Blog Post from MelNewton.com (circa 2012)

I'm a little mentally tapped right now.

Instead, I'm going to share a blog post from melnewton.com!

http://melnewton.com/2012/convention-hydration-seminar/#comment-13046

Entire post copied here, but ALL credit for it goes to Mel Newton!

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Onto Convention day 2!

If you haven’t seen Dr. Susan Garlinghouse speak – you should take advantage of any opportunity to do so. She is at least as hilarious in person as she is on her website. At one point she called us a “tacky” crowd (which is apparently synomonous with “endurance”) and then mentioned that this being an endurance convention, she has probably seen most of us pee in the bushes and vice versa.

Oh too true, too true. And sometimes there aren’t even bushes.

I digress.

The point of the seminar was Hydration of the endurance horse and cumulated with some electrolyte advice.

One point that was reiterated over and over and over was that there are long term effects on a horse. Think of the horse as a rubber band – you can stretch it repeatedly, but it produces micro damage that can accumulate and eventually lead to failure, OR you can stretch it REALLY far a couple of times, and then lead to failure. Horses are NOT 100% when they cross the finish line and we can not pretend it is. Going 100 miles or even 50 miles takes a certain toll on a horse – whether it is conditioned and not – and this seminar covered dehydration specifically. The bottom line is that EVERY horse needs consideration for it’s hydration and other physical needs after it crosses the finish line and in the hours and days afterwards. Just because you got that completion, or received all As at the finish doesn’t mean that your horse is as “good” as it came out of the pasture (in terms of hydration etc.).

Just a few numbers and facts to keep in mind:

• A 12% dehydrated horse is about to die. 6-7% usually has some other associated problems
• Dehydration under 5% can’t be accurately identified without blood analysis
• Average endurance horse is 5% dehydrated whether its a 50 mile or a 100 mile. (Some interesting theories such as after 50 miles the thirst mechanisms finally catch up, or the coolness of the night/slowing down helps etc.)
• Having your horse’s head to one side can affect the skin pinch test done during the vet checks. This was interesting because I think I’m very guilty of having the horse’s head tipped in towards the vet during the vet check, and I often get marked down for skin pinches, even when the rest of the parameters look good.
• Difference between tolerable dehydration and treatment is 2-3 gallons of water.
• The difference between tolerable dehydration and “about to die” is 8 gallons of water.
• Trailering loss is 0.8 gal per hour, 1% dehydrated per 90 min travel. Thus, 8 hour trip produces a horse that is 5% dedicated upon arrival (6.25 gallons low).

Another point that was addressed was the people that say “my horse will drink what it needs”, or “when it’s thirsty it will drink”. Actually, although the second statement may be true, depending on how you offer water, the first is definitely NOT true. Horses only voluntarily replace only about 2/3 of fluid deficit by drinking during the ride. Part of managing hydration of the endurance horse is getting that figure as close to 100% as possible.

Lots of factors were presented that won’t let your dehydrated horse “tank up” after getting to ride camp, the night before the ride. Here’s some that were new to me, or were good reminders:

-If at all possible, bring familiar water. At least for that first night.

-Provide BIG buckets. Horses will drink out of large buckets better, and keep the water level up so that they don’t have dip into the bucket below eye level. The difference between having a large bucket versus a small bucket is the difference between being at the airport and only having a water fountain, versus a water bottle. Muck buckets are ideal for water buckets at rides. Clean is a must.

-Alfalfa. Although we were told in an earlier seminar (nutrition) about some of the problems with an alfalfa diet in terms of calcium and ammonia production/secretion, I didn’t connect the dots about a diet high in alfalfa impacting hydration until this seminar. High protein (alfalfa diets) need more water in order to excrete the excess protein. Horses fed a normal diet high in alfalfa are already at a disadvantage when it comes to hydration because of their need of additional water.

-The older horse has less fluid in their body than when they were younger, so the older horse is closer to the edge of dehydration than when he was younger.

It was mentioned that a higher heart rate at ride than at home is probably because of fluid losses. Thus, don’t count on your horse having the same heart rate and recoveries at a ride that he does at home

Always try to feed wet foods – hay if possible. Never feed dry pellets.

OK – back to the numbers!

Cellular function is adversely affected at less than 2% dehydration. The result at this level is decreased sweat production (which will then increase heat load)

At 3% dehydration there is a 10% decrease in muscle strength, 8% decrease in muscle speed. How does this effect endurance horses? Think about a horse that is presented as tired, and stumbling. Do you think that it could be related to a decrease in muscle strength due to a very low level of dehydration? (remember – we can’t detect below 5% without a blood analysis!). Why do we care about muscle speed? Think of a tired horse that is tripping – do you want them to recover their footing quickly, so that you don’t need to check out the ground in an intimate fashion? Does any one still think that low levels of dehydration still doesn’t impact their horse’s endurance performance? Garlinghouse mentioned that dehydration will show up as lameness because the horses are going to be fatigued, stumble, hurt something etc.

So why don’t horses replace the fluid they are losing?

Horses have a lag of thirst response and an “apparent tolerance” for thirst in the horse (i.e. they are more tolerant of being thirsty than we are). One mechanism that was explained in the seminar is that horse sweat is the same saltiness as the blood…..so while the overall blood volume is less as the horse becomes dehydrated, the saltiness level of the blood doesn’t change that fast. This can be compared to humans – whose blood gets saltier as they lose fluid. The little receptors that trigger the thirst response detect the change in this saltiness. Thus the response in the horse is slower and less selective. The adage of “don’t wait to drink until you are thirst because then you are dehydrated” is even more true in the horse than in the human.

Presence of water in the mouth and esophagus shuts down the thirst response. I am familiar with this concept, which is why I’m adamant about not pushing other horses off the tanks or letting someone else do so to me. I will hang back and let my horse stand while waiting for a hole at the water trough, and then once I’m there, I am adamant about not letting other riders let their mounts say “hello” or do anything else that might cause my horse to stop drinking. I’m polite but firm. If you allow your horse to be pushed off the water or stop to drink to say hello to someone (which is just bad disease control as well….) your horse will drink less. Considering that under ideal circumstances your horse already will NOT replace fluid he is losing, this is probably less than ideal…..don’t do it to others, don’t let it happen to you. Better to wait 5 minutes until there’s less people at the trough than to “get in the thick of it”. Garlinghouse’s suggestion was to let the horse;s mouth go dry – don’t use your water bottle to squirt water into the horses mouth, or drink out of small puddles. These sources provide the horse with minimal water that won’t significantly replace his losses. Better to not let him get his mouth wet (and thus shutting down his thirst response), and let him drink at a source where he can “drink his fill”.

