Nutrition Wise

On Friday Matt and My mom went to one of the local feed stores to pick up some grain for Ink. We are putting him on LMF Show Time, which was recommended by the vet. ST Info

Show Time has rice bran and beet pulp in it which will help with building weight. There are two types of formulas, one of which is for feeding with Alfalfa and the other for grass hay. We put him on the G Formula because he’s on oat hay. Then we bought ‘Cool Calories,’ which is another type of LMF supplement. It is fed in one ounce with the grain and adds more calories to the diet without the added sugars. We are slowly taking him off the Equine Senior and putting him onto the Show Time. Once we start working him under saddle on a regular routine we will be putting him on the LMF Performance. Per. Info

Errika is still on the Equine Senior, and it’s working good for her. I’m going to be adding some supplements to her diet once we pick up a regular exercise schedule in the spring.

Yesterday we spent the day with the horses, but I mostly gave them a relaxation day. Errika has been in the barn the past two nights because of the rain, and she seems to like it. With that I gave them time to play in the arena, run around and buck and then put them in the grassy paddock to graze. Ink did some pole work, raised the poles so he had to do a little more work to step over them, and then the two got their grain.

Stand By Me

“…So darling darling stand by me
Oh stand by me
Stand by me, stand by me
If the sky
That we
look upon
Should tumble and fall
And the mountains
Should crumble
To the sea
I won’t cry, I won’t cry
No I won’t shed a tear
Just as long
As you stand, stand by me
And darling darling
Stand by me
Oh stand by me
Stand by me, stand by me,
stand by me
Whenever you’re in trouble
Won’t you stand by me
Oh stand by me, stand by me, stand by me
And darling darling stand by me
Oh stand by me
Stand by me, stand by me, stand by me.”

…Who do you stand by? I was a 6y/o sitting in the front seat of my dads’ work truck, with my feet dangling, singing Marvin Gaye’s “Stand By Me.” I couldn’t think of a better way to spend my day, than driving in that truck. I always looked over to see my dad, with a pencil over his ear, enjoying the oldies as much as I did. The people that I am proud to say, stand by me.

As you get older things change. Nothing is a simple or care-free as it was as a happy six year old. People go away and some stay but are never the same as they were when all was right. Sometimes you realize your a grown-up human-being who can’t depend on people like you once did. It’s almost upsetting to know that people expect you to grow up and move on, but don’t look at you the same. My parents’ friends were always so nice to me, always complementing to my mom how sweet I was. Now I get dirty looks and people rarely ask about me. I’ve always managed to keep to myself, but somehow the my impression to others has changed for the worse. No one talks to me about my life, or the burning ambitions and desires I have. I’m a good person, really. When I doubt my understanding and compassion to the public, I just keep to myself. I’ve failed horribly at some things, I wish I could do things better. Trust me, I beat myself up enough about the things I did wrong. I feel alone most of the time. My dad and I never take rides in the work truck and listen to oldies. My mom isn’t the mom I used to remember, it’s almost as she’s pushing me away. Maybe that’s how growing up is supposed to be? But why? I’m capable of doing so much, so much more than if my mom or dad wasn’t there for me. The world is a, “every person for their-selves,” type of world. You grow up, even with the need or want, and become part of a constantly moving society.

It hurts to know this is the way it’s going to be. Not that life is upsetting, just that those who you thought would still be there as much as they were when you were six, aren’t.

I sit on a hay-bale. Looking at the truest friend I’ve ever had. I’ve made mistakes but her love hasn’t changed. She stands by me. I get kind looks, the ones that inspire. She lets me rest my head on hear shoulder. I watch and listen, and somehow I get the courage to continue to grow stronger.

Remember that the people in life, aren’t always going to fit into your perspective. Take the time to watch and listen. Stand by them because you have no idea how much they need and appreciate it.

Horses teach you how to communicate on a deeper level. One without words.

Stuck On You

As soon as Matt and I pulled up to the barn, and I got out, Ink did his manly whinny. Then from a far in the back field, Errika did her high picthed whinny. They must know the sound of Matt’s car.

Errika was trotting and cantering back and fourth along the fencline waiting to come out. She’s in heat, and has a “thing” for Ink. I had Matt get Ink out and we let him loose in the arena. He did his usual bucks, which are always a sight and then we walked to the back to get the spunky one.

While I was leading Errika up to the barn, she was prancing next to me. Ready to go and be with her “man” hehe. I turned her loose in the arena with Ink and they took off at a full gallop together towards the other end. After Ink followed Errika around, he lost interest and she followed him around like a shadow. Begging for a little attention. I don’t think she’s ever heard of playing hard to get ;)?

