I was a wee one, we use to watch the dog shows together (and yell at the judges for picking the wrong dogs). Our favorite groups are the working and sporting, but they never pick our favorite breeds. This year's show had a pretty great line up though, even if we were super pissed off about them picking that damn Skye Terrier again. Fortunately, the Best In Show judge agreed with us, and picked the German Shorthaired Pointer as the winner and the Borzoi as the reserve champ.
No Bedlington Terriers allowed either.
We made another trip back up to Phoenix to hang out with our favorite trainer again. He had two in that day, Nibbles (Outrageous Deal) and Albert (Alpine Gathering). I felt right at home again getting the horse's ready for their races. Mom and grandma loved on all of the other ponies (one tasted grandma's flesh) and headed up with Nibbles first. She came in a super game second place!
Peanuts and momma.
Be nice to grandma, Albert!
Aww, pretty Nibbles.
Go Nibbles go!
Galloping out strong.
Albert was next. It was his first race on the turf and he showed off his class as he held off the rest of the competition down the stretch. His handsome nose crossed the finish in first. Grandma and mom were sooo happy and we headed down to the winner's circle to greet our trainer and horse. That was a super fun afternoon.
In the mix going into the first turn.
Winning!
Two beautiful ladies.
We got to spend some time and my aunt and uncle's house too and that included some loving on Cheyenne, my aunt's horse. My mom and her had a little grooming session. That went both ways. Their two Boxers kept us on our toes as well, and I had a quick ride in my uncle's creation: THE dune buggy. It was kind of bad ass.
Some of you may have noticed my absence on here. Some of you may not have. I judge no one. I had been hoping to make it out to Arizona this year to visit my mom and grandma and I got the opportunity to go. A whirlwind of events happened right before I left (grandma's beloved chihuahua, Dot, had to be put to sleep, my mom was basically kidnapped and beaten by her in-the-process-of-being ex husband, potential ex husband died of a heart attack the following morning, mom ended up in hospital, etc). I was itching to get down there and nervous to leave home.
Butts
Blake drove me to our trusty horse trainer friend (Dewey) two hours away and dropped me off. Only 45 minutes passed, and we were on our way to Phoenix with a very pregnant broodmare and two baby race horses in tow. We left at 8:30pm. My legs were causing me a great deal of pain and I could not fall asleep. The world seemed mostly asleep and the hours of darkness were never ending. We were worried that the broodmare would try to foal while traveling, so there was a lot of hustling going on. Going through Ely, Nevada is was 8 degrees. When the sun finally decided to greet us, we were in Wickenburg with temps approaching 84 degrees. I was melting and exhausted.
Dancer on the inside with the blinkers
We soon landed in Phoenix at Deweyland at noonish and I was elated to step out of the truck. The horses all hauled quite well and Redheadlin's husband greeted me and scooted me off to the track. I felt like a dehydrated zombie and looked like one too. We had a few errands to run, but I had fun exploring Turf Paradise and seeing new and old faces in our training barn. I hadn't eaten anything in 18 hours, so Eugene made me try Chino Bandido's, a chinese mexican restaraunt. Then it was back to the track to get Dancer (Knotta Dancer) ready for his race. What a character that lovely gelding is.
Eugene and Dancer
Unfortunately, the barn is approximately a zillion miles from the saddling paddock so it was a long walk for my crippled ass. Our helper never showed up, so I ended up holding Dancer while Eugene saddled him in the paddock. He was a superstar. He dropped way back in the start, but ended up making a big move down the stretch to make it up to fourth place. We cooled him down, did evening chores and headed out to get some dinner. I am not sure what time it was when I went to bed, but I slept like a rock until my alarm went off early in the wee hours to go back to the track for morning chores.