Electrolyte use

In one study, aggressively elyting horses at a 36 mile ride caused them to voluntary replaced more of their fluid losses than the horses that were not elyted. Electrolyting causes the blood to get saltier (thus increasing thirst response) BUT electrolyzing is not without its risks. Some of the horses that were aggressively elyted had blood work with too high NaCl. Recommendation: don’t try to replace ALL the horse’s elyte losses during ride – only a portion. This study tried to replace 50% of elyte losses, they recommend replacing 1/3 of losses in practical application.

Example of what that actually MEANS: Average loss of 2 oz per hour in ambient conditions. 4 oz in extremes conditions. .6-1 oz per hour of exercise. 51/2 to 8 oz in an average 50 mile ride.

Other electrolyte considerations from Garlinghouse:

-Smaller doses work better for horses that stop eating on larger doses.

-Elyte when watering, or even earlier than the water in the early part of the ride. Do what you can. Try to do more often than just at the vet check.

-Lots of problems to try and replace all electrolytes so don’t try to do that. You can get arrhythmias by elyte too heavily.

-Don’t give elytes to a horse that’s already dehydrated and should be drinking and isnt. Can make problems worse. Example: your horse doesn’t usually drink on the first 10 mile loop, but is usually drinking by mile 20. When he isn’t drinking at mile 30 is NOT the time to start elyting.

Some cool trailering tips to minimize the dehydration effects described earlier: elyte before departure (Can give a huge big load here since you know he isn’t dehydrated), and hang tub of sloppy mash in trailer that is high value. Mash should have milk shake consistency. Soak soak soak and then add some more water. Horse can consume a couple gallons this way and is MUCH better than having them eat dry hay in the trailer…..obviously need to get horse used to eating milkshake mashes at home….

Another option is to offer salty water first, before going to communal water trough. Have to start doing this at home (of course!). Here’s how to practice: bring a thirsty horse to the bucket and don’t let them drink out of their water trough until they drink out of the salty bucket. Use the same bucket for the salty water each time. Start really dilute and work up. Recommendation for Enduramax was 1 oz per gallon (2 tablespoons) for ending concentration, thus start at 1/4 or 1/2 this level then increase over time.

You must be consistent about putting elytes in the food at home if that’s how you want to give them because the horse will start to refuse feed. Have to start building small and then build up over time (like the salty water). Get the horse to the point where they can tolerate a higher level of salt. At home can use just regular table salt (no iodine), don’t have to use electrolytes (because what makes the elytes taste salty is the NaCl in it, which is the taste aversion you are trying to overcome). However, make sure to test your horse with the ride elytes before the ride because it may taste a little different than the table salt and you don’t want anything weird to happen at the ride!!!!

And that’s it for my notes!!!! I hope that you found a little something or a little tidbit in this information that helps you during your season. I think I’m going to experiment with salty water, and offering wet mashes in the trailer instead of hay in the trailer. And you bet I’ll be paying attention to hydration this upcoming season!!!! I didn’t realize how low levels of dehydration produces significant physiological/performance effects and I’ll be making sure that the water I offer at the trailer is in a container that promotes drinking.

Back to paying attention in my animal welfare class. I have a couple more convention posts to put up: one more seminar to summarize, and then some product/vendor reviews.

PS – sorry about the font/formatting. I CANNOT get blogger to cooperate with me today, and even had to use a different browser to even ACCESS blogger

Dakini de Las Colinas..."Snorts"

Foaling date: 4/14/2007 - Dakini de Las Colinas

Dakini de Las Colinas' PFHA pedigree

Today I thought I would speak a little more at length about Dakini.  Or, Dakini de Las Colinas.

To speak of her is to speak of her famous sire; Petrolero del Juncal.  A multi-time Fino award winner.  He has earned his Title of Proficiency.  This is awarded to a horse who has accumulated at least 500 show points in recognized classes or sanctioned trail rides.

Suffice to say, Petrolero earned his in the show pen.

Now how or why or WHAT Dakini was bred for, I honestly have no idea.  I am sure it wasn't with the plan of her being a trail horse or even a potential endurance prospect.  As much as Petrolero's stud fee was, I'd put money on it.

But, there she is.  In my paddock currently. 

Or rather, wondering....

...where I'm going.

The heck with this, let's eat this dying summer burned grass!!!!

She is short.  Very short.  Probably under 14 hands.  But she is a little tank of a horse. 

My friend, H, who likes Strider, wanted another gaited horse, and she liked the way Strider moved (most people do, he is quite a smooth ride).  A Paso Fino mare came up for sale on Craigslist, and her sire is a multi-winning Fino champion, so H opted to take a chance.  She knew that Dakini had been to a trainer for 30 days (we have pictures), but had been sent to the trainer then turned out in pasture to sit. 

H snapped her up and sent her to a friend who attempted to ride her.  Said Dakini was crazy, etc., etc.

Does this look crazy to you?

So, H brought her back to her house and there she sat, beating up on H's horses.  You don't beat up on H's horses.  She told me she'd GIVE me Dakini, just to get rid of her.  I'd been begging for a while to try and ride her, because I suspected she'd be a fun ride.

Well, I don't look a free, nicely bred horse in the mouth.  Told her I'd take her in, do some groundwork and see what I had. 

I did some basic lunging for respect.  Change of direction.  Worked on fly spray (she still freaks out *sigh*).  Letting me touch her all over.

I'd had her for about 2 weeks at a temporary boarding place, and I'd been working on her when my farrier was due out to do feet. 

Told my farrier that I wasn't sure how she was with her feet.  The last time H had her done, H's pig was snorting so Dakini didn't do very well. 

My farrier was (always is, actually) calm and patient.  Though, as she was attempting her front right foot, after she was done she turned to me and said "I'm not so sure about this horse.  I could feel her flip from fearful to bitch in an instant."

My heart sank.  My farrier is honest.  She loves pretty much every horse, but she's honest and, while she will phrase bad news as politely as possible, she's not going to sugar coat it either.  If my farrier thought this horse was a danger, I didn't stand a chance.  I'm not really skilled in the saddle.  And I love playing with horses on the ground, but I'm not great with groundwork either.  I can do the most fundamental of things.  But the truth is, I know I'm generally safest on the ground, so I can play with a horse for HOURS from the ground.  But, if 2 weeks of working with her and she still flipped to bitchmode...maybe I wasn't cut out for this horse.