After they were in the arena for a little while and I did some exercises with Ink, I turned them both out in pathway in the back, to eat some grass. When I went to get Ink he did not want to come in, he loves the outdoors. If the ground continues to dry, I’ll turn him out during the days with Errika in the back field. But as for now, he has to stay out of the mud. Poor guy, I feel bad having him in a stall.

Looking Back - 5 Months

Five months ago I started writing this journal. I do consider it a journal, as “blog” seems too modern for this teenager. I suppose I started writing out of interest to express my feelings and track exactly how I work/worked with Ink. Something to look back on in the future when we are towards the last rail. I wish I had something like this to look back on with Errika. I do though, hold the memories with her. I did start writing this journal to only speak of Ink, his progress and our relationship. But after only a few posts I realized Errika is part of everything, little or big, Ink and I do together. She is there watching her pupil put all those experiences and lessons to use. Errika and I always have our private time. We seem to spend some time relieving each-other of the strain Ink can put on us. Errika being a horse herself, can give Ink some pointers. She always seems to know what I am going through with him. I turn to her and grin, “He’s such a strong headed horse.” And she looks out in the distance watching the big Thoroughbred run and buck, as if to say, “In time, and patience, he will come around.” I don’t doubt Ink one bit. You just have to know him, or a horse like him, to understand exactly how things work. I believe in him in every way possible. Life is always exciting with him.

Errika is my dearest friend. She is there for me every moment. I can’t help but look at her and smile. It’s just amazing how far we have come. The relationship that we share reaches every inch of my heart and every crack that was once there is filled. I don’t know who I would be without her in my life.
_______

I’m still trying to fully grasp Dressage. I’ve never had formal Dressage lessons, nor have I actually shown a test. So since I’ve had Errika, I’ve been learning how teach myself anything Dressage. I do have thing for mastering it, and I want to pursue it to the highest level possible. Errika and I have made some strides in our training together. Our Dressage has improved, but we have a lot to learn.

Simply Save! A life lesson learned too many times.

Well I originally wrote this entry hours ago, and then went away from the computer to do other things, came back and my computer froze. I had to restart and I lost everything. It was good, I thought. This happens time to time, life’s way of telling you to save everything important.

I can’t write like I wanted too. Too many things boggling my mind right now and my “groove.”

So I’ll write tomorrow.

Today Matt lunged Errika over ground poles and little half verticals. (Used on standard to hold up one side on the pole) Which went well. Errika needs a little more added to her work, and until I start riding her again, this will be some of the work.

Ink is still walking over ground poles, then little cross-rails and finally little verticals. Done in-hand. Not much at this point, but enough until the Spring when he starts up.

I don’t know why, but for some reason I’m holding off.. Maybe it’s not the right time to start. I need to get him evaluated by a vet before I start anything as far as riding. I’m guessing in March I’ll call up my old trainer.

“Le Grand Gel - Partie Deux”

“The Big Freeze - Part Two”
I guess I’ll start with writing this update in chronological order. Not all of it is horse-related but worth writing and possibly reading.

My dad, brother, and a few other family friends, went to Oklahoma for a big Sprint Car race. My dad’s 50th birthday is this month and year after year both him and my brother have been dying to go. They left last Thursday night and flew out early, early Friday morning from SFO. As many of you know Oklahoma declared a state of emergency due to an ice storm early this week. My mom was expecting to hear from them today, as they were supposed to fly out, but heard nothing. Mom was calling SFO trying to find out if their flight was cancelled, or what. The flights out of Oklahoma were all cancelled, apparently, and the flights into Dallas, TX were also cancelled. They were supposed to fly from Oklahoma into Dallas and then to SFO. Finally Mom called my brothers’ girlfriend and she said that she talked to him and they were heading to a different airport in Oklahoma to fly out to Chicago. Then, after a nine hour wait, at the Chicago airport, they would fly into SFO early Monday (this morning..writing late). Phew! Mom was in a little frenzy this afternoon but all is better.

The boys were supposed to be in Sunday night. And the today, we were going to go look at that car. The Infiniti :). But I don’t know if that will happen, maybe.

Matt and I went down to see the horses and clean out Ink’s stall this evening (Sunday..I still consider last night “this evening.”) before it got dark. I let the big guy out to play while Matt cleaned and re-bedded. I had Ink walk over ground poles and little cross-rails which he did wonderfully :).

Afterwards we left and were headed home. I had him drive a little de-tour.. We went by the used car lot to see if the car was still there. Yes, it was!

The cold weather is still here. Boy oh boy is it cold! Already it’s 26 degrees F!

