Search found 229 matches

by Hot4Spots
Sat Oct 03, 2020 2:29 am
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: May only the leaves fall this Fall. September October training Bimester
Replies: 313
Views: 57659

Re: May only the leaves fall this Fall. September October training Bimester

Well, had the vet out today (she was already coming for another boarder) and it appears that the reason Mark has been mouth/bend fussy turning to the left is that he is sore in the TMJ. She said that it could be injected, but she recommended using Surpass first, so I've ordered some and should have...
by Hot4Spots
Thu Oct 01, 2020 3:29 am
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: Is anyone else having a hard time with all of this?
Replies: 60
Views: 20481

Re: Is anyone else having a hard time with all of this?

I mostly just listen to.NPR and/or local.news (a that's bad enough here in CA because of the wildfires), but politically speaking, I just scroll by a lot of Facebook political posts unless I recognize the poster as someone rational. Even then, the blatantly racist, reactionary, STUPiD (ie., beyond i...
by Hot4Spots
Thu Oct 01, 2020 2:02 am
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: May only the leaves fall this Fall. September October training Bimester
Replies: 313
Views: 57659

Re: May only the leaves fall this Fall. September October training Bimester

Well, had the vet out today (she was already coming for another boarder) and it appears that the reason Mark has been mouth/bend fussy turning to the left is that he is sore in the TMJ. She said that it could be injected, but she recommended using Surpass first, so I've ordered some and should have ...
by Hot4Spots
Sun Aug 09, 2020 9:26 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Summer of Seclusion: July and August Goals and Progress
Replies: 251
Views: 78014

Re: Summer of Seclusion: July and August Goals and Progress

My horse fell (weridly- not like a trip or stumble) due to neuro problems. It was very strange but at the time I had no idea that was the cause. Knowing what I know now I would advise to not ride Mark to stay safe esp with his history of being so hot/sensitive. Best of luck getting to the bottom of...
by Hot4Spots
Sun Aug 09, 2020 12:44 am
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Summer of Seclusion: July and August Goals and Progress
Replies: 251
Views: 78014

Re: Summer of Seclusion: July and August Goals and Progress

Well, two things to report, one that is scary in retrospect, but just "happened" at the time: after 15 minutes of walk, 10 on a long rein, five on the bit, doing some simple lateral work; started trotting and had been going about 3-4 minutes, and in the middle of the short end of the arena...
by Hot4Spots
Sun Aug 02, 2020 3:48 am
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Summer of Seclusion: July and August Goals and Progress
Replies: 251
Views: 78014

Re: Summer of Seclusion: July and August Goals and Progress

Nice pics Tanga. Love the boot tops. You know me, I'm all for bling! I like Osinski. When Mark lost his mind at RAAC, I had a post-meltdown ride in front of him and got a decent score and won the class. Made me feel better. :D Now we're just hoping to stay sound (enough - both of us!) to eventually ...
by Hot4Spots
Wed Jul 29, 2020 10:48 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Summer of Seclusion: July and August Goals and Progress
Replies: 251
Views: 78014

Re: Summer of Seclusion: July and August Goals and Progress

H4S, how exciting to be able to canter after all this time. I hope Mark continues to do well with some additional work. The pad and bonnet make me want to get some orange stuff for my redheads. :) That particular earbonnet is only $15 on Amazon. And it has rhinestones! Lots of other colors, too. :l...
by Hot4Spots
Tue Jul 28, 2020 6:06 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Summer of Seclusion: July and August Goals and Progress
Replies: 251
Views: 78014

Re: Summer of Seclusion: July and August Goals and Progress

Picture taken shortly after our first canter(s) in nearly five years.
by Hot4Spots
Mon Jul 20, 2020 6:18 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Summer of Seclusion: July and August Goals and Progress
Replies: 251
Views: 78014

Re: Summer of Seclusion: July and August Goals and Progress

Actual progress, sorta. Markey-Mark had a checkup last Thursday. He trots sound in a straight line and to the left, but is still "off" (as he will always be) to the right. Vet said he had improved since she last saw him in early April. I am allowed to continue with large circles and serpen...
by Hot4Spots
Wed Jul 01, 2020 1:18 am
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: Goats!
Replies: 7
Views: 4957

Re: Goats!

You'd think draft (calm, quiet) and paint (cowy) should handle that situation. I think my guy might have handled cows better than goats. I watched the colt starterr pony him through her herd some years ago, and he seemed unbothered. Who knows what goes on in his Arab ( spooky) Appaloosa (stubborn) m...
by Hot4Spots
Fri Jun 26, 2020 9:51 pm
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: Goats!
Replies: 7
Views: 4957

Re: Goats!