A few weeks later, H and I went to our friend B's for a weekend.  We took horses (H actually had picked herself up a rescue mule that she was TOLD was gaited) and as B has a 100'+ round pen, we opted to do some ground work with Dakini and Muley. 

B got in with Dakini and free lunged her.  Dakini just took off and went laps and laps and laps.  B and I were both hoping to get a saddle on her, but it wasn't looking good.  And I told B, I'm not going to rush it.  If we both thought she wasn't ready, no saddle for her.  But B kept working her (easily, not hustling), and she said "You know, I really REALLY think we can get a saddle on her.  Let's try it."

It was a disaster.  Dakini would snort and bolt.  The fear that washed off of that mare because of the saddle was palpable.  And heartbreaking.  Something had gone on in Dakini's past to cause this terror of the saddling process.  But B kept gently working her through it.  And finally, B got her tacked up.  More lunging.  Letting her get used to the saddle. 

After more talking with B, she felt that she could get on and ride her in the round pen.  Which they did.  Successfully.  Dakini was slow and cautious and unsure of herself, but she was trying.  Which is all I ever ask or want from any horse.  Give me try.

B felt that she was good to go out of the round pen on a gentle trail ride.  Well, okay then!!!

So, we saddled up some horses and went on a short little trail ride.  Dakini stumbled once, hit her knees, but overall, B was impressed with her.  Said she did very well.

And from there going forward, we've come in leaps and bounds.

She used to bolt when being mounted.  But, I had her and Joe go to one of the clinics my farrier was teaching about the "Come Pick Me Up" cue.  Where the rider stands on something and the horse sidepasses over to you so you can just step on.  Joe taught it to her that day and she's been fantastic ever since.

My farrier, the second time she came out to trim was shocked with the improvement.

"She's so different," she told me.  And each time she trims her she always comments on just how improved Dakini has gotten.  And she will tell you honestly, "I wasn't so sure about her, but you've done wonders with her."

That's right...THIS is the face of a WonderPony!!!

The truth?  I don't think it had anything to do with me.  Or even, per se, with what B did with her.

I think the truth of the matter is Dakini NEEDED a human.  She needed her own person to trust and to believe in.  And I think that I'm currently "her" person. 

But I will say this.  She is turning into a solid and reliable citizen.

Does she still spook?  Sure.

I would never EVER spook.  Do I look like I'd spook?!

But, she gives me an honest try when I ask something new of her.  The first time I asked her to go through water, she was nervous and scared about it.  She was all alone.  No horses to help guide her through it, but the section of trail ahead of us was beneath water.  And she couldn't duck left or right.  The only way was ahead or behind.

So, I opened my hands wide, gave her slack and worked her to the water.  Didn't take much.  One foot in, and then it was no big deal.  We went through.  Then I turned her around and had her do it again and again and again. 

And now, she crosses water without an issue if I ask if of her.

Goes over bridges if I ask it of her.  She gives me what I want if she understands what I'm asking.

She went to her first endurance ride camp and was a generally good girl.  She went down the trail and led most of the ride.  She was happy and plucky for 95% of it.  Just did her job.  She ate when she was hungry, drank when she was thirsty and, most importantly (and unlike Strider), she can gait and poop.  AND she is working on the "gait and snatch a bite to eat" as well.  She's on the brink of getting that nailed down.

At Armadillo Run's ride camp. 

Whatever.  Food and noms.  I've got this down!!!

All signs are pointing that she shall be another lifer with me.  And, I think when Kaylee gets a bit older, Kaylee will have her pick of the Arabian or the little gray mare.  Because I think she is going to become THAT reliable in the next year or two.

And, I will say this.  When it comes to wanting to just pleasure ride and not having to focus and ride every single step and school my horse constantly or put up with antics (yes, that's YOU Strider), I will be grabbing Dakini every single time.

Ebony and Ivory...side by side at my fence posts...

Which says a lot.

So, while she is Fino bred, this little mare is going to go out there and do, at the minimum, Limited Distance rides.  But I hope beneath my hands, she will become a 50 mile horse.  Or more.  All of the signs point to the fact she has the fundamentals needed of a good endurance horse.

Hurtling Towards 2017

Yesterday's mail was full of fun and varied stuff.

Well, minus the usual post-holiday bills, etc.  Yuck!!

But, between my Secret Santa gift from one group (a GORGEOUS pair of Kate Spade owl earrings!), and some movies I'd ordered (the entire Harry Potter movies on BluRay), I got this AWESOME package from the North American Green Bean Endurance group!!!

It's my gift certificate that Strider won for me to put towards either my 2017 AERC membership (already paid, so...nope!) or towards one of the really cool AERC jackets (YEP!!!).

I also got this super fun medal with the Green Bean Endurance emblem on it, and a cool thing showing how many miles we went and how many points we earned this season.

As I've mentioned, we did the 1 Horse:1 Rider (or as it was known last season, Individual as compared to the Team competition).  So, while we didn't slam dunk a BUNCH of miles last season on the books, we still managed to do it!

Now that I'm on a team ("May the Horse be With You"...particularly poignant now [RIP Carrie Fisher]), I'm looking forward to this year's competition!!  I can freely jump back and forth between any of my 3 horses if I need to.  I can catch-ride if needs be.  I don't have to fret over lameness taking me out of the competition.  I can keep riding.

As of today there are a little over 3 weeks left until out next endurance ride.  I know I've mentioned it before, but I'm a little anxious as it will be our attempt towards year 2 of our Decade Team goal.

Now, I also won't lie, I'm fortunate to live where I live and to ride where I ride.  The rides I opt to currently do (100% due to no reliable boots just yet!!) are fairly flat and the rides usually go fast.  This does indeed give my horses an optimal chance to finish.  There are always some hills in the rides we do, but nothing so dramatic that I think they're why we've ever gone OT.  OT's are always my fault and I can always ALWAYS tell you exactly why we've gone OT.

So, I know that Strider will be able to get through this upcoming 50 unless something FREAKISH happens to him and I.  I'm hoping to get to ride with my friend.  If not, I'll go out mid-pack and just knock it out alone.  Or at least try to keep some horses in sight.  The level and depths of "I -hate- being alone" that rolled off him when we were trailing EVERYONE at Last Hoorah still clings to me.  Yes, he kept moving, and yes, he gave to me when I asked it of him, but his entire energy was this gigantic "sink" that spiraled downward.  I felt for him.  And ultimately tossed that ride for his welfare.  I still got to ride a gorgeous ride, but my failure is clinging to me still for all the things that went wrong.  It is why I cannot wait to go back to the Six O and try this ride again, only better prepared. 

