July and August: the dog days of summer thread for the northern hemisphere

[exvet]

All good news SF!

[Aleuronx]

Huzzah for mostly uneventful trotting SF. Sending strong headwinds to blast unwelcome black clouds to all.

A good weekend of lessons and face to face show debrief rather than mass text. Dug into the right pirouette by addressing the right side. Worked in the walk to start on 10m circle in center of arena, slight haunches in, once that release in the right bend make a walk piro right with control of the right shoulder steps not falling over at speed. Once good then change the bend to walk piro left to back and forth multiple ways to have the ‘wait for the aids’ response. Back on the circle in slight haunches in transition to canter (ugh, hard) keep the position then leg yield out then make small circle in haunches in repeat until reaction is true. Then ride the pirouette and immediately leg yield out of it. T’was hard but needed.

We had a much needed very non-serious field canter today as her hind legs were toasted as were my abs.

[khall]

Gosh I’m glad those of you who had close calls and automobile accidents (Exvet mountaineer) are mostly ok. Scary! I do hope the black clouds disperse with no more damage to anyone

Heddy that’s some crazy hiking! Was sharing with hubby who’s done wilderness medical training in Boy Scouts. He’s also an Eagle Scout He’s always interested in hiking camping stories. Loves to go out on the trails. Glad all turned out well for your group to make it back out!

Me I did part of the AT long ago won’t do anything like that again. Looking down at a helicopter flying below us and sleeping on the ground nope not for me!

I’m still working on changes. Working on lots of pieces before I ask for them in the ride. Trot canter trot transitions forward back SCs lateral work etc etc then asking for them when Joplin feels good.

Joplin’s trot work has hit another gear that is challenging me! She’s always been smooth to sit on but had sleeper power in there. It’s not sleeping anymore and while she’s not uncomfortable to sit it’s definitely challenging my seat and effectiveness. I’ve ridden GP horses that did have that feeling. Not real sure how it all came about but even while I was trotting around muttering holy moly I was grinning too. It’s not like I’m not in good shape. I ride 3 different horses work on the farm daily and do Pilates regularly but wow I’ve got to step up to ride my buckskin power house.

Chex finally feels strong again. Still dealing with horrid heat and humidity and storms from the heat. Thank god for the covered!

Jingles for horse and humans who need them.
Stay cool all and happy riding!

[khall]

Gosh I’m glad those of you who had close calls and automobile accidents (Exvet mountaineer) are mostly ok. Scary! I do hope the black clouds disperse with no more damage to anyone

Heddy that’s some crazy hiking! Was sharing with hubby who’s done wilderness medical training in Boy Scouts. He’s also an Eagle Scout He’s always interested in hiking camping stories. Loves to go out on the trails. Glad all turned out well for your group to make it back out!

Me I did part of the AT long ago won’t do anything like that again. Looking down at a helicopter flying below us and sleeping on the ground nope not for me!

Sorry on the quote edit! Not sure what I did but just going to leave it

I’m still working on changes. Working on lots of pieces before I ask for them in the ride. Trot canter trot transitions forward back SCs lateral work etc etc then asking for them when Joplin feels good.

Joplin’s trot work has hit another gear that is challenging me! She’s always been smooth to sit on but had sleeper power in there. It’s not sleeping anymore and while she’s not uncomfortable to sit it’s definitely challenging my seat and effectiveness. I’ve ridden GP horses that did not have that feeling. Not real sure how it all came about but even while I was trotting around muttering holy moly I was grinning too. It’s not like I’m not in good shape. I ride 3 different horses work on the farm daily and do Pilates regularly but wow I’ve got to step up to ride my buckskin power house.

Chex finally feels strong again. Still dealing with horrid heat and humidity and storms from the heat. Thank god for the covered!

Edited to add bought a new dressage saddle for Joplin. I’ve been reading ding in a soft leather tree hildago dressage saddle for a bit. Also have a Spanish model. Really like them but Joplin can move the saddles around with her very active back. I’ve ridden her bare back. Never felt anything Ike it before. Decided to try a treed saddle again. Juliet’s owner had a black country she had made before Juliet lost her eye. Sat on maybe a handful of times. It fits Joplin well and she is less likely to shift the treed saddle around. Wasn’t really wanting to spend $4000 on a new saddle but…

Jingles for horse and humans who need them.
Stay cool all and happy riding!

[Ponichiwa]

Always buy the saddle. Follow me for more personal finance tips.

It's hot. It's humid. It's gulf coast Texas in August and it is not pleasant outside. Aside from that, though, things are going pretty well. It is not an easy transition from a trained 4th/PSG horse to green 3yo, but we are coping. Yesterday I introduced trot/almost walk/trot on a circle after I realized the reason my half halts havent been very successful is because I have not actually trained what they mean yet. So, that was humbling.

