Finally! The update is here..

For a few days our internet was down in the dumps. We thought it was something to do with outside problems, it’s happend before, but this time the nice men from SBC came out and told us it was something inside. Hmm.. Well just so happens out phone line, which we use only for the internet, was picking up voicemail. My mom recently changed the plan and forgot to tell them we don’t need call waiting. So tonight I hooked up our phone from the main line and was able to take care of the messages. No more internet troubles :).

Today was spent taking a load to the dumps, checking the horses and giving them grain, shopping at Target, going to the Pumpkin patch, doing more on the house and now writing this update. All in that order. Most of the weekend was spent home doing more things to the house.

Yesterday night we fed the horses and put blankets on and spent almost all day working on the house. There was a forest fire last night in the area we went to see. The nights have been cold and the days warm sometimes hot. So it’s blankets at night taken off in the morning.

Friday was the horse day. But before I go into that I have to tell you about Thursday. Thursday Matt and I bought jump cups and poles. Matt made me jump standards :D. I painted the poles and he did the drilling for the holes to hold the jump cups. Then on Friday we took all the stuff to the barn and I rode Errika over some fences. Twas fun :D.

Tomorrow I will probably be visiting the horses. Things are hectic around here at times.

Holloween is soon and I promised the horses caramel apples :D.

Humbling - Respecting the Aspect

My hair was still damp from an earlier shower. It was 11:00 and we were on our way to an 11:30 trimming (hoof). We managed to get to the gate at the barn at 11:15. As soon as we began to turn into the driveway, a white truck is on it’s way down the same road, coming towards us from the opposite direction. Matt’s instant response was “That’s Stanley isn’t it?” I turned and looked, at that distance you could only make out the color. “No, it can’t be, it’s too early.” As the truck got closer Matt said, “It’s him.” With a quiet laugh under his breath. I opened the iron gate and ran through the other gate to the back towards the barn. I always seem to fall behind schedule and I can’t seem to get it right. Even if I give myself a whole 60 minutes for a shower. Granted it took me 15, and I was dawdling. My most noticeable flaw is my impecable disrespect for timming.

I ran into the tack room, grabbed the halters and ran towards the back of the property to collect the horses. Errika’s head immdiately turned towards my stumbling, breathless body, from the field. I put Ink’s halter on first, trying to get his head up from the itty bitty green grass, and then went to put Errika’s on. As soon as I walked away from Ink, he started walking towards the gate, ready to go. Ink is predictable, in the sense you know when he is ready to work and wanting to be left alone. In fact, it helps me to understand his need for breaks and time off between training activities.

Finally I was walking with them both in tow towards the barn. Stanley and Matt were standing talking when I arrived hot and sweaty. The day was very warm, hot to be exact, odd.

So Stanley trimmed Errika all up nice, and then did Ink. No trimming really for the big guy, just filing. Then we talked about training, and Stanley gave me more tips and ideas for our work. He also told me that after we get further into in-hand work (over ground poles etc.) and under saddle, that he will have his accupuncture friend come over to do some work on Ink.

Stanley (which is not his first name) is one of the most incredible horsemen I have ever met. I love his natural ways and his perspective. I’m thankful to have him assist me :). If there is one way I will model my training with, it’s the way and how Stanley works with horses.

Afterwards we went down to Petsmart and bought Ink new bell and splint boots. And my mom picked out a new halter and lead rope for Errika.

I found an amazing Bates saddle there.. I didn’t even look at the brand or price when it caught my eye through other racks of saddles. I even sat it on that plastic wither/back horse and tried it out. WOW is all I have to say. I was sold until… I saw the $1,800.00 price tag. I had to de-tach my hands from the death grip I had on the saddle.

Riding the Road

Today (10/19) was a little warm. I didn’t want to work either of the horses too much, and I wasn’t in the mood to use up all of the little energy I had.

A friend of a friend (the owner of where the horses are boarded) had a look at Ink and said it wasn’t anything to worry about. Phew! By looks of it he had just hit it hard on something.. So I gave myself the OK to ride.