He appears to have done no further harm to his leg. I've ridden him every day, and he seems to be as sound as he's ever likely to be. We're up to about 15-18 minutes of trot during a 40-45 minute ride, in 4-5 minute sets. And yes, Tarlo, someone crossed an Arabian with an Appaloosa. :lol: Go to Conf...
by Hot4Spots
Thu Jun 25, 2020 12:26 am
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: Bob MacDonald SafeSport Ban
Replies: 83
Views: 30526

Re: Bob MacDonald SafeSport Ban

SS has authority in these issues over ALL Olympic/international sports. Other sports have accepted this and are policing their sports and supporting SS. Only the equestrians are fighting it so much. Why? I'd bet most SS administrators didn't know GM from Larry Bird. But Dover, e.g. et al. are all, &...
by Hot4Spots
Tue Jun 23, 2020 3:57 am
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: Goats!
Replies: 7
Views: 4957

Goats!

Aaargh. Blew it again. Managing my horse's soundness with his long term suspensory injury can be tricky. I am riding him, limited trot work, etc. Decided that since I hope eventually to take him on some of our easier trails, I would make today a " hand walk to the trails" day. I gave him a...
by Hot4Spots
Tue Jun 09, 2020 11:49 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Keep Calm and Canter On: May and June Goals and Progress
Replies: 188
Views: 76850

Re: Keep Calm and Canter On: May and June Goals and Progress

Great ride on both boys yesterday but woke up to THIS. Poor Rudy is not happy. :shock: Rudy Hives May 2020.jpg (In case it's not readily apparent, he is one giant hive even including eyes and nose! Nope, don't know what happened.) A gal at my old barn had this as a continuing issue with her Oldenbe...
by Hot4Spots
Tue Jun 09, 2020 10:14 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Keep Calm and Canter On: May and June Goals and Progress
Replies: 188
Views: 76850

Re: Keep Calm and Canter On: May and June Goals and Progress

Sorry to have been AWOL for a while. Just sorta curling up and waiting out the pandemic. I couldn't start my new job due to the shut down, had some issues with EDD which have since resolved so I am financially okay, but new job is in Alameda County (CA), which is starting to relax restrictions, but ...
by Hot4Spots
Fri Apr 24, 2020 12:19 am
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: Minor vent
Replies: 23
Views: 14289

Re: Minor vent

I'm at a small barn, and it has not been closed. There are 12 stalls/paddocks (approx. 12 x 130), no other turnout except a round pen. At present, there are only 10 boarders, and three of the horses are fully or semi-retired. There is no trainer, so that is not an option. I generally get out there e...
by Hot4Spots
Sun Apr 12, 2020 3:29 am
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: Minor vent
Replies: 23
Views: 14289

Re: Minor vent

FWIW, I heard a nurse say on NPR that if someone got hurt riding, jogging, auto accident, they should not be worried about imposing in hospital, that the orthopedic divisions are separate and would be relieved to work with such patients.
by Hot4Spots
Sun Apr 12, 2020 3:12 am
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Let the horse hair fly! March and April Goals and Progress
Replies: 162
Views: 78956

Re: Let the horse hair fly! March and April Goals and Progress

Well, I guess this is a progress report, but more like an on-going saga. As you may recall, my beastie with a long term suspensory injury was up to about 15 minutes of trotting when he tripped and cause himself a minor ligament tweak and fractured the head of the splint. So, we have been back to wal...
by Hot4Spots
Thu Jan 30, 2020 4:28 am
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Your preferred spurs
Replies: 18
Views: 11809

Re: Your preferred spurs

I have a pair i really love. I don't even know the manufacturer or where I got them. I call them "nickel" rowels. Smooth, a little thicker and slightly smaller than an actual nickel. Very mild, and my last two horses seem to like them. They have a little horse show ribbon stamped near the ...
by Hot4Spots
Mon Jan 27, 2020 8:55 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: New year, new goals! Jan/Feb 2020
Replies: 158
Views: 76230

Re: New year, new goals! Jan/Feb 2020

yeah, this makes sense as its about leverage. Of course horses "respect" it. That is the point of it. Sounds like a tough ride.... Oh he was complicated (and grouchy), but he was 100% safe ride, on the trail or cross-country, and LOVED to jump. I did 5'3" with him a couple of times i...
by Hot4Spots
Mon Jan 27, 2020 7:53 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: New year, new goals! Jan/Feb 2020
Replies: 158
Views: 76230