The last horse I started was Queso, and apparently that was 8 years ago. How. How is it already 8 yrs ago.

Speaking of Queso, he's still convalescing but I am cautiously optimistic. Aside from how spoiled he is, he's being the model patient. No extra running, doesn't mind smaller solo turnout, great for the vet and farrier. He's super sound at the walk between the stall and turnout (and also between stall and wash stall, because it's so hot). Also, he has discovered the infinite muffin glitch: if he stands there looking very cute in his stall and begs for treats as other horses are being talked up in the cross ties mere feet away from his stall front, more than 50% of the time he will get a treat.

[Moutaineer]

Lol, Ponichiwa. Potters has mastered the art of being terrifically charming to all his fans on the cross-ties, too! "OH, he's so cute! Can he have a carrot?"

Cool and wet here, briefly, before it goes back to being 90 degrees next week. The flies are going to love it...

At least it will damp down the fires a bit. There is one that is way too close to home for comfort at the moment. On Monday afternoon I came home to an AQI of 430, and ash raining from the sky. The next little town north has been evacuated for several days, and we have been watching closely.

Potters felt very, very good today with a brisk cool breeze and brand new Osphos feet. I did half the ride and then handed him over to Justin to get the stupid out. Proved to be a wise decision, even if he was just skylarking and channeling his inner Arab, rather than anything more sinister. Silly old fool.

My body is doing really well. I feel great, actually, and I want to stay that way! While I can sit a silly spook safely now, it can make me sore for a couple of days if it catches me wrong. This is why im still plugging away dilligently in the gym 3 mornings a week working on my core. I think i might try to go back to yoga in a couole of weeks.

[Chisamba]

Gosh hate to hear about your close call exvet. that is a run of "bad luck" i hope "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger" but don't you just sometimes feel that you are strong enough for now?

im just working and working and working, day job to night job and back, with sleep when i can. too tired to make show plans or think ahead too much

keep well everyone

[blob]

I'm so sorry to hear of all the bad luck and close calls. I hope everyone is seeing the 'dark clouds' drift away!

Khall--glad to hear Joplin is doing so well!
Ponichiwa -- I hear you on the hot hot hot. But sounds like baby horse pieces are coming along nicely. And glad to hear Queso is doing ok!
Mountineer-- the fire situation out west has been so awful to watch. I can imagine even in areas where things are not burning the air quality is really not good.

Speaking of which....I am supposed to be heading to Washington in 2 weeks. I do my annual camping/hiking/backpacking trip with a friend and this year we had planned for Washington and Oregon. We likely will still head out in that direction but we've had to change our itineary a good bit to avoid the worst of the fires. And I am wondering how bad the air quality might be in the western parts we are still aiming for.

We have a bit of a heat spell starting today and lasting through next weekend with temps in high 90s and high humidity--heat advisories every day. I am really hoping to survive it. August is often our most brutal month before things take a turn for the better. Of course will be worried about and keeping an eye on MM during these days.

RP is doing ok--he has some fungus on his white socks that we are managing and he's very due for the farrier (who comes tuesday thankfully). We have a lesson on Saturday so hopefully that goes well. Would love to get us really grooving and working before my trip so it feels like a well earned break rather than a slowing of progress

[exvet]

My mother's favorite saying is that "God only gives you what you can handle." Well despite having a very tough week at work, Junior is now out with his buddies on dry lot which has decreased some of my work load. He's quite happy with his new change in management. Troy is now moving sound; so, that is also a relief. Ace won both of his classes at the recognized show and has head of the show committee for this show I'm happy to say that it went well though extremely hot, had lots of happy participants and we survived. We also broke even. Next year we're going to tackle a two day level two recognized show and repeat the one day recognized show, level 1. We've learned some things and have good chances to be able to feasibly adjust to the growth/expansion of our agenda. I plan to post Ace's before and 'after' pictures soon. He is definitely a poster child for all the good things dressage can do for the average horse and that any horse with 3 pure gaits can 'do dressage'. Oh and I almost forgot! I bought myself a birthday present, another JRT! At 63 I probably don't need a puppy, let alone another dog, but 2 JRTs are always better than one and my female really needs a team mate for the rat race.