Matt and I tacked up the horses (Matt rode bareback) and we walked around the property. It just wasn’t pleasing that day, for some reason or another, so we decided to take a chance at walking down the road to another rode which has a bike path. The road is used often and passes a school. There are three other horse properties down the road that leads to the path, and I’ve seen some of them walk to road with their horses. It went super well. I thought it would be best to have Errika lead, which she prefers to do with Ink, and the big guy and I would follow. Well Ink took charge and Errika stayed behind. Ink was confident and happy. The only thing he shyed away from was the steers. One of the horse properties has a pasture of steers right next to the road. Once we got passed that all was good. He didn’t once mind the cars or the kid yelling (which just so happend to be at recess).

When we reached the path it was refreshing to get away from all the bustle of cars. The school is in between the road and path so we again came up on the screaming kids at recess. The path, though, goes right behind the shcool, where the field/recess area is. A lot of the kids were yelling “horses!” and came over, but they all were respectful and didn’t run over and jump on the fence (like previous times). One boy walked over and said “Your horses are beautiful.” In this kind, calm voice. It was soo sweet. I though to myself, “a future horseman?” hmmm..

The field where Ink and Errika are kept backs up to this path, so we turned around there (instead of walking to the end) and started back home. This time the kids were inside and all was quiet.

There were more steers, this time next to the path (on the opposite side of the road we walked down) , and both Ink and Errika would not budge from that point. It isn’t like Errika at all to shy at steers. But I suppose Ink’s fear made her wonder… Finally we got them to walk foward and continue on our journey.

Soon enough we were back home. Boy was it fun! Matt and I want to take the horses up to some trails, but without our own trailer it’s a little difficult. I guess we have to ride to the trails!

Finding Answers

Yesterday Matt and I went over to see the horses. We both planned to ride for a short while. Both of the horses seemed fine but when we brought them up to the barn and I was checking Ink’s legs I noticed a growth on th side of his right knee. I’m not sure what it is, but it just appereard between Monday and yesterday because I didn’t notice it Monday. I’m doing my research but haven’t found anything I am sure of. Our farrier/horseman is coming Friday and he is already planning on looking over Ink so I’ll point it out and ask, but I would like to know some more now. Thoroughbred Owners and Breeeders Association has a page of unsoundness issues. The “Splint” illustration caught my eye, because that’s exactly what this thing looks like except it’s at the inside of the knee.

Splint - (See illustration.) A calcification or bony growth, usually occurring on the inside of the cannon bone or splint bone. It typically results from a tear of the interosseous ligament that binds the splint bone to the cannon bone, but can result from any inflammation of the periosteum (thin sheathing that covers the bone). They are the result of trauma, but can be caused by slipping, running, jumping or as a result of some other concussion injury such as a kick. The location of the splint will determine if one calls it an unsoundness or a blemish. Blistering, surgery and rest are all treatments. Poor nutrition and faulty conformation (over at the knees or offset knees) can be predisposing factors

Ink is lame. But he shows no sign of discomfort with that leg. He was putting weight on it fine yesterday. However he is still “head bobbing” somewhat (not serverly) so I believe that’s some indecation of unsoundness. If you can give me any advice/help on this that would be great! I am not going to attempt to ride him because I feel it not right, but is there anything I can do for him while he’s on a resting period?

So we will have to see what is wrong with the big guy. :/ I wish I knew myself.

Under The Sun

Aw, sleepy boy

Friday I spent some time with the horses. I didn’t do any riding except some bareback, Matt and I took pictures and we enjoyed the day. Ink was falling asleep while we took the pictures, only a few things woke him up from his slumber. It was unusual, as I was spending some one on one time with Ink Matt would walk over to try to pet Ink and the big guy would pin his ears at Matt. Normally Ink loves Matt, but not that day.

Matt had to leave for work, so I was left holding down the fort. I let Ink graze while I rode Errika bareback around the property. I think Errika enjoyed herself as did I. Overall it was a relaxing day with very little asked from the horses.

Saturday and yesterday, Sunday, I didn’t see the horses. I gave them the weekend off to “veg” as Matt would say. But there was other reasons as to why they got a vacation. I was home helping paint the house. You can only guess where I would have rather been. The house is a mess with things all over and I can’t find which room my draws to my dresser are. My room has barely anything in it, my bed and stand for my TV. I do not like disorganization. I would prefer to be sleeping on a bale of hay in the barn or pasture with all the scary critters, with my horses than in the house. If Errika knew how to use a powder room I would have her living in my bedroom.