And with all of this in mind, I shall do my best to be at the barn as much as possible this weekend, and begin my planned riding starting in January.  I've written the days on my calendar (in erasable ink due to Joe's work schedule and softball) so that I can make myself commit to getting out there Mondays/Wednesdays and either Saturdays or Sundays.

That's the plan.  Now, to roll with it.  And be pliant with it as well.

Pre-Christmas Ride...

Once again, you may not get what you want, but you will indeed get what you need.

My Friday plans did indeed go forward, but they weren't exactly as I had mentally laid out for myself.

The plan?
Get to the trail head early, ride Strider, then take Dakini out.

The reality?
Get to the trail head around 10ish, groom Strider while Dakini chills out in a pen, then go out and ride with H on Dakini, leaving Strider in the pen.

On the plus side, Dakini didn't seem to care he was left behind.  She went immediately into gait though (not so happy about that, wanted a slower warm up) and held it for a good, long time, pending quality footing.

The day dawned gloomy and threatened to drizzle off and on for most of the morning.  I was outfitted in pantyhose (for warmth), my running tights (my riding pants), my awesome half-chaps, long sleeve shirt and a fleecy shirt over that.  And I was comfortable all day long!!

It seemed as though the world ended there at the lake.  And it was quiet and peaceful and what my heart and spirit needed.

H and I did get sprinkled on for the first 4 or 5 minute of our ride, and after that, it was just gloomy and overcast all day.  PERFECT riding weather!! 

Dakini got a little tired, but she's a plucky little thing, and the stark contrast between her and Strider is evident.  With her, I need never worry that a puddle of water will end in my being soaked.  If she steps into water, it's because she's thirsty or is crossing through it.  If I ask for a canter, she'll give it (or her current semblance of a canter).  She doesn't bunny buck.  She doesn't take off the second my butt is in the saddle upon mounting.  She's just a sweet-tempered, laid-back chill pony who tries her hardest.

Dakini HUNGRY!! And slowly stealing my hardened husk of a heart.

Not that Strider doesn't try, but his sense of humor always takes precedent over anything else.  Rather like his owner.  Goober horse.

We weren't really riding for speed.  I just badly needed to be in the saddle.  A hair over 8 miles in 2 hours, so, in so far as a conditioning ride, it would be rated as a bust.  In so far as a mental health ride, it was a raging success. 

The fact is, I think nowdays, if I'm just out to ride for pleasure or fun, I know who I'm grabbing; Dakini.  I think in the upcoming months/years she is going to turn in to my steady eddy horse who I can put guests and friends on because she's that sensible and sane.  She is hyper vigilant regarding how the other horse is acting; if they're in a tizzy, she's in a tizzy.  But, if they're acting like it's no big deal, then she does too. 

Dakini and Blondie (H's MFT mare)

H is now also currently loaning me a CTK saddle to try out on both horses.  I am hoping beyond hope that it will fit either one or both of my Pasos.  It is so very lightweight as compared to the Imus.  Small.  And I like the panels (leather padded instead of fleece lined).  And H said she pretty much bought it for me, so if it will work, I'll be buying it from her for the kids.  Fingers crossed it will work, though it may take a fitter to adjust the padding/flocking to work.  Seemed a little tight on Strider and seemed to perch on Dakini.  But, I'll have my farrier check it and the Imus on both horses and make sure I'm still doing right by them.

In Which We Are Invited To The National Ride...

The Paso Fino endurance horse community is fairly small.  There just aren't many of us out there competing our horses.  Less than 10 of us?  Or at least, as best as I can tell, less than 10 of us who pay to submit our mileage to the breed association.  There probably ARE others who are out there doing it, but have decided to not pay the organization for the annual competition.  Which is really the ONLY way for your horse to get credit on it's pedigree that it does endurance.

But THAT is a rant for another day I'm afraid.  And one I can be rather long-winded about; full of me learning about the shortcomings of my breed organization for those horses NOT in the show pen.

Anyway.  Because our community is so small, most all of us are friends on Facebook.  I see one of the top Paso riders at my rides because he's here in my region.  And, he has probably the ONLY current 100 mile Paso Fino.  There are other Pasos who HAVE done 100's, but for this year, I KNOW he is the only one with a 100 beneath his cinch. 

He helped coach me through my first 50.  Literally stuck with Strider and I and made SURE we crossed that finish line.  It's one of my favorite pictures.  Yes, we turtled the ride, but it's Paso and Paso.  And that Paso of his is AMAZING!!  I've never seen anything like it. 

So, as I was saying...our community is small.  We are all passionate advocates for our breed.  Some more than others.  But, months ago I was approached by the longest riding Paso Fino endurance rider to see IF PFHA offered a national endurance ride (to be held in tandem with the Arabian Horse Association's National Endurance Ride), if I would attend.

I told her, I would certainly give it a shot depending on when and where. 

I am an advocate of putting your money where your mouth is.  I've complained long and loud that I feel far to often we "Recreational Riders" don't get the recognition we should from the breed organization.  When, in reality, those of us out on trails and competing with our horses against other breeds are doing MORE good for our breed than the sewing-machine Fino horses in a show pen competing against other sewing-machine Fino horses.  The only people who attend those shows are typically other Paso owners.  And, a Fino is CRAP for trail riding or pleasure riding, which is what MOST horse owners are in this economy.  They want a multi-use horse.  One that can go down a trail on one day, and the next day pop into some kind of speed event like pole bending and do well at it.  Then the next weekend compete in a trail competition.  The Paso Fino does such things.  But, if we members aren't willing to SHOW the breed organization that, then the breed organization isn't going to support us.  And how do we show our interest?  With our money.

It was with my money that I stopped being a member for years and years.  To show my displeasure. 

However, they "got me" in that if you want points to show on your horses' record, you MUST be a member.  Gotcha!  So, I rejoined. 

So, a month or so ago, I got a Facebook message asking me again, if it was put on, would I go?  I said, yes.  I will do whatever I can to make sure I can attend. 

PFHA hasn't confirmed that they WILL do it this year.  But, if so, in October Strider, Dakini, B and I will be making the long haul to Idaho and the Teeter Ranch. 

Well, that's assuming I can get both horses successfully through 2 50 mile rides each.  As I'm not riding to Top 10, I'm just riding for miles, I feel this is something we can do.