[texsuze]

Mind boggling stories from the last week! Near death, pain, injuries along with doses of positive rehab and successful training just to mix it up a bit. My black cloud is more gray but ever changing: discovered a broken water line was draining water from rainwater tanks, A/C in my truck gave out (2nd time in 2 years) during scorching TX heat (repairs pending), neighbor and good friend 1/4 mile up the road accidentally/stupidly sets ablaze 95 acres of pastures adjoining his property (no deaths, no structures burned). And DH is planning to replace alternator on "Big Blue" (1985 Toyota Landcruiser) today. Good news: we "installed" Mom in a nice assisted living community last month-whew! Stay safe and stay on your toes, all.

[StraightForward]

Blob, I think you'll be OK on the west coast, but if you don't have it, Air Visual is a good app to help figure out what areas are really getting it. I've been checking it daily.

Mountaineer, glad Mr. P is feeling good. Same thing with Troy, Exvet. Glad Jr. is out on dry lot too.

Just plugging along here. T's leg is looking good after a week of trotting. A little mustang mare was moved in next to her last weekend and she fell deeply in love. The first few days were pretty dramatic but things are settling down to a manageable level, thankfully. Today she snuck a few strides of canter into our last trot set. I am playing it be ear a little bit trying to ease off some of the energy while doing no harm.

On the saddle front, the Trilogy that arrived the same day she got her injury diagnosis is a no-go. Serious crotch killer for me. I got in touch with an Erreplus rep who seems committed to help me with getting a new tree in that saddle without too much $$$ outlay, so fingers crossed that will help. If anyone is looking for a like new 18-18.5 wide Trilogy, let me know, LOL.

[Chisamba]

Is any one looking for a talented friendly but very aware young gelding about 16.3 for dressage. I love this horse, but i have too many.

here he is doing a little quiet trot with a friend riding him for the first time
https://photos.app.goo.gl/Rmp8D4nMwVJWbW237
pauletta is getting herself, first level ready, and kimba has suddenly decided that she can be lighter in the bridle, and is improving in gaits.


nice to hear that Tesla is doing so well, i love to hear a good come back story.

[mari]

Oh dear, so many interesting/terrifying stories

I've been riding very sporadically. The cold has been very cold on my middle-aged body. My dressage instructor and I are also seemingly on entirely different life schedules at the moment so we average maybe two lessons a month, which is not helping with my momentum/motivation.

This morning was a short but productive ride. Did lots of transitions, and even some rein-back to canter, which went surprisingly smoothly from the start.

My aftercare situation with Odin is a bit time-consuming. There is penis-rinsing and rubbing off of yucky sheath skin, rubbing out of ears with a warm damp cloth once a week, face skin cleaning, nostril cleaning, mane dry skin cleaning, and slathering all of the aforementioned parts in aqueous cream. I always half-thought that he just tolerates all this, but lately I've come to realise he looooooooooooooves it To the point of not wanting to leave the cross-ties when I'm done. So cute, nearly snuggled his adorable nose off this morning.

[Lipsmackerpony88]

Oh my goodness Exvet and Goldhorse- I'm glad everyone is okay. I hope the black cloud moved on!! Although Exvet sounds like things lightened up for you at the show and Junior now in a dry lot.

SF- glad T is doing good after adding in trot.
Chisamba - cute gelding. I wish I could afford another.
Mari- I can perfectly picture Odin in a state of bliss getting pampered.

Lynx seems to be doing decent. He's been happy to work, relaxed but forward moving. We will retest insulin in a few weeks.

My daughter started high school today. Pretty crazy. She tried out for volleyball, although before tryouts she kept telling me that wasn't sure she wanted to commit because of the 5 day a week schedule. She said, sternly, "horses come before volleyball!" She ended up not making the team and I think she's a little relieved.

[Moutaineer]

A few jingles for Potters would be appreciated.... we were having a really productive lesson this morning working on trot-canter-trot transitions on a circle, really focusing on keeping the outside connection and the inside hind to outside shoulder connection. We came down to a trot and he was suddenly majorly off on his right front.
My regular vet is booked through September 1st unless I trailer an hour or so down to the valley, so I've opted to have the sporthorse vet who is in the barn a couple of times a week look at him tomorrow. She is good with lameness, and has all the latest modalities on hand, but she tends to be a bit treatment-happy, in my view, and knows how to charge for it.

[exvet]

Oh no! Jingling away for Potters. Hopefully it's nothing that serious and will heal in short order.

[Ponichiwa]

Best wishes for Potters! That's heart-stopping. Hope you get quick resolution.

[StraightForward]

Jingles for Potters!

LSP, it sounds like your daughter has her priorities straight!

T came up lame trusting US on Sunday. I stuck her on the lunge and she was definitely a bit off, but seemed a little better when I added hoof boots. Around her suspensory seemed a little boggy, but not exactly swollen, so I stepped back to just hand walking for a couple days and packed her fronts with Magic Cushion. This morning we trotted under saddle and she felt sound as a dollar, so phew! I also found a spot where we can trot longer straight lines which makes it nicer for both of us. I have to go out of town for a few days to help my dad get moved to Florida, so she'll get a few days off, but I'm sure she'll be just fine.