Today Matt and I had a quick visit with the horses. It was super windy and the little filly in on of the stall/paddocks was screaming and screaming. Normally she is quiet until a horse walks past. And then all the horses towards the back of the property and at the neighbors barn where all going off one after another. Matt said it was earthquake whether. Besides that I rode Ink for the first time bareback. Not the best day to try it for the first time but all went well. Matt rode Errika and we spent the first five minutes in the arena and then the next five riding them out the pasture. There we took off their bridles and walked back to the barn on foot.

Here are some pictures from Friday

Controversial Equestrianism

Yesterday I had told you about a website, Horsemanpro.com that was a little controversial. Now to fully understand and respect the views that are discussed upon you must have an open mind. Some of the articles are written in a form which can make many of today’s equestrians disturbed. In part, I believe how the author wrote some things, generally frowning upon today’s training and riding methods/beliefs, is a fault. You can easily tell the author is disgusted by the contributers to modern riding and training and tries to inform people of the ‘non-abusive’ methods of ‘true’ training. Why would you want to upset equestrians who firmly believe in their methods, when you are trying to open their minds to new ideas? One thing I do agree with is some of the ludicrous judging that goes on in and at shows. Do the judges really know a horse for a horse? Or do they create and develop their own persona of what a horse is? My views of Dressage have shifted, but not on a personal basis, on the show aspect. The author goes into discussing how certain sports were only created mearly for ‘entertainment’ value, but even that being the case many horses love what they do. Even if it is ‘pointless’. In order to really be a great horseman you need to understand the mechanics of horse. And no, if you want to learn how to ride, by taking lessons etc, you learn little about the reality of the horse. Riding is one thing, horsemanship is another. So really it is down to the individual if they want to ride horses simply to ride or take the time out to respect a horses space. But, as stated on the website, most of the irresponsible training/riding is because of todays trainers. Again it is up to the individual, if you wish to go to a certain trainer with certain methods and pay them for it. The only thing you can really do is inform people of this, either people new to the horse world or veterans, in a positive manner. People need a reason to completely give up what they have been doing for many years, because in a way they may think what their doing is in no way ‘abuse’.

Personal conclusion, I do agree with many of the things she is saying, underneath the frustrating-opinionated tone. Yet there are some things I do not agree with. But yes as a rider I do ride horses because of feeling. The author of the website talks about this. Even if you may be completely appalled by the articles, they are informative and it is always benefiting to broaden your spectrum as a ‘horse person’. Even if you may not agree you may find yourself questioning how you’ve spent your time on and off a horses back.

Here are some quick links to the Horsemanpro’s website articles.
* = riding related, ** = training related, *** horse abuse

*Impulsion

*Impulsion Line

*Saddle Dilemma

*Collection

*Lateral Stress

**Interference & Forging

**Lounging Horses

***Horse Abuse - The absurdity of high action or high stepping

***4-H

***Horse Abuse - Reason & Accountability

***Equine Judges & Organizations

***Dressage

***Dressage - no such thing today

***Reining

Do A Little ‘Dressage’

Another day of basic movements. More circles, diagnols, transitions. I rode Ink actually two times. One earlier solo and one in the evening while the sun was going down. A trotting video was taken and a few pictures. Later on, the second ride, Ink showed obvious signs of lameness. You can easily see weakness in his hind end. I don’t know if this is because he hasn’t used it really before or if there is an underlying problem.

I came across a website Horsemanpro.com that comes from a very different perspective than a lot of todays training/riding advice. I have yet to meet a trainer that enforces these ideas. It would be nice to see these training methods in action and speak to a person with similar beliefes. If you could please check out the website and give me some feedback. I would like to know how you feel about it. Thanks!

Here are a few pictures that were taken after our second ride. Hope you enjoy them!

Live in Motion

The following video was taken today during Ink and I’s third ride in the arena and second attempt at the canter. I made an excellent edited version (with music, titles and effects) but it was too big to upload to YouTube. Matt ended up purchasing me a crop from S.T.B (abv. for security purposes). It helped get Ink more on the ball and make more accurate transitions. Yay to the big guy!

This video link: Our First Ride was a video taken on the 30th of September (Ink & I). Might be interesting to compare to the new one.

Here is the new video : “Ink A Go Go”
Please feel free to critique/comment & advise on the video (leave comments on YouTube please!)