Strider will be 11.  Dakini will be 10.  Both are fully mature horses.  Allowed plenty of time to grow.  Now it's a matter of laying the rest of that base on Dakini and getting her through her 50's.  Strider I know can do them.  He does them here.  And the 50's I have planned for Dakini will be easy to get her through as well.

However, prepping both of them for a more challenging ride?  Well, guess I need to start picking the brains of various friends and fellow Paso owners to see what I can do for them.  I think once I have hoof boots in place, we'll be going to some of the more hilly places to condition.  McKinney Roughs, for a dedicated drive, I'll happily do the 3ish hours to Cleburn and the Six O Ranch.  Maybe some other places as well.  Just got to get back on to the trimming on my end so we can do the hoof boots.

Because I want to get out there and show just what my breed is capable of doing.  And we're capable of doing this!

Thinking of Convention....

So, the AERC National Convention will be held here in Texas this year.

When I first heard that, I told Joe "I'll be going."  Had been waiting and waiting for AERC to mention hotel blocks (though, I could always bunk with my friend B and drive in for convention days). 

But, while the seminars sound interesting, and the shopping will be amazing, I'm not sure I'll be going.

I know that I SHOULD go. 

But then I think, "Self, you are already doing Endurance on a shoe-string.  Is paying for a convention the way to go?  You could save the money and the time off work for an actual ENDURANCE ride."

It's Friday, March 10th and Saturday March 11. 

Truthfully, I should be riding that weekend.  It will be the last weekend before a simple leg-stretcher the next weekend prior to taking the two ponies to Shanghai Trails for Dakini's first 50 attempt and another 50 for Strider.

I think I've managed to talk myself out of the Convention.

I want to go.  To surround myself with endurance people.  To immerse myself with them and soak up the wealth of knowledge (Dr. Garlinghouse's two seminars [one on the Membership Survey and the one about Simple Carbs] sound amazing!).

But, it's just money best not spent.

And the shopping part would probably just really get me bummed as I can't really afford all of the things I badly want.  And you will note that I said "badly want", not "badly need".  Truth be told, I have a saddle, a working headstall.  And the horse.  Outside of that I'm currently happy with the grain he is getting, and my electrolyte program seems to be doing well too.  So what do I truly NEED from the convention except a bunch of "sads" that I cannot afford whatever shiny, new thing that I see?

The only "needs" I have right now are (in order of importance):
Equisleeves; for the 2 day rides where I cannot poultice
Scoot Boots for all 4 feet for all 3 horses; I currently have 1 set that is too large for Strider, but will swap them for smaller ones once his heels are lowered
Warm blankets for all 3 horses

The Equisleeves are inexpensive ($40/pair), so after Christmas I'll probably get myself a pair.  The Scoot Boots are a little bit more pricey to do ($170/pair, and I currently MUST HAVE 3 more pairs, though ultimately, I will end up NEEDING 5 more pairs).  And the blankets I can probably get done for somewhere between $150-$200 for all 3 horses. 

So, I shall take the money I had mentally earmarked for convention and put it towards one of those other major purchases.

And in a few years, I will hope the convention will return to Texas and I'll attend then.

Granted, that weekend I'll be bummed seeing all of the photos being posted...but...I'll get over it.  :)

As I'm riding my horses. 

Have you ever had to make the choice between two things?  And then come to terms that you will perhaps regret NOT doing something, but KNOWING you've made the right choice?

Physically "In"..Mentally? Not So Much....

Today is the last day at my regular job until next Tuesday.

I'm already mentally checked out and plotting my rides.  I realized as I was backing out of the driveway this morning I need to get the bale of coastal and the bale of alfalfa out of my (currently broken down) car and transfer to the bed of the truck to take with me tomorrow so I can stash them in my trailer.

The thing is, the smell is heavenly in my car.  I open the door, and instantly I am transported to the barn.  That hay smells so divine and it never fails to make me smile.

But, I'm past ready to get out to the Lake for a ride.

Rumor has it that it will rain on Friday.  Annoying, but...as long as it isn't torrential, I'll gut it out.  I have dry clothes in the trailer.  I'll toss in some dry pants and socks, and I'll be good to ride!!!

I have to work Friday evening, so I'll be out at the lake around 8ish (that whole "I can get up early to go riding without a problem!" thing).  I'll point and shoot Strider around for an hour or two, be back to the trailer at 11 to meet up with my girls, then take Dakini out.

And, while I don't hold much stock in the weather websites anymore...currently Weather.com is showing that the highest chance of rain while we'd be out riding is at 11am...when we're all meeting at the trail head.  From then out, the chances drop into the 20% and 30% range.  I'm good with that.  And temps in the mid 50's to lower 60's.  Whatever, I'll be out riding.  This gives me a great opportunity to try out my rain outfit!! 

I purchased some Frogg Toggs last month to carry in my saddle pack, so, we'll see how much water they really keep out!  I'm excited to try them!  And, now that I have have genuine waterproof blankets for the horses, I can keep them (mostly) dry when we're not riding. 

OH!  And I'll get to try out my new rump rugs!!  How thrilling!!

When it comes to riding, I refuse to feel discouraged before I even step into the stirrup.  I will always look to find the silver lining in the situation before me.  And in this situation, it will be a chance to try out my rain gear without having to try it out DURING a ride!!  And it will let me fiddle with my rump rugs. 

I also got the fantastic news that my friend, B, will be able to pilot Dakini on an LD at River Run on Saturday.  I have another friend (I shall call her EB) who is going to try her first LD on her appaloosa gelding that day as well, so I shall send them out together at the back of the pack while I go crank out my 50 with Strider.  So, it shall be quite an exciting day for all of us!  I'm very much looking forward to that weekend. 

I have 5 weeks to get out and ride.  I won't be adding to either of their fitness bases (or not much, anyway), but, I'll have them both ready to get out there and do their jobs.  And from then until the end of March, I have plenty of time to get them both chugging along into 50 mile shape for the end of March at Shanghai Trails.

I'm fixing to sit down with my calendar and write in riding/training days. 

Currently I'll be out riding on the 23rd, 26th, 31st, Jan. 1st and 2nd.  Then maybe I can sneak out 1 or 2 nights a week and squash in a 1 day a weekend ride too.  I currently am planning on Mondays and Wednesdays as my weeknight rides.  Now, this may, and probably will, change once Softball season starts up.  While I was hoping to join Joe and umpire games this season, it doesn't look like I'll be able to due to a mandatory softball training falling on January 21st.  And, as I've told Joe, Endurance is more important to me than softball.  Yes, softball MAKES money, and Endurance COSTS me money, but, I've been signed up for this ride for MONTHS.  Just, too many reasons for me to make the ride and skip softball this year.  I can do softball next year if it works out.