Start of a race
Later that day, Eugene took me to two different tack stores. One consignment store, and Greenway Saddlery. My goal was to sit on as many dressage saddles as possible to determine what I like and what works for me. Eugene took pictures of me sitting in them, though unfortunately none are from the side as it was impossible to take a picture from that angle. I found that almost all of them were much too big and that my non-ass will fit best in a 17". Of which they had only two there. I also found that my pelvic bones dug into all of the saddles (thanks non-ass) but I was most comfortable in more of a flatter seat than a deeper seat. Big hard knee blocks are also a no, a sloping knee block or a squishy one is much perferred. The closest winning saddle was a 17" Niedersus. I did not buy it, of course, and will need to sell my other saddle too, but at least I have a better idea of what works.
Flatter seat
So kind to my knees
Greenway was spectacular. So many pretty things I see on the internet were there, and though they lacked saddles, they had coats upon coats to try. You see, last year I purchased a Horseware grey technical show jacket with the bling on the collar, size small. It looked adorable. And then I tried it on and it looked like a bag on me. So, I will be putting that for sale as well. Greenway had multiple types of techincal coats, so I tried on a few. My favorite was the Horze Crescendo. It had techincal fabric, but with a little weight so it had a more flattering shape. And little blingy buttons. I just wish it came in grey. The coat I tried on was a little tight, and I laughed when I saw the size. Apparently the sales associate thought I was an XXS (thanks for the confidence boost!) but I think an XS will fit quite nicely. Priced at $110, it will be a nice buy when I sell my other coat. The FOAL jacket I tried on was also very cute, but a medium and much too big. It had black piping and was on sale for $99 and I really wished it fit better.
Holy crap I am goofy looking
Damnit. Too big.
Later that evening, my mom and grandma came up from Tuscon to pick me up. Eugene took great care of me and handed me off. I was so happy to see everybody. And even though we got stopped on the freeway for 45 minutes due to a vehicular fire, at least it wasn't our vehicle and we eventually made it home.
I want to say that almost everyone I know wishes they were a different weight. Right now, I am coasting at 111lbs, and I am pretty content here. I am worried about more weight loss, as I tend to lose my appetite and not eat once the weather gets warm, and starting out at this weight is a little worrisome. I might end up being "George Morris" thin, which is a bit too thin for me. But we shall see. Though I am not worried about my current weight a whole heck of a lot, I am always battling weight issues. With Bacon.
July 2012.
She has always been a gangly thing. I met her as a three year old on the track. She was very fit and well muscled, but there was not fat to be seen. She was a nervous baby filly who was already 16+ hands and still growing and working on the track, so, duh. I took her home her four year old year and snarked at the trainer as he laughed and said "have fun feeding her!" I thought I would show him just exactly how awesome she would bloom under my care.
Sept. 2012
She did not blossom. She looked worse.
I had several people around me spewing things like "don't feed her alfalfa, thoroughbreds should only get grass hay" and I rolled with it. So we brought home some grass hay. And I fed her almost a bale a day (70lb bale). And she disappeared before my eyes. I tried feeding her Purina
Ultium (only 3lbs at a time because $$$) with Cool Calories. Her coat was dull. Her feet would not grow and she had terribly thin soles. I was horrified. How could I let this happen to her? HOW DO I FIX IT?
August 2012. It's just painful. My heart sinks.
We bought our year's worth of hay that fall, and we always get alfalfa for the cow pony kids. I said screw it to the grass hay and Bacon got alfalfa. And things started to change. I couldn't see hip bones anymore, or spine and she kind of looked like a normal horse. She was shiney. And happier. I felt like the most awful person ever. Though I think the grass hay I bought was not the best nutrient wise, I think Bacon's body craves the protein and calcium of alfalfa. Here in Idaho, alfalfa grows very well and is easily accessible. Our bales are usually 85-100lbs and we have been purchasing from the same hay farmer for the last 4 years. That man knows exactly what he is doing.
Jan 2013
But alas, my horse is still not ideal to me. I get to see Aimee's curvy Courage and Lindsey's round Prisoner. And then there is Bacon. People still comment on her weight and it makes me feel really bad. If only they knew how difficult she is to feed. She drops weight easily when stressed, which is easy because she is such a nervous girl. We have done a month long course of Omeprazole. I may need to get over the fact that I will probably always see ribs on her, as her dam was the same way. But, damnit, it sure is frustrating.