Ink’s stride is big, and the way he carries his head (traditional racer position) makes it hard for me to sit down in a more deep dressage seat. So I am riding in a more foward position because of how Ink carries his head and to encourage foward motion. I am slowly going to bring Ink into rounding, but I will need to seek help for this. And I will begin to sit deeper once he understands clear consistant commands from my leg and hands. He is already doing excellent at halting from the trot and vice versa. I have also noticed an improvement in his attitude. Ink is happier now that we are working his mind and body harder. He likes a challenge! There wasn’t much ear pinning during tacking. Mind you he never once has pinned his ears during under saddle work. I am very pleased in his progress and it makes me happy to see him enjoying the work!

To Ride A Stride

Picture belongs to Fox Hollow Sporthorses. The horse kind of looks like Ink :). “To Ride A Stride”

Is it summer in October? First rain and now awfully warm.. Well I rode later on in the day so by that time the fog was already starting to come in. I was alone out there, everyone was busy. It was a new experience. I hadn’t even attempted to ride Ink solo, especially in the arena. But he was relaxed and it “felt” right. I’ve been going off of instinct and sense more than I ever have with Ink. If something doesn’t feel like it should be attempted or done, I must hold in my hunger and listen to my instincts.

Now one thing I have noticed many times is Ink’s; #1: thirst, he likes to keep hydrated. #2: he loves his sleep. Every time I see him nearly fall asleep while being saddled or while standing, it reminds me of Seabiscuit. Always sleeping. I sometimes doubt Ink’s ability to really have the “forward” impulsion, just because he’s a lazy one. But then again that was one of the reasons why the Biscuit was doubted as a race horse. Even though Ink is lazy he is smart and willing to learn. The owner of where he is kept brought up that maybe he has a disorder. Because he nearly fell asleep and tried to lie down when I was tacking him up. Kind of scary!

Before I continue with todays story I would like to say that “The Equus Ink” is now listed first on google when you search both “InkEq” and second for “The Equus Ink.” I would like to get more people involved with this journal and most is simply by word of mouth. I always appreciate comments and advice on any posts. It takes a lot of mind power to create a solid foundation with a horse and therefore it takes many minds collaberating to really create a strategy to do so. Bridlepath has been a great help! Thank You!

So what did happen today? Something relatively exciting, well in my book anyway :)! I worked Ink at the trot a lot. We did various circles and worked on balancing. Then I taught him transitions from the trot to the walk and then the trot to the halt. It went really well. Then later on I rode the first Ink canter. Wow big stride! Such an adjustment from Errika. I think it would have been much easier if he was collected up, rounded. I’m riding him in an eggbutt snaffle, which doesn’t seem like enough. I have had no problems with slowing him down, just getting him to speed up! You wouldn’t think that would be the case with an OTTB but yes with Ink it is. I had to use a makeshift crop to get him to canter. At first he woldn’t even respond to the tap on the shoulder, so I tapped it on his bum numerous times and he kicked out. Finally we were off and cantering. Sometimes he won’t even move. I’ll squeeze (which never works) and then kick, kick, kick and kick. Nothing. But overall he is responding positively to work. He enjoys this, somewhat of a job. And despite how normal OTTB’s respond to pulling, Ink doesn’t seem to really mind anything with his mouth.

He looks quite handsome all decked out.

I will be using a technique advised by a fellow equestrian to get him to round and work off his hind.

Here is an exmaple picture posted by PaintGurl of the E-Equestrian forums.

First Rain

The sky is gloomy and dark. The rain is coming down pretty good. The weather reporters said it was due, but you can never really tell. Errika and Ink both need their blankets on, but Ink doesn’t yet have one and just yesterday we were looking at some but unsure his size. I would be over with them in a heartbeat but there is not a ride to be seen. Countless days last winter, and the year before that, back four years, I would walk out to the field in the pouring rain to bring Errika into the barn so at-least some of the day she could enjoy not having that bulky blanket on or dealing with the rain. She knows the routine. Sometimes we’ll hang out together for a majority of the day in the barn listening to the rain on the roof. Ink holds new questions with this winter routine. How does he react to the winter, rain, and standing in the barn? Although simple questions, it’s hard to determine wether one little question will turn into a big fiasco or not.

Yesterday we managed to get Ink his own bridle. I put it together with a matching brow-band and noseband. I’ll take a picture of him in it when I get the chance. The nice ladies at the tack shop helped me with deciding on a bit and bridle combo. Since this store has been under new management we’ve been in many times shopping and window shopping like we used to do. I’ve scoped out a few close contact saddles.. I personally love used tack.