Tag: horse

Pedals

Looks who’s got four pedals again!! It’s been a very long week and a bit of a struggle, mostly trying to keep a poultice on. Buddy really didn’t want it on. And there’s no sign of an abscess anyway.

Trotted up OK, so shoe back on and see how he goes. Fingers crossed for my boy.

Bad clothing

After the heat of yesterday, today was much cooler. About half the temperature it was yesterday. Welcome to the British Summer!

Yesterday I was too hot to achieve much. Today I felt decidedly unsettled. Bit like the weather I guess. I’m missing riding. I know it’s not even been a week, but riding is my happy place. I miss going for a plod and shooting the breeeze with Buddy.

Decided to go for a walk instead. Guess who forgot to check the weather forecast before they left? Yup this muppet. So I got soaked through. My trainer aren’t waterproof so squelched my way back home.

Walked passed the yard to check on the Boy Wonder. Threw him completely by calling to him from the footpath that runs near his field. Well I guess he’s not used to me being there so will cut him some slack…

Numbers game

Today has been a bit of a number game. I had a complete brain fart and got centimetres confused with inches. Had to get the tape measure out as I just couldn’t visualise it. Got there in the end but resulted in a bit of an awkward conversation.

In other numbers, it’s now Buddy 2 – Poultice 0. Even with extra tape and a bag, he still managed to get it off. So tonight I stuck his foot in a bucket of Epsom salts and tried again. Fingers crossed that third time is the charm!

I did put the sun shade up so was feeling quite pleased with myself. I sat in the shade having a coffee till I got attacked by a million annoying little black flies.

I couldn’t find Dodo. Not sure sleeping on my keyboard can be that comfortable. But seems like he’s one very happy kitten.

Camp catch up

It’s 4 weeks today till Buddy and I head off to our ‘big camp’. Today I met up with 3 fellow campers to chat all things camp.

I love taking Buddy to training camps. It’s not just the learning or spending time with him. It’s about spending time with like-minded people (who don’t roll their eyes when you talk horses).

This photo sums up the fun we have. I’m very excited. Just need to get Buddy sound again.

Speaking of Buddy, he’s not a fan of a poultice as he took it off overnight. Attempt number 2 done tonight, so fingers crossed that stays on.

Boot of shame

You’ve heard of the ‘cone of shame’ well I think this is the equine equivalent – the ‘boot of shame’. Poor Buddy.

He’s trotted up lame today. Not hopping but definitely uncomfortable. Slight heat in his off fore. Messaged my farrier, Zak and luckily he was in the area, so popped in to see us.

Nothing obvious showed up. So looks like it’s either an abscess or he’s bruised his soul. He’ll keep the shoe off for now. And poulticing for the next few days.

Still trying

Well our first ODE of 2022 wasn’t this shining success that I’d hoped for. I withdrew before XC as Buddy wasn’t right.

Dressage was an unusually calm affair. Except he didn’t feel like he was travelling in the trot. In comparison, canter felt amazing. Still we did all the right moves, in the right place and I was pleased with how it went.

I was disappointed with a low score of 44. But I can understand it having read the sheet. Got 7’s for the canter and walk work. But 4-6 for the trot. Canter is usually our worse pace. Go figure!!

Then onto SJ. He rode in lovely and was taking me into the fences. So set off feeling good. Sadly Buddy went to pieces in the ring. He hasn’t been like that for ages. Mr Nappy Pants was back in full force. Got him round but it was a bit of a battle. The positives are that I did get him round and we left most of the fences up.

Wasn’t sure what to do as he just didn’t seem right. I know he can go a bit feral. But this seemed different. Decided to take him up to the XC warm up and see how he felt. Even if I used it as a schooling round, it would be beneficial.

Well that was the theory. Buddy was charging around, not listening and wouldn’t trot. When I did get trot, it was clear there was a problem. So I withdrew. Better to save him for another day.

He’s sound in walk and canter but trot isn’t level. All very odd. I felt every inch of him when we got back and there’s nothing obvious. I’ll trot him up tomorrow and see how he looks. There’s something going on with him. Just not sure what. All healing vibes gratefully received right now.

BatBuddy

Tonight saw the return of BatBuddy. He’s thrilled as you can see. After a long hack, the bath / plait epic started. Boy am I out of practise. So they’re not my best efforts. Buddy got rather bored too. Even with food. Still it’s done now. Fingers crossed they stay in overnight.

I managed to lose 2 hours somewhere along the way. Usual faffing around or ‘yard time’. Checking and double checking that everything is on the lorry. It’s been a long time since we did an ODE so feeling slightly underprepared. We’re going to have fun. And we’ll see what tomorrow brings…

Canapés

Took Buddy for a wander to cool him off after his lunge session. He was very happy to have some snacks on the way. But then I did interrupt his dinner so it was fair. Then I got chatting and forgot to put his dinner back in. Buddy showed his distain by putting most of hay on the yard instead.

He really does make me giggle.

Saddle sore

Buddy had his saddle check today. It was a good news / bad news situation as I kinda thought it might be.

The good new is that his jump saddle needed flocking and a change of girth strap position to help the balance (we’re both wonky). He’s templating more evenly each time too. And the saddler said he’s looking really good at the moment.

The bad news is that the dressage saddle is a no-no. I kinda thought it was going to be the case after his adverse reaction to it a few weeks back. I got to ride in two other saddles and the different was amazing. He came up through his shoulders. And was so soft in the contact. I always amazed at how a different saddle can make such a difference. But then I guess it’s like a good fitting bra or running shoes.

It seems Buddy has very expensive tastes. Typically he preferred the most expensive option. It’s going on the wishlist.

So anyone want to buy a dressage saddle or a kidney…?! 😂

But the best news was that Buddy felt amazing jumping in his newly adjusted saddle.