April 2014
Her current regime right now is approx. 35lbs of alfalfa a day in slow feed hay nets spread out over three feedings, 3lbs of Nutrena Pro Force Fuel, 1/2 cup of vegetable oil, SmartGain, MagRestore, MSM and Glucosamine. If I had more turnout for her, she would be out most of the day. But the tiny pasture I do have is only 1/3 of an acre for four ponies and so time and grass is very limited. Soe day, we will have real pastures! Her feet grow quite well now and she has nice thick soles (just horrible contracted frogs), her coat is shiney, she has plenty of energy and has muscling over her neck, back and butt, as well as her shoulder and even some fat. But still. THOSE RIBS.
The fattest she has ever looked. December 2015.
I do think she looked better at the beginning of the winter and just the past month, I thought I would try the Nutrena Pro Force Fuel due to good reviews. She had been getting Nutrena Safe Choice Perform and was looking pretty good on that. I have to say, this will be my last bag of the Fuel. I am very disappointed with it. It looks to be almost pure molasses. She is much hotter on this product and with this increase in nervous energy, she has dropped some weight. She is not as shiney. She also does not care for the taste much at all either. I have contacted the Triple Crown Feeds department to see if there is any way I can try their products. Our feed stores usually only carry Nutrena and Purina products. Fortunately, Triple Crown seems to be trying to find a way to help me, and I am very grateful. I am very interested to see how Bacon would respond to a grain that is not actually a grain based diet.
And now. Jan 2016. Sad face.
All of your horses look great. I am very jealous. I wish I had more funds to shove more things into my horse, but she doesn't eat all that she has to begin with. What has worked for your horses? Has anyone tried Triple Crown products and been really happy? Sad? Will someone transplant fat onto my horse's sides?
Bonus video clip of Bacon and Husband. She clearly does not care about the tiny bike.
Tracy over at Fly on Over has come up with some awesome questions to answer. And when you have no new content or the brain compacity to come up with something all your own, stuff like this is great and appreciated!
Me and Coco! Old lady Arabian back in Arizona.
1. Most influential person on your riding
This is a toss up. My mother instilled (possibly genetically) her love of horses into me. Perhaps this was by osmosis. Who knows. All I know is some of my earliest memories were horsey adventures with my mom. She was a groom at a track in Arizona and took me with her on the weekends to go play with racehorses. She use to take me on bareback rides down the sandy roads in the desert on my aunt's palomino gelding.
Trusy Dominic.
One clear memory I have may be one of the most important things she ever taught me. Always wear a bra when riding. She told me that I would understand someday. I understand. So well.
The other influential person on my riding was my friend and "instructor" Deanna. She was only a year older than me but she taught me so many things. My dad found their boarding barn and brought me out there for a little visit. She threw me up onto her horse, I rode around the barn and beamed with confidence after she told my dad I was a natural. I then slipped behind the saddle and we rode doubles around the pasture and through the creek beds. I was thrilled when my dad told me that I would be having my 11th birthday party there.
Riding in Idaho. On Sassy. With horrible permed hair.
After that, I got to take lessons once a month with her. She taught me all of the basics of horse care and how to be a free spirit on a horse. We raced around and traveled all around the desert foothills. We played games and she told me that I was a better english rider than a western rider. It pissed me off, but I went with it.
2. Piece of tack you would love to splurge on
Right now that would be a dressage saddle that actually fit me. The knee rolls on my current one cause me a lot of knee pain (which I already have and don't need more of). It wouldn't even have to be an expensive saddle, just one that helped me as a rider and was comfortable. And comfy and fit the pony too!
Convince the husband that the tax refund should go towards a new saddle? Or bills. Those too.
3. Top 5 riding playlist (Oh geez)
Seven Nation Army - The White Stripes (The Glitch Mob version is good too!)