Re: New year, new goals! Jan/Feb 2020

Just to report. First ride on Mark on Saturday after 8 weeks of hand-walking was uneventful - but I think the 1.5 cc of ACE probably had something to do with that. We strolled around for our allotted 15 mins (but I spent a good 40 mins grooming and fussing with him pre-ride). I cut that back to less...
by Hot4Spots
Thu Jan 23, 2020 4:31 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: New year, new goals! Jan/Feb 2020
Replies: 158
Views: 76230

Re: New year, new goals! Jan/Feb 2020

Vet moved up appointment a day, so Mark was seen yesterday. She felt he was moving pretty well. On hard ground, he looks pretty sound, slightly uneven on softer ground. She said to gradually up the walking by 5 minutes a week, in hand or under saddle. I think I'll continue in hand for the next two d...
by Hot4Spots
Fri Jan 17, 2020 8:03 pm
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: Trainers selling clients horse so they can ride them
Replies: 22
Views: 15399

Re: Trainers selling clients horse so they can ride them

A woman who boarded at my old trainer's barn had a very nice draft cross (3/4 TB, 1/4 Shire). Didn't really show the draft much, looked and moved like a WB. BUT...he was "bigger" in front, and by age 13, though she had gotten her USDF bronze on him, his hocks were in pretty bad shape. She ...
by Hot4Spots
Fri Jan 17, 2020 6:45 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: New year, new goals! Jan/Feb 2020
Replies: 158
Views: 76230

Re: New year, new goals! Jan/Feb 2020

Just checking in. Still hand-walking after the minor splint fracture and reinjury to suspensory. *sigh* He's reached the "I'm so bored I'm going to bite you" stage (when he isn't doing a hi-yo Silver imitation.) I just hang on and think, "well the damn leg can't hurt THAT much if you ...
by Hot4Spots
Tue Dec 10, 2019 11:38 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: It’s the Holiday Season! November/December Goals and Progress
Replies: 128
Views: 65306

Re: It’s the Holiday Season! November/December Goals and Progress

Sue and Blob - re bits: As I always have with younger horses, I started Mark (and Erik before him) in a loose ring, double-jointed snaffle. I had some issues with connection with both horses. When they had passed the green stage, some of that remained, and I tried a double jointed Baucher and both r...
by Hot4Spots
Fri Dec 06, 2019 12:45 am
Forum: For Sale!
Topic: NO. CALIF_17-1/2" Ortho-flex Premier dressage w. Stitchdown seat
Replies: 2
Views: 3498

NO. CALIF_17-1/2" Ortho-flex Premier dressage w. Stitchdown seat

This is an older model, and suitable for a bigger horse, though with its flex panels, it should fit anything but an extremely short-backed horse. It's very comfortable and when I stopped using it for dressage, it was great for trail riding. Black. The leather on the underside of the pommel has sligh...
by Hot4Spots
Thu Dec 05, 2019 5:05 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: It’s the Holiday Season! November/December Goals and Progress
Replies: 128
Views: 65306

Re: It’s the Holiday Season! November/December Goals and Progress

Lovely head shot, Chantal. He looks so calm, but alert. Here's my favorite headshot of Mark, which certainly show the contrast and his hyper-alertness. This was taken at his last show before his injury, almost four years ago. I call it "the DeNiro" - "You looking at me?!?"
by Hot4Spots
Wed Dec 04, 2019 7:15 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: It’s the Holiday Season! November/December Goals and Progress
Replies: 128
Views: 65306

Re: It’s the Holiday Season! November/December Goals and Progress

Latest news flash - vet had cancellation and is on her way to see Mark. Well. Yes, he has reinjured the suspensory in a slightly different area. Vet didn't say, "You'll never be able to ride him again," so while his future as a riding horse remains limited, I think we will be able to get b...
by Hot4Spots
Tue Dec 03, 2019 9:58 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: It’s the Holiday Season! November/December Goals and Progress
Replies: 128
Views: 65306

Re: It’s the Holiday Season! November/December Goals and Progress

Not much of an update. I am STILL waiting for MY vet to call. She only got back yesterday and apparently was heavily booked, but..... Anyway, still waiting for a call, so no appointment, no ultrasound yet. He's still confined to stall and I haven't changed the bandage the on-call vet put on him Wedn...
by Hot4Spots
Thu Nov 28, 2019 11:23 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: It’s the Holiday Season! November/December Goals and Progress
Replies: 128
Views: 65306