[Aleuronx]

Jingles Potters is a minor blip than flat tire. Phew SF, the recovery is never linear and loves to throw in a panic attack here or there. Here’s to things for all being on the up and up.

A little this and that here as well. Weekend of lessons was good. We are taking away the reliance on the neck. Asking for the throughness and getting response/sensitivity from the seat and leg without the hand. My abs concur that this is hard work. Using that shift with an exercise on the centerline in canter to get sitting, sitting, sitting in a through neck with right bend then change without pulling left (me, mostly). I am content in my decision to pause competition as this ‘small’ work is still so rewarding.

And the that - getting about 200 ft from our driveway to hear CLUNK - rattle bang, bang, bang and very loud engine noise. Tailpipe and muffler connection rusted out and finally gave up the ghost. The joys of a New England life, rust is inevitable. Thankfully wasn’t when hauling. Thankfully was so close to home. Thankfully tailpipe was easily removed. Thankfully custom exhaust shop could fit us in today and truck was driveable to them (albeit very noisily so). Un-thankfully removed a grand from my pocket, but it’s only money right? Right?

[Moutaineer]

This morning was very expensive, so I'm with you on that, Aleuronx!

I decided to suck it up and do a full lamenes evaluation, with nerve blocks and flexions, and a chiro adjustment as he was pretty sore all over when she started palpating him. The upshot was that we injected his hocks and knees, with the recommendation that his stifles and coffins be next on the list (and would i like to Shockwave his back? I decided to wait on that until we see how much difference the hock injections make.)

I was planning to do his hocks with his coffins in October, so that wasn't a surprise. She thinks he's sore behind and so pushing too much weight onto his fragile front end. My farrier has commented a couple of times that his knees were a bit stiff, so that wasn't wholy unexpected, either.
However, suspensories were great, his front feet improved with a nerve block, but not so dramatically that we could point to them as the issue, so I think it is overall "18 years old with very little maintenance and watchful mom being out of it for a year."
So, he's off until Monday, and then we will see how he feels. He'd better feel bloody gold plated!

Then I went to the eye doctor and had to order new multifocal glasses. So I'm feeling extra poor this evening.

[goldhorse]

Fingers crossed for all the horses needing TLC. HORSES=$$$$ Can't get around it.

Well, I think I discovered the problem in Piggy's diet. Anyway, I can't post it in a public forum. He has continued to rotate since his last xrays 2 years ago. I fear that the laminar tissue is weak and it will be the death of him. Literally. But currently he's doing much better. I got the go ahead to bring him back into work very cautiously. He did 10 minutes of trot on the lunge yesterday. Started out very stiff and short in the front but gradually was working out of it when I stopped. Today we did 10 minutes of trot under saddle. Nothing spectacular. But nothing bad. At the end of the time, I could feel the engines start to engage. So we will carry on. If he can't work, then that's the end. I will not leave him locked in a dry paddock. In the meantime, I casually look at the ads. I will turn 69 this fall. Do I hang it up when Piggy goes or do I try one more? A lusitano cross pony caught my eye. He's within 2 hours of me. But I'm going to Oslo in 10 days so I can't get there to try him until I return. What do you all think? https://www.dreamhorse.com/ad/2317126/t ... ornia.html

[Josette]

goldhorse - I'll comment as a 70 yr old rider because at my age I would seek a more steady less reactive type horse. What I could easily ride 10 - 20 years ago might dump me now so I don't want any broken body parts. Once I was more fearless but now I'm more cautious as I would rather have fun and be safe.

This part of the description caught my attention - He is best suited for a confident amateur or junior rider who can provide clear communication and consistent leadership. Give him a plan, and he’ll happily meet you there—blond tail blowing in the wind.

Of course, you won't know unless you actually meet and ride him. I do like his size and the rider is presenting him nicely. Others more familiar with the breed give helpful feedback.

EDIT - goldhorse sorry for my reply sounding too cautious. I went back and saw there were additional videos in description. This trainer is really doing a lovely job presenting this guy - he loads a trailer like a trooper. Also, mentioned he has outside exposure going to clinics and off site. Those are details that I found very positive for his profile. IMO he is certainly worth a visit if he ticks your boxes. Good Luck!