And, shockingly enough, he didn't quibble with me about it.  He understands that the opportunity to represent the breed at a national ride is kind of a big deal, and he is completely supportive of it.

So, if Joe ends up with softball games scheduled on Mondays and Wednesdays, then I'll just shift my evenings to ride to a night when he doesn't.  Fluidity is the name of the game when it comes to life.

I'm looking forward to tomorrow.  I have needed to ride for weeks now, but simply haven't had the time.  And I'm sure I'm going to have a firecracker tomorrow morning when I step on Strider.  But that's okay with me too.  I can deal with the tantrums.  I can deal with him being a brat.  We just ride through it and get to moving our butts.

And I'm looking forward to it for Dakini too.  To show her that being left behind at ride camp isn't as bad as she fears.  She'll get a flake of hay and a bucket of water to drink while I'm gone for an hour or two.  I'll circle Strider around once or twice so she AND he can get used to seeing one another and then parting ways again. 
It's all part of the sport kids.  You'll get used to it!!

Ride Camp; Otherwise Known as "What a MESS You've Made!"

Here's the problem;

So many ideas and thoughts, only so much time to devote.

For example:

Ride camp.  Specifically, maximizing storage and space of my campsite while at ride camp.

I have a 2H trailer with a large tack room on the front.  I sleep in it on a cot and it's really not too bad.  Can be cold on those very few COLD weather rides I attend.  Push come to shove, I can grab a long electric cord and run it from an inverter from the truck to the trailer to keep it warm in there.  Or at least warm it up while getting dressed, though I've never done so.  I took a box fan with me at Last Hoorah and would run it sporadically that way due to the heat.  I have battery operated fans which usually do the job just fine in the heat. 

Anyway, because much of what I need at a ride is crammed into the nose of my trailer, it means I need to pull pretty much ALL of it out when I get to base camp so I can set it up inside for me to live for a few days.  Which means OUTSIDE of my trailer generally looks like a hot mess.

I have a rolling "tack trunk" (it's actually a Stanley tool box thing, but is GREAT for my blankets, and infrequently used cinches and halters and other miscellany).  My saddle stand.  My broom and muck rake.  A small rolling clear container I have tossed various bits of vet wrap, pads, my syringes [for electrolytes] and other "things" into.  My bales of hay usually live in my trailer.  A full bale lives free.  Busted in to bales live in a rolling Christmas tree bag.  I love this idea so much that I bought another rolling Christmas tree bag for my bale of alfalfa.  So, I'll soon have those 2 bags.

I have 3 or 4 of the Home Depot orange buckets.  Each filled with something.  1 with alfalfa cubes.  1 with grain (or 2 with grain depending on how many horses I'm taking).  1 with beet pulp. Another with Rice Bran (for their water).

2 camp chairs.  My cot and a pad to go on top of my cot. 

My "camp tote" which has cheap washcloths/rags, paper towels, toilet paper, batteries of various types.  Flashlights.  Human medication (asprin/ibuprofein, cranberry pills, pads and tampons, band-aids, chapsticks, etc).  Crackers.  Trash bags of various sizes.  Zip lock bags.  Really just odds and ends of things that a human might need while camping.  I think I also have a long grill lighter in there too.  I also pack my battery operated fans in there too.

Buckets.  And then MORE buckets.  And then a few more buckets on top of that.  Grain pans.

Then a multitude of things that hang in there but aren't in my way.

I NEED to replace my EasyUp awning, but I'm kicking around a few different ideas for shade that would attach to the trailer itself.  The EasyUp isn't tall enough to go ABOVE the door on my trailer, hence my desire to have something that attaches to the trailer itself.  Thinking about something that goes on the off-side then runs over the top of the trailer, then would attach to some tall poles.  Or even a bag awning like a pop-up camper has. 

I would like to get a folding table.  I just stumbled across the Coleman 2 burner stove my dad gave me when they finally sold their 5th Wheel.  And along with it, my 2 or 3 Coleman propane lanterns, which will now be accompanying me.

I used to carry Joe's Cabela's grill, but the Coleman folds flatter, so I just need a pot and a pan, and I think I'll be good.

I also carry 1 or 2 empty totes.  I never know what I might need them for.  I usually use them to soak hay during the drive.  I toss hay into a tote, pour water over it and let it soak it in well so that I only need to unload the horse(s), and I can tie them to the trailer, toss some of the soaked hay in front of them, hang a water bucket on the back of the trailer for fresh water and let them get to eating while I set up their containment for the weekend.

I do need to work out a system to carrying my step-in posts.  Some kind of large canvas bag would be great, just not sure where to get one.  And I don't believe they make totes long enough to contain them.

Anyway, suffice to say, when I get to ride camp, I have to pull out a saddle stand, multiple totes and buckets and various "things" so I can have a place to sleep.

I do so wish I had a way to better contain the "mess" that is my camp.  I usually end up scattered around.  This is especially true on ride day as I get in a bit of a rush and grab what I need and willy-nilly toss it back when I'm done. 

I need to be better about laying things out that I may need and make sure they're easily accessible.  And to be in less of a "panic".

As you can see, this is what my thought process does.  I WAS planning on writing out some of my various ideas for posts (I do still have a Dakini post in the works).  And instead, I ended up with this.  A fully-formed, stand alone post, but not the list of ideas so I could remind myself in the future when I'm running out of ideas.  Sheesh.

So, when you go to ride camp, how do YOU keep it organized and together?  Especially if you don't have an LQ trailer?

So in the last 12 hours, well...it hasn't exactly been stellar.

Except for a single, bright moment I'll take pause to reflect on.

After mentioning in a previous post about having had to blanket the Dynamic Three-o Saturday night as the winds came blowing in, I've kept an eye on the temperatures since then, trying to assess when best to de-blanket the herd.

Originally I had considered doing it Sunday afternoon or Sunday evening.  Except that the temperatures Sunday through Monday were still going to be in the teens and windy.

Not exactly ideal conditions just yet.

Moving on...

So, okay, maybe on the way home after work on Monday night?

Nope.  Temps in the teens overnight.

I was going to have to do what I wanted to avoid.

Getting up early to drive to the barn BEFORE work on Tuesday morning.

*groan*

The ONLY times I will leap out of bed before the sun is to go riding.