Re: It’s the Holiday Season! November/December Goals and Progress

Mark was doing so well and last night, he stumbled/tripped -I'm not sure which - and came up three-legged lame, of course, on his already damaged leg. :( Hour+ wait for the on-call vet. By the time she got there, he was putting some weight on it. Very tender in area of suspensory where there is a ca...
by Hot4Spots
Mon Nov 25, 2019 7:48 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: It’s the Holiday Season! November/December Goals and Progress
Replies: 128
Views: 65306

Re: It’s the Holiday Season! November/December Goals and Progress

Progress of a sort. Couple of weeks ago, I emailed my vet at her personal email just telling her that Mark was up to 9-10 minutes of trot (in 3-4 minute sets), and seem to be holding up. I asked if she thought trotting around the short ends of the arena and making an occasional width of the arena ci...
by Hot4Spots
Tue Nov 19, 2019 5:31 pm
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: American Pharoah votes with his teeth
Replies: 2
Views: 3658

Re: American Pharoah votes with his teeth

Yeah, I call b.s. First, stallion handler wouldn't permit it. Secondly, this particular horse has been noted for his mellow disposition. Can this Cult 45 members ever NOT lie?
by Hot4Spots
Mon Nov 04, 2019 9:51 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: What point is being made?
Replies: 40
Views: 22300

Re: What point is being made?

Chancellor wrote:Tsavo has been banned permanently


Whew. Thinking back to the rodeo discussion.
by Hot4Spots
Mon Nov 04, 2019 7:23 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Stirrups/knees
Replies: 0
Views: 1989

Stirrups/knees

Just wanted to give a thumbs up for the Sprenger Bow Balance Stirrups. For the years since my horse's injury where I've been relegated to only walking him, and now, presently some trotting (we're up to 10 minutes in 3-4 minute sets), my knees started ACHING really badly after about 10-15 minutes. Th...
by Hot4Spots
Fri Nov 01, 2019 7:13 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Cool down and keep going! September/October Goals and Progress.
Replies: 442
Views: 213674

Re: Cool down and keep going! September/October Goals and Progress.

Annabelle is up to 12 minutes of trotting under saddle now and all is well with her leg. She is getting a little more rideable, so we are working on getting a little more quality to the trot, bending, etc. instead of just trying to survive each ride. :lol: This is my entire equestrian life these da...
by Hot4Spots
Wed Oct 30, 2019 11:25 pm
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: The end is nigh
Replies: 63
Views: 33064

Re: The end is nigh

Xan, I am so, so sorry. It's particularly hard when they are relatively young. Don't let others guilt you. You've done your best for him and It sounds to me very much like the right decision. ((hugs)) Despite having owned several horses, I've only had to make that decision once, and that individual,...
by Hot4Spots
Tue Oct 29, 2019 4:35 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Cool down and keep going! September/October Goals and Progress.
Replies: 442
Views: 213674

Re: Cool down and keep going! September/October Goals and Progress.

Flight wrote:I need to figure out what to do with my spare hand! I look silly, but I was trying to keep it away from the reins :D

dingWE2.jpg

dingWE1.jpg


Just rest it on your thigh, as western riders who use braided reins with a romel do with the hand holding the romel.
by Hot4Spots
Tue Oct 29, 2019 4:31 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Cool down and keep going! September/October Goals and Progress.
Replies: 442
Views: 213674

Re: Cool down and keep going! September/October Goals and Progress.

Oh my. With all the devastating fires here in California, I am only being mildly inconvenienced, so it's probably shallow of me to complain, but.. I'm in Contra Costa County, and so far, where I LIVE has not been affected by the PG&E blackouts, but the barn where I board is near Mt. Diablo. Whil...
by Hot4Spots
Mon Oct 28, 2019 5:54 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Cool down and keep going! September/October Goals and Progress.
Replies: 442
Views: 213674

Re: Cool down and keep going! September/October Goals and Progress.

Moutaineer wrote:The only advantage I can find of getting older and less sleek is developing a "ledge" to park my elbows on..



Well, bottom heavy does help you keep your a$$ in the saddle...… (not speaking from experience, of course. Oh. Wait a minute. Yes I am!! :lol: )
by Hot4Spots
Mon Oct 28, 2019 3:43 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Cool down and keep going! September/October Goals and Progress.
Replies: 442
Views: 213674

Re: Cool down and keep going! September/October Goals and Progress.