[Chisamba]

are any of you wearing a CGM or site of any kind? if so how do you keep is secure on hot sweaty days riding sitting trot? Of course i belong to a couple of diabetes support groups but none of them seem to have horse riders in them, and the usual suggestions of an overpatch have not been particularly helpful because the overpatches, like the original patches sweat off with the motion of riding several horses. i had not remembered anyone else being type1 or having an insulin pump and CGM but often people don't talk about it so maybe one of you is familiar. anyway if any of you know of or have a favorite over patch, let me know.

I entered Pauletta in a schooling show at first level to see how she manages some of the more rapid demands and transitions within the canter. i am predicting it will be a mess, but it does give me increased focus in my training.

all of my students riding today were complaining they were melting, i do not seem to feel as hot as others i joke that it is my superpower. ( but gosh i hate winter) but i checked the thermometer at it was ninety, so it's quite a warm august. i hope the weather is treating all the horses and riders well. i know non sweaters struggle until the weather turns so good luck. my non sweater mare is struggling with a hoof abscess and i she seems to get one every year when it gets hot, i do not know if it is associated with her not cooling sufficiently or just a coincidence.

[Josette]

Chisamba - maybe helpful as this is an AI Response.

To prevent a CGM patch from slipping off during heavy sweat and high-movement sports like horseback riding, you need a combination of advanced skin preparation, heavy-duty overpatches, and friction-reducing clothing. [1, 2]
## 1. Advanced Skin Preparation

* De-oil the skin: Wash the site with non-moisturizing soap, then scrub thoroughly with a 70% isopropyl alcohol pad to remove all skin oils and sweat. Let it air dry completely. [3, 4]
* Trim hair: Use electric clippers to clear hair from the area. Less hair gives the adhesive a flat surface to grip. [3]
* Apply a liquid adhesive: Wipe a medical skin tack (like Skin Tac) onto the skin before applying the sensor. Leave a small circle bare in the center where the needle goes through. [5, 6]

## 2. Strategic Timing

* The 12-hour rule: Apply your new sensor the night before a heavy ride or at least 12 hours before getting sweaty. The adhesive needs time to "cure" and bond with your skin; sweating too soon will instantly ruin the glue. [5, 7, 8]

## 3. Sports Overpatches & Physical Protection

* Waterproof overpatches: Place a flexible, fabric-based sports overpatch directly over the CGM. Brand options designed for high sweat include:
* EXTREME - Omnipod Adhesive Patches - Sports (15 Pack): Features breathable fabric with extra strong, waterproof adhesive that prevents edge lifting during intense activity.
* Glucomart Adhesive Patch for Libre, Dexcom G7, and Dexcom Stelo: Made with 8-way stretch fabric that flexes with athletic movements and includes horse-themed designs. [1, 2]
* Arm sleeves: If you wear your CGM on your arm, pull an athletic compression sleeve over it while riding. This stops your shirt or safety vest from snagging the edges when you move in the saddle. [1]

## 4. Post-Ride Care

* Pat, don't rub: After a sweaty session, your skin will be soft and the adhesive may temporarily weaken. Gently pat the patch dry with a towel. Wiping or rubbing across it will catch the edges and peel it right off. [9]

[Moutaineer]

@goldhorse. He's very cute! My only question would be about the "easy keeper" descriptor. Sometimes, it seems to me that is code for "borderline metabolic." After what you've been through with Piggy, that's the last thing you need, so proceed accordingly.

[Chisamba]

sadly, Josette those are patches i have tried and failed. i also tried the kind my endocrinologist recommended as some of her clients trying. i think its just riding so many horses on a hot day that messes with my dexcom. i have also used skin tac under the overpatch , another recommendation.

i do appreciate you trying though, thank you

[Aleuronx]

Chisamba as horse person my first thought was Elastikon tape but that might be a bit extreme as that stuff sticks longer than you want it to most times.

Moutaineer you weren't kidding that sounds like all that and the kitchen sink. Agree with your approach to see if that helps the boy before throwing more money at it. Is he feeling better after his full go through?

I played some more today with limiting our neck dependency with Kora. How little can I use a rein aid or how much can I rely on other aids before going to the hand. Zipped through some one's for fun. It's interesting that the right left is much easier aka controlled than the left right. If I start right left I can easily get 3,4,5 changes, left right I have to do just the tick-tock and then regain control. Something to play with in strength and evenness. Still told her she's a rock star and let her hand gallop off afterwards. It's about balance in making training fun.

[exvet]

Troy and I have been having a time of it. He's attempted crow hopping and bucking, kicking out at my leg with cantering and leg yields. I expected another temper tantrum ride today but he got off the trailer and went right to work in my lesson. He was over his back and soft with reliably good connection. He wasn't 'enthused' about cantering but he did it without emotion or antics. He also gave me several leg yields and allowed me to mobilize his shoulders without comment. Today was a good day.