But, with a groan, I dragged out of bed at 5 and was out the door by 5:15ish and on my way to the barn.

By 6 I'm at the pen, and Socks is dozing beneath the run-in while Strider and Dakini have their heads crammed into the round bale.

Get out of the car to a surprised sounding whicker from Dakini.  That warmed me up a bit as I crawled into the pen to start de-nuding my horses.

Socks first.  Managed to remove both blankets, while he stood there like "What are you DOING crazy lady?!"

And Strider was done last, easy and fast, no fuss, no muss.

And then there was Dakini.

Okay, now to be fair, I was just pulling blankets without haltering them and leaving them loose. 

I got one of the belly buckles undone and she was like "What fresh hell is this?!!!"  And gaited off with a snort.  So I had to follow her for a minute or so as she scampered to Strider to save her from whatever insanity was going on.  He just stood there as I gently corralled her with my body.  And THEN she stood still, let me get both leg buckles, final belly buckle and the two front ones undone.  And then gave her lots of love for being a good girl.  Scratches and hugs and kisses on that cute little snip on her nose.

Strider thought her blanket on the ground was a toy to play with as I was trying to take his blanket off.  He is one of the most orally fixated horses.  Has to put things in his mouth, or nibble or lick or chew things.  It is cute but exasperating.

I made sure to take a few moments to love on each of them.

And had this overwhelming wish that I could do that daily.  It was so quiet, calm and peaceful to ground myself with them this morning.  Just to touch them and press my face against those thick necks for a moment is a wonderful feeling.

And then, the calm of my morning had to close as I promised to see them all again Friday morning.

Current plan for Friday:
Grab Strider AND Dakini and go to Granger.  Currently planning on meeting B, L and H out there at 11.  But, I'll plan on getting there around 8 so I can get in a ride with Strider beforehand.

This is for a few reasons.

One, to teach Dakini that it's okay to be left behind in "base camp" and have Strider leave her with no harm done.  I'll leave her with a pile of hay and a bucket of water while I go ride.

Two, to teach Strider that it's okay to leave Dakini behind in "base camp" while we go ride.  When I did this same thing with Socks a month or so ago at Granger, Strider threw a tantrum with me about leaving Socks behind.  Bunny bucks all over the place and ping-ponging down the trail and just generally being a shit.

Unfun ride at the beginning.  But, I'm more stubborn than he is, so I just rode it out.

Really though, I want to get in a good ride with them both.  I don't want to pony them.  I want to try out that new saddle with both horses.  And I want the "Pasos for Pleasure" hours on both horses. 

I had a goal to try and get 4-5 hours a week towards Pasos for Pleasure, but...this past month, that's just not happening.  Working a little part-time holiday job has kind of crimped my riding.  And the rains Texas has experienced in the past month, again, a killer to riding.

But, for 2017, I'll get more riding in somehow. 

Team Player and Dakini Thoughts

Well, I did it.

I'm now officially on a team (as of yet, un-named, but some great names have been bandied about!).  We have a CT mentor and at least 1 out of region rider.  I'm actually pretty excited to get to know my team mates better. 

I'm also starting to get very excited for Friday to happen so that I can get out and ride. 

My friend, H, who nearly single-handedly sponsors Strider and I through the generous dontation of the halter/bridle and breastcollar donation, the Imus 4Beat and the Toklat Woolback (so basically ALL of my horse's tack) bought a 16" CTK saddle KNOWING that it would fit my butt and, as they're marketed for the Paso Fino AND it's a lightweight saddle (VERY minimalist), told me to try it.  If it fits, I told her I'll buy it off her.  I'm really REALLY hoping it fits!!

It is so much lighter than the Imus.  Has a gel seat, which I'll end up covering with my fleece saddle cover.  I'm just hoping it works for us. 

Which is why a part of me wants to take Strider on Friday to see if it actually FITS him (my friend B and my friend H will be there and can help me evaluate saddle fit).  Failing that, I'll have my farrier toss it on him next time she's out to trim and we'll see what she thinks.

But, instead, I'll probably take Dakini to ride.  One, because she's really rather simple to deal with.  She doesn't pull half the antics that Strider does.  She isn't point and shoot by any stretch of the imagination, and still has her "things" she gets wound up about, but I don't have to deal with the "bunny bucks" if she's acting up.  None of the tantrums that Strider throws at me.  Sure, she's still figuring out her feet.  But she's a fairly honest little mare who wants nothing more out of life than to please and to be loved on by a human.

It is one of the reasons I'm pushing so hard to keep her.  Yes, Joe is a little big for her.  But for as little as he can come out and ride, they're fine together.  And for as briefly as he can ride, they're fine together.

But the reality is I think she's bonded with me as "her" human. 

The true testament of that was Saturday night while trying to blanket her.  The wind is whipping and wailing.  It's pitch dark out.  I'm coming with a halter and lead rope, she doesn't run away from me, despite Socks running around like a fool with the blankets fluttering around his butt.  No, she turns towards me and walks to me.  Calmly as can be expected with the dirt and dust and wind, allows me to halter her.  Looks to me for comfort.  Seems to calm some as I talk to her through our blanketing experience.

I tell her, and project to her love and safety.  I make sure to tell her "Dakini, look to me.  I'm your safe space.  It's okay honey.  I've got you.  I'm not going to let anything hurt you."

Sure, it's new agey.  And yes, I did have to kick her once in the belly when she got prancy and dancy, nearly pinning me between her and the panel of the pen, because Strider and Socks would come up to the feeding pen and then run away and it would cause her anxiety, but, the sheer amount of trust she placed in me speaks volumes about how far she and I have come since May where she was a bundle of nerves and anxiety and mistrust.

My farrier came to trim her a few weeks after I'd gotten her.  I had been doing some basic ground work with her, but not enough, not even in my mind.  When Holly went to trim her, she plainly told me "I'm not so sure Erin.  She went from anxious to where I could feel her flip the switch to 'bitch' mode."  I saw it too.  I hadn't had a chance to really mess with her feet by that point.  We did manage to trim her and get her done, but it was touch and go.

Our second trim cycle, we were back at my regular boarding facility and I'd really been working with her.  Round penning and saddling and ponying and just lots and lots of handling.

The second trim, Holly tells me; "This horse is so different from the first time I met her.  She has come so FAR with you.  It's a testament to what you've done with her."

And each time she interacts with Dakini, she is always so happy with her and so impressed how overall GOOD she is.  How good her feet will eventually be once we finish getting an old blown abscess down and gone.  Just a tiny bit left.