My younger brother has the stomach flu and Matt and I have a cold.

The Big Freeze

Last night was record cold. Everyone thinks Calfornia is filled with warm short weather year round. But behold if you were here throughout this past week you would find your shorts utterly disgusting. My shorts hibernate in my bottom dresser drawer from August until late May.

Last year was the year of rain and I mean rain. Days on end was rain. The creeks and rivers flooded all around and people were finding their riverside homes at one with the river. “Hey there goes the oven!” This year is cold, not rainy. It was due to hit, at low, 20F last night. The skies are clear and the very brisk wind pierces your cheeks and lips. Old Navy had it’s winter wear on clearance. Perfect timing.

We went to PetSmart tonight, and almost ALL the horse blankets were gone. Just the other day Matt, Klint and I were down there and there shelves were full. I managed to buy Ink a light stable sheet for $32. The only size 84 in the bin, I really got lucky. Now the clearance blanket bin is shuffled and only few remain.

So, now that I got completely off track, last night we had to go over to the barn to put Errika’s blanket on. I made her hot mushy grain and put her blanket on. She did not want to stay out in that field. I wanted to load her in my mom’s SUV and take her home.

Ink’s stall door, that goes out to the paddock, was open. I’ve had it closed because the paddock get’s really muddy during the winter and that’s what we have been trying to avoid. Odd it was open, maybe he figured out how to untie the twine? Smart horse, I wouldn’t doubt it. I took him out to fix his blanket, on of the buckles was undone, and then shut the door. The buckle thing was a hassle. He is a kicker and it takes some time for him to let you work around his hind. I eventually managed and put him back in his stall with his hot mushy grain as well.

Misc. Update

I started a freewebs website for Sover Rein until I can afford my own domain and someone to do the website. Here is the new adress/link: Freewebs.com/soverrein.

I also posted an ad type thing on the Bayequest website. Look here: Click to view. You will need to scroll down to see it.

I’m sick with a sore throat, so I won’t be visiting the horses today. Just hanging around the house. I hate being sick :(.

NY Resolutions Contd. & More

I said I would write my new years resolutions on here, so I’m going to now.. I’ll update them as needed, but include dates. But note these are the original ones.

Start Ink with Bonnie
Drivers Permit
Drivers License
Buy car (Infiniti G20 ‘94) hehe
Start a paying job
Begin JC classes in the Fall
Jump Ink
Get my blood work done
Back to the Derm.
Be a better student
Ride Ink bareback in a halter
Wireless DSL - Ghh dialup!
Take riding lessons weekly
Save for and buy a GPA helmet
Buy another project horse
Ink accupressure
Drive myself and Sophie to PetSmart
Get Sover Rein up and running

I’ll put more up later. When I complete a news years resolution I’ll type “Completed” and the date next to it. I have a feeling there are a few I will be completing here shortly.

By the way, I made Sover Rein a website click and soon I’ll open it up.. It’s nothing special, but a start.

Thennn my mom and I went to look at a car. Yes a ‘94 Infiniti G20! My mom test drove it. It needs some work, but it would be a perfect first car.

Then the other day Matt and I finally were able to paint the jump standards he built! Take a look, Errika was helping out too ;).

And here’s Ink grazing as we painted..


I thought this was kind of a neat shot, what do you think?

Pictures © K. Simpson ‘07

Do NOT use without permission.

A New Year

I have been quite in-active when updating the site. My time has been occupied with other sites, and I am working on a new idea for equine rescues. One of the websites I frequent is E-Equestrian forums. It’s been a large help with my horse-related questions and also has given me a chance to help answer others’ questions. I’ll hopefully be working with a select few with supplying a new rescue program through that site. I’ve met a lot of knowledgeable and nice horse people on that site!

So the new year means new resolutions. I plan on making a list on this site so maybe next year I will actually get to see what I have accomplished and what I have not. I don’t even remember last years..

I am thinking about leasing Errika out.. But only to someone I know, not some stranger. And only a half lease, as I want full care of her and still the opportunity to ride her. But that’s still in debate.

Ink is still in a resting period. Hopefully in the spring we’ll pick up. He’s such an intelligent horse. If things work out I want to start his ground work, and my mom ran into my old trainer. Yay! She told us to call her asap about helping me with Ink. I’m beside myself.

I’m also planning on taking in a new training project. Something from the auction yard? Not sure yet, we’ll see. My dad has to build the shelter/stalls for Ink and Errika, so then it won’t be a matter of space to bring in another horse.

Hope you all had a great wrap up to the ‘06 and a best wishes for 2007!!