Poor Ace was stung by a bee yesterday morning. I went out to get him to ride to see the left side of his muzzle all swollen. He was more than willing to eat so I threw on his hackmore and hacked him around the neighborhood. He was pretty good too. His canter is getting stronger and more balanced. Really grateful for this horse.

Junior is still holding his own. More blood work next week and new shoes the following week (after rads). Going to talk to the farrier more about changing some things in his back end.

Hope everyone is handling the heat okay.

[Chisamba]

https://photos.app.goo.gl/9o91puAawdJYiJ4GA

Pauletta's first outing at first level. 70.6 and first place.

Not enough difference between lengthening and working canter. I admit i was conservative.

Im happy with her progress.

I truly need to find a useful mentor.

[Moutaineer]

Very nice, Chiamba. She looks happy and relaxed and forward-going. What a nice job you have done with her. Congratulations!

[exvet]

Congratulations chisamba. Pauletta looks super.

[mari]

Congrats Chisamba!

[blob]

Chisamba, Pauletta looks great! Congrats.

I wonder if vet wrap would help hold things in place for you? It always seems to handle wetness well

[StraightForward]

Nice test Chisamba! Did you get an 8 for the stretchy circle? That was nicely done and I don't imagine she is the easiest horse to stretch.

I got home from FL today in time to get T an appointment with the bodyworker I used to use frequently. She moved to CA but was in town for a few days still gathering things from her farm here. She felt like T's withers were really out (spinous processes twisted in alternating directions).So she got adjusted more than she did by the chiro a couple weeks ago. My girl was pissed at first, but the yawned and went all dopey, so I think it was a good thing. Maybe residuals from the messed up saddle last year. Hopefully that saddle will soon be headed to Italy for a new tree.

In the meantime, I decided I could start schooling at the walk to improve our ToH/walk piri, halts, reinback and alternating from free walk to collected walk. She is also getting pretty good at working a gate. Next Wednesday we'll be in for 6-month recheck and ultrasound, and I'm hoping to get clearance to trot half circles so we can stop the silly 150' of trot at a time thing.

[Moutaineer]

Potters had been i.proving steadily through the week. Im not asking for serious collection or anything, but he feels like he is pushing more from behind and able to get off his front end.
I'm riding on my own all week as my trainer is at the Festval of Champions coaching he niece. I'm actually thoroughly enjoying myself

[Aleuronx]

Week of annoyances. Sprained ankle from jumping out of truck bed, do not recommend. Landed square, no rotation so the soft tissues just need to get with the program. Exhaust replaced on truck but noticed the full spare that lives under there is completely dry rotted and rim rusted out. Another $500 out for that. August was a very, very expensive month and I only did one horse show!

[exvet]

Seems like it's been a stressful, mishap-filled and expensive round for many of us though some good things too like the show success of Chisamba and Aleruonx (don't mean to leave any one else's out but I've been enjoying their videos along with LSP's pictures of her daughter). As you know this round has had its ups and downs for me as well. I'm ending this round with a move to our new place (mostly over this weekend) which once over will be a stress relief for me. Troy and I are still dealing with the tweenage resistance/billergerance stage. Ace is continuing to step up to the plate. I have a schooling show with both Ace and Troy next weekend. The sweetest moment of this go round is getting back up on Junior this morning. Farrier was here yesterday shoeing the other two and watched Junior squeal, run and carry on because he wasn't the center of attention. He asked if I was riding him yet and told him I was waiting for next week's rads. He said, "Rotated to whatever degree that pony is ready to ride - not work, but just get on him"; so we did this morning. I was pleasantly surprised to see that his saddle still fits with my relief pad eventhough he's lost so much muscle and fat. He was very well behaved as we did our usual two mile walk and felt quite relaxed and comfortable. We still have a long, long questionable road ahead of us but to say it's the happiest I've been in a while is an understatement. Totally barn-blind I know but I'm still smitten with this rotten pony.

I'll update more on his EMS/ID issues in the other forum but I've now got Junior on Teff (no longer soaked), the lowest sugar/starch balancer I can find, pink mash, vit E, MSM, additional salt, carnitine, glycine, insulin-wise though I won't be wasting money on it one I'm out, Platinum Performance Metabolic Advanced, an omega 3 supplement and ertugliflozin (still full-dose). That regimen along with his fancy dancing slippers (pads and shoes) has been keeping him stable and me working. I did just sign up for a 'mega verterinay conference on Insulin Dysregulation' starting this fall. I'm anxious to hear what the line up of speakers have to share - from US, UK, Sweden and Australia - should be very interesting though another $500 going to the Junior fund.