Pumped Up Kicks- Foster the People
Everloving- Moby
SIC-Slipknot
When the Levee Breaks- Led Zeppelin
4. Most important aspect of your barn
Well, considering all of my ponies get to live with me, the most important aspect is making sure we provide the best care we can with the funds that we have. Husband knows that and allows this to happen. Last year I even got to get a new trailer! Even though we still haven't been able to use it, I am very thankful that he planned with me to buy it. I think our horses are well cared for, especially with what we have. I day dream about having acres for them to be out on, and I am sad that I can't provide that ample turnout or nice arenas or fancy stalls. But they eat well, have a regular farrier schedule, get bundled up when I am cold and cared for.
Goal: To have their pasture look like that again this year!
5. Three winter riding goals
Ha! Well, hard to have riding goals when you don't get to ride. The general goal here is to hope that my horses (Bacon in particular) have a nice winter break. Hopefully we will be able to come back to work this spring looking awesome and ready for the year. So far, this week has been killing me. I don't know what is wrong, but there is more pain than usual and yesterday was full of body tremors and dizziness. And I have had enough of that.
This was last Feb. Hopefully we will be doing this again soon!
This week had a mailbox full of things. It was pretty exciting! Especially because I only bought two of the things. It started off with getting my awesome secret santa present from Olivia!
Squeee!
I got a nice package from The Hunt Club and was very confused as to what I ordered from them. Turns out, I didn't! I opened the package and right away, I read the letter that came with the gifts. Everything was so nicely wrapped and cute.
Look at all of my stuff and things!
I first opened the chapsticks (both smell heavenly) and I have a dire need of chapstick all the time, so that was very welcomed. Next I opened my beautiful purple crystal earrings and matching bridle charm. And lastly, the most delicious looking horse treats I have ever seen. Seriously. My friend almost ate one while I was in the bathroom because he thought they were donuts. I squealed with joy at everything. Thanks Olivia!
Yummy horse treats!
Next, I recieved a package from my grandma and in it were these cute little earrings. She gets a thumbs up.
They look like old time classic thoroughbreds
And then I opened my Fun Bonnet. I had been wanting one so badly for a while, a nice basic dressage one, and promptly forgot I had ordered one until the 12 week wait time was up. She is so popular now, so I highly recommend ordering now and not waiting until you want one in your hands right this second. Of course, it is lovely and I can't wait to try it on my horse.
It matches my new earrings and bridle charm!
She even included a charm. How awesome is that?
My first shipment of Performance Equine Nutrition MagRestore also came. Bacon has always done better on a magnesium supplement and I had ran out of the Magnesium 5000 that I order from SmartPak last week. I was wondering while my regularly nervous horse was EXTRA on edge. She likes having a routine and when it is disturbed, she gets a little on edge. Well, she lost her mind one day and weaved so hard that she stuck a leg in the water trough. Much to her surprise, she didn't like that and yanked the sucker out hard. She had a nice gash. The following day, she was still quite off and then I realized what it was. Magnesium.
Ooooo. Please be magic horse cocaine.
Based on a recommendation from a friend who also owns slightly crazy OTTBs, I thought I would look into this particular supplement. The website has you take a 43 question quiz to determine which supplements you horse might benefit most from and you get free shipping for your first order (if you take the quiz). It suggested both MagRestore and Focus Equine for Bacon, but at $19.99 for a 7 day trail size of the Focus Equine, I had to pass. If I feel like she needs it later on, I may try it. They mostly recommend use of that product for shows ore stressful situations, so that helps spread out the use. At $55 for 135 servings for MagRestore I hesitated, but after breaking down the costs, MagRestore ended up $3 cheaper a month (with the free shipping and after the initial loading dose). I also threw on a 60 serving bag of Glucosamine for funsies. So be on the lookout for a review of those products after a couple of months!
Lastly, my Back on Track pad came from my contest win! I hugged it and I am half tempted to try it out first and wear it around the house. I can't wait to see if Bacon likes it or not. Her black pad will go great with her black and purple dressage bonnet!