Marky Mark is Matchy Matchy! Glad you and the Spotted Wonder Boy are able to do a bit more, Hot 4 Spots. Just so you get the full effect, here's the saddle pad he's wearing. It was a gift from a friend. The joke, of course, is that he has never transported me through time, but has often transported...
by Hot4Spots
Fri Oct 25, 2019 9:03 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Cool down and keep going! September/October Goals and Progress.
Replies: 442
Views: 213674

Re: Cool down and keep going! September/October Goals and Progress.

Marky Mark is Matchy Matchy! Glad you and the Spotted Wonder Boy are able to do a bit more, Hot 4 Spots. Just so you get the full effect, here's the saddle pad he's wearing. It was a gift from a friend. The joke, of course, is that he has never transported me through time, but has often transported...
by Hot4Spots
Mon Oct 21, 2019 11:20 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Cool down and keep going! September/October Goals and Progress.
Replies: 442
Views: 213674

Re: Cool down and keep going! September/October Goals and Progress.

Thanks. Isn't that an adorable face? (His, not mine!). Although he does have that Appaloosa, "You want me to do what?" expression.
by Hot4Spots
Mon Oct 21, 2019 10:23 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Cool down and keep going! September/October Goals and Progress.
Replies: 442
Views: 213674

Re: Cool down and keep going! September/October Goals and Progress.

Well, I guess pic won't load. sorry.
by Hot4Spots
Mon Oct 21, 2019 10:21 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Cool down and keep going! September/October Goals and Progress.
Replies: 442
Views: 213674

Re: Cool down and keep going! September/October Goals and Progress.

Mark Selfie.zip Just keeping on, keeping on. One year after our second opinion at Davis ("this is it, it isn't going to get any better."), I had local vet out to check. She said he definitely looked improved to her, though the suspensory is still damaged enough that he's never going to be...
by Hot4Spots
Wed Aug 28, 2019 11:20 pm
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: Assessment lesson: is this normal?
Replies: 38
Views: 21599

Re: Assessment lesson: is this normal?

Interesting. Well, because dressage schoolmasters are usually only available on lease, and since my guy is semi-retired, for a while I tried some H/J lessons at a (HUGE) local barn where they had an Arabian Trainer, an H/J trainer, a couple of dressage trainers (again, clients and/or lessees only) a...
by Hot4Spots
Wed Aug 28, 2019 9:45 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Let's sweat some! July/August goals and progress thread
Replies: 226
Views: 118134

Re: Let's sweat some! July/August goals and progress thread

Tuddy - have you considered grazing muzzle(s)? Friend uses ones on her super-easy keepers, and they can still graze, but it slows them down a LOT. Oh yes, Houdini has snapped a few leather halters on me though, or his other pasture mates help him slip them off. Gets a little expensive after a while...
by Hot4Spots
Wed Aug 28, 2019 7:54 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Let's sweat some! July/August goals and progress thread
Replies: 226
Views: 118134

Re: Let's sweat some! July/August goals and progress thread

Tuddy - have you considered grazing muzzle(s)? Friend uses ones on her super-easy keepers, and they can still graze, but it slows them down a LOT.
by Hot4Spots
Tue Aug 27, 2019 11:22 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: Let's sweat some! July/August goals and progress thread
Replies: 226
Views: 118134

Re: Let's sweat some! July/August goals and progress thread

Haven't checked in for a while.* Sort of same old/same old. Progress has not been good on Mark learning to be a trail horse. Had one lightly drugged ride (about 1.55 ccs) and while he behaved, it was in a walking on eggshells kind of way. I used the same amount a week later, and had to get off and l...
by Hot4Spots
Mon Jul 08, 2019 12:09 am
Forum: The Observation Lounge/ Cookbook Forum even Hot Topics
Topic: (I see) Dead Things
Replies: 5
Views: 5170

(I see) Dead Things

Well, my horse is reactive anyway, but what has your experience been vis-a-vis your horse and dead or badly injured animals? My horse has been relatively calm, even lazy, in the arena, which is a good thing, since he's permanently on restricted exercise. Today, he was calm while being groomed, but k...
by Hot4Spots
Sat Jul 06, 2019 11:32 pm
Forum: Dressage Training
Topic: He/She Has Got Your Number
Replies: 61
Views: 31172

Re: He/She Has Got Your Number

kande - she had the horse checked by the vet/chiropractor, blood work was done, had saddle fit checked, as if it were a PPE, etc. All the horse health care professionals say there is nothing physically wrong with the horse. He is moving more freely now and has noticeable suspension in his trot, but ...

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