[khall]

Super Chisamba!! Pauletta is really maturing nicely! Any more foal spam??

Al yay for your continued success with Kora. So sorry that you’ve had unexpected expenses. Ouch.

Blob hope you and RP and MM are surviving the humidity here in Ga. It’s swamp like!! And the bugs bleh

SF so glad T is continuing to do well in her PT. Whew glad the off day was nothing to worry about.

Mountaineer glad Potters is feeling good!

Exvet oh I sure hope you do a thread on your CE on IR forum!! And hallelujah for riding Junior! I know the feeling:)

I’m struggling here. My local vet who had been shipping insulin tests to Cornell now has her own in house and Dr Kellon says in house insulin testing is not accurate. Ugh. I asked if they would send to Cornell siting Dr Kellon have yet to hear back. Local vet can be difficult to deal with. Sport vet does in house too though he’s much more up on which machines are effective. Not sure what to do.

And in other news I get to have pelvic floor surgery again. Sigh. Two pelvic floor issues and I’ve had them both. Affecting my QOL so surgery it is. Absolutely sucks because Joplin is going like gangbuster! Starting to figure out what she needs for clean changes. Combo of collection but forward with better jump. And working CPs which she finds easy. Worked square the other day straight in canter HI corner bring her around then straight in HI. Lateral work is her jam and she really embraces it. Renvers CC is awesome for collecting her. Now to add in the forward for more jump. Fun stuff!

Coming up on one year of her injury which was 9/22/25. Have a clinic again with Cedar so will be thinking of all that as we get to work again in front of Cedar.

Fall is coming which is a great time usually but ugh I’m not looking forward to November. 2/3 months off the horses. Not sure what I’m going to do since they all need the work!

Happy riding all! Hope the black clouds stay away

[Chisamba]

Nice test Chisamba! Did you get an 8 for the stretchy circle? That was nicely done and I don't imagine she is the easiest horse to stretch.



In the meantime, I decided I could start schooling at the walk to improve our ToH/walk piri, halts, reinback and alternating from free walk to collected walk. She is also getting pretty good at working a gate. Next Wednesday we'll be in for 6-month recheck and ultrasound, and I'm hoping to get clearance to trot half circles so we can stop the silly 150' of trot at a time thing.

thank you straightforward, i actually did get an eight for that. lol.
once upon a time i had a year long rehab on a horse with a terrible hole in the tendon, and we did quite a lot of schooling at the walk, i remember reading, and dang if i can remember who it was, but an old master in his eighties used to start all the babies, at a walk, for a year, and when he was finished he passed them on to his students and they were "finished in all gaits" . i took it as a challenge and really worked on controlling the shoulders in the walk, and the horse was better than it had ever been after the year off.

good luck

[Chisamba]

Super Chisamba!! Pauletta is really maturing nicely! Any more foal spam??

Al yay for your continued success with Kora. So sorry that you’ve had unexpected expenses. Ouch.

Blob hope you and RP and MM are surviving the humidity here in Ga. It’s swamp like!! And the bugs bleh

SF so glad T is continuing to do well in her PT. Whew glad the off day was nothing to worry about.

Mountaineer glad Potters is feeling good!

Exvet oh I sure hope you do a thread on your CE on IR forum!! And hallelujah for riding Junior! I know the feeling:)

I’m struggling here. My local vet who had been shipping insulin tests to Cornell now has her own in house and Dr Kellon says in house insulin testing is not accurate. Ugh. I asked if they would send to Cornell siting Dr Kellon have yet to hear back. Local vet can be difficult to deal with. Sport vet does in house too though he’s much more up on which machines are effective. Not sure what to do.

And in other news I get to have pelvic floor surgery again. Sigh. Two pelvic floor issues and I’ve had them both. Affecting my QOL so surgery it is. Absolutely sucks because Joplin is going like gangbuster! Starting to figure out what she needs for clean changes. Combo of collection but forward with better jump. And working CPs which she finds easy. Worked square the other day straight in canter HI corner bring her around then straight in HI. Lateral work is her jam and she really embraces it. Renvers CC is awesome for collecting her. Now to add in the forward for more jump. Fun stuff!

Coming up on one year of her injury which was 9/22/25. Have a clinic again with Cedar so will be thinking of all that as we get to work again in front of Cedar.

Fall is coming which is a great time usually but ugh I’m not looking forward to November. 2/3 months off the horses. Not sure what I’m going to do since they all need the work!

Happy riding all! Hope the black clouds stay away

i absolutely prefer Cornell for insulin testing, so i agree with you

also i am so sorry to hear that you need surgery and will be off for a while, i hope it means you can come back stronger and improve your quality of life

[Chisamba]

exvet. pauletta went through quite a long phase of kicking at the leg in canter transition, breaking instead of taking a half halt at canter, and it severely impacted her long term progress. i feel like it is almost a right of passage with really talented horses. i hope it means that Troy will be superb for the future.

Aleuronix, be careful with a sprained ankle, if you do not recover them properly they can become long term problems. i m going to sound like your mother, but it takes a sprain as long to heal as a broken bone, so give it the same respect.

Mountaineer i hope your dedication to Potters soundness pays off for you, it is often enjoyable to have a week of peaceful riding, lol.

blob, vet wrap works better than elastikon tape that was also suggested, because it does not pull the CGM off when i remove it, but it does slide to the narrowest part of my waist, so does not always stay, and when it slides it does tend to pull the CGM out. the CGM has to stay put for fourteen days, it is not as much of a problem with the pump site because i have to change that every three days. it is also a problem when the darn things move because the filament in my skin causes scarring and after having to wear them for decades, finding a place that is not scarred to insert another site is complicated.

we took all the babies, well not all, a load of four horses to a friends farm to just practice riding. she has a fabulous huge outdoor arena that could literall fit two full size and one small dressage arena in it, so much space to play, then she has an indoor with such lovely sand and fiber footing. it was so fun to take the horses to a new venue to practice without the drama of show stress. the divine Miss P is horrible at being tied and trailering, she loads and unloads perfectly but she likes to rear and paw , so it is very good for her to have opportunity to stand tied to the trailer.

that is all my news for the moment. wishing everyone a great weekend

[Aleuronx]

Lesson today because I’m a glutton for punishment and will rest when I’m dead, or at least rest the ankle then. It’s about 85% there which feels good enough.

Rocked through tempi’s and worked on straightening but riding quarter line a forward and back then forward into 4 two tempi’s. Hard work but got the neck nicely up and through so I could keep hands together. Some trot playing with cadence, a fun lesson. Ice ankle back at home and now a little red light wrap before bed.

Here’s my close-out- Sending winds to blast black clouds away for all.
Section goals:
-Learn to ride a friesian neck Learned I didn’t care to and just had fun blasting him around the fields
-Kora to be bestest PSG schoolie Kora nailed it and proved herself to be well trained and a quality school mistress
-Nail both tempi lines in a I-1 In the last test of the year, success
-Work with fitter on saddle options We have a slight half pad that is working for now and an appointment in September to remeasure her back and talk next steps if needed

[Ponichiwa]

Last day of August and we have good news for Queso- after PRAP and shockwaves, he has jogged sound and ultrasounded sound and is cleared to begin rehab. Starting with 5min a day hand walking, building to 30. And my vet has started using words like "when" instead of "if" to describe future competitive endeavors. I am THRILLED.

Dijon went to another show 2 weeks ago, with an average score of 72%. The other day, we lost all ability to trot in a straight line thanks to birds in the arena. Young horse woes.

[Ponichiwa]

Re: friesian neck (and, well, the whole horse too) - it's not for everyone! I worked a summer at a big friesian breeder 20+ years ago, and let me tell you i got a lot more respect for the Sabine Schut-Kerys of the world who have gotten multiple friesian stallions to FEI levels. Some of those horses (related to some of the Big Name Stallions) had to be taught how to canter. And it was absolute witchcraft getting them to do flying changes. Those big long swan necks + active but not necessarily engaged hocks is a tricky combo.

And then add that they are absolutely the wrong color, body shape, and hirsute-ness for the TX climate. Lots of people like them; they're not for me.

I should probably never say never. I also thought I'd be warmbloods forever but I am having much more fun on my duo of quarter horses than I did with my much fancier but often hotter horses.

[Moutaineer]

And just like that, it's the end of summer. We've had our ups and downs over the past two months. No showing for Justin, unfortunately, and it looks like the October show we were planning on has been canceled so we've failed in our quest for him to get his silver this year. We've had some soundness issues that have come to a head that we have been able to address successfully, and I continue to get stronger and fitter, so that's all good news. I'm around for the next 3 weeks then back to England for 3 weeks, so it will be a bit inconsistent for a while. But I plan to squeeze what I can out of it!
(All saying that a looming health elephant in the room proves to be a false alarm. Otherwise, I guess everything will go to hell again.)

[StraightForward]

Yay Queso! So happy your golden boy is on the road to recovery!

Jingles to all who need them for horse and human soundness!

We had a positive checkup this morning and the vet said to just start building back to her previous level of work over the next 2-3 months. I will probably take four months, but yay for being able to start trotting all the way around the arena. I will have to update the rehab schedule accordingly.