All that mare wanted, I feel, was a human of her own.  Someone she could place her trust in to.  I think, in a year or two, she'll be the horse I'll loan to guests.  She's genuinely THAT good at heart.  She has moments where she balks (she IS a green horse STILL), and moments where she lacks confidence, but I know that time and mileage will give those things to her. 

Who knew that I would fall in love with a plain gray MARE? 

Don't tell Strider though.  He and I are still two soul mirrors.  The light and the dark as we reflect our truths back to one another.  Who else would tolerate half of what I do from him?  No one. 

But that little gray mare.  Well, she's something else.  And, given the right amount of time...I can see Kaylee and her tearing up the trails.  Or the show ring.

Arctic Blast; I'm Not Prepared!!!

Saturday dawned, well, warm-ish and humid-ish.  There were screams across Facebook-land about how a cold front was going to blast it's way through Texas.

I left work an hour early, and sent a fast text to my friends at our Central Texas Lady Trail Riders party and queried "It's hot and humid as hell.  Is it REALLY going to get cold tonight?"

My friend B responded that her husband, at their home north of Waco said it was already cold up there, so the front was moving it's way south.

Okay then, to the barn before the party I go.

And as I drove, I watched the front blast through.  Leaves swirling in updrafts like minature tornados.  The car shaking and rocking as the winds buffetted it hard.  And me, still dressed in business casual as I hit the barn.

Ran to my trailer to grab 2 blankets my friend H dropped for me (1 semi-warm one and one waterproof [hey, better than nothing!]) and some of my blankets (again, nothing very warm, but just to break the wind) and grabbed my hoodie.

Dropped off my 4 bags of grain (wishing now I'd done "before" and "now" pictures of how the Nutrena Fuel really IS improving Strider's topline...but more on that later) and tossed on my jeans and sneakers in the feed room, because I wasn't braving it to change at the pen.

Take it from me, blanketing horses in winds so cutting that the LEAD ROP was WHISTLING is an unpleasant experience.  And took me about 30 minutes for 3 horses. 

Socks, who has colic'd on me at least once in the cold (New Years while boarding with my farrier) got 2 blankets.  A turn out rug beneath a water-repellent blanket.  Sure, he was shaggy, but...he'll be 18 next year. 

Strider got blanketed last, but was tossed in his new water-repellent blanket.  Adjusting straps in the wind is a bear as they flutter and fly all over the place.  His blanket is LONG on the sides, but that'll work out well in the rains. 

But, then there was Dakini.  Who I suspect has NEVER had a blanket on her in her life.  Or if she has, it's been a LONG time.  Let me say it is a statement and testament to how much she trusts me that she let me put this HORSE EATING MONSTER on her back and didn't COMPLETELY lose her damn mind.

I did a lot of gentle talking to her as the winds shoved us both around in the small feeding area in my horses' pen.  She would paw and get panic'd when Socks and Strider would run away and she couldn't see them anymore.  She would dance around.  I admit that at one point she was dancing so much she was getting a little dangerous, and as she swung her butt in my direction, which would have pinned me against a panel, she got a kick in the belly and a snarled "QUIT IT DAKINI!!!" as my energy level spiraled up, then disappated when she moved and stood still. 

Blanketing her took the longest and she was least happy about it of the 3.  When cut loose, her butt hangs out a little (this is a loaned blanket), and she bucked and ran around like a fool, but I'm hoping all 3 are grateful for what little I could do for them.

Usually here in Texas, we just don't need blankets except for waterproof ones.  I no longer own any heavy blankets.  5 or 6 years ago I bought blankets for Socks and Strider to wear during days of snow and cold here in Texas, but I've since disposed of them.

So, suffice to say, I'll be keeping an eye out for some medium weight blankets for my herd.  Nothing super heavy.  They don't need it.  But something warmer than what they're in.

I will say that my eyes leaked a few tears of gratitude when I pulled up.  The horses hadn't completely emptied their hay ring, but I think Marty, the "jack of all trades" at the facility had the foresight to toss ANOTHER round bale on top to keep them through the weekend.  And all 3 were clustered together under their 2 sided run-in when I pulled up.

Would they have been fine if I hadn't meddled?  Probably.  Blankets are a pain in my eyes.  I'm watching the temps like a hawk, and they're all going to be cold for about 2 hours tomorrow morning.  Temps will get into the 40's tomorrow afternoon, so I'll be getting up early so I can run to the barn BEFORE work and strip off blankets before driving in. 

The rest of the week the temps will be a bit more moderate for Texas in the winter.

And on Friday, I'm set up to go to Granger and ride with my "Bishes" for a few hours before I go to work.

I think I'll take Dakini.  It's going to be a "Greenies on the trail" day.  I'm looking forward to it!!! 

Time to "Go Team!"

I have always struggled with being friendly.  Let's be real; I'm socially awkward.  I never know what to say or to do around new people who I want to be friends with, so instead, I stand there awkwardly and sometimes attempt to lamely leap into a conversation, usually with disastrous results.

However, sometimes I pick up good friends.  Who somehow manage to see the social bumblings and stick around long enough to let me get over it.  Endurance has brought me a few such friends.  Some who I've met in person.  Some who I will perhaps only know on Facebook. 

Horses have DEFINITELY brought me friends. 

Now, because I'm such a socially awkward butterfly, last year when the Green Bean group for endurance did a competition, I knew I was badly suited for a team.  One, I don't ride enough to be competitive and I didn't want to feel like I was dragging a team down.  Two, having to meet strangers?  Uhhh, pass. 

So I competed in the 1 Horse: 1 Rider division for the 0-499 mile riders (On The Vine).  Thanks to some lucky riding, points wise, and by 20 miles, Strider and I won our division.  I'm crazy proud of that boy.

So, as I've already spoken about, I looked at the scoreboard, and realized I can't compete individually well.  When the winning rider last year had 400+ miles on the same horse? 

Nope.  I have neither the finances nor the time to do so.

Time to have some fun, right?

So I made myself put it out there that I'm looking for a team.

I'm honest about my goals (planning on about 300 miles IF everything goes perfectly...so I've now jinxed myself to every ride being an unmitigated disaster).

Someone posted on a local endurance group that they're a green bean looking for another team member, so I replied.

And I find myself frequently checking back to see if I've been accepted. 

See?  Socially awkward.

I think it would be a good fit, team-wise.  They have a mentor already lined up.  They ride gaiteds.  And say they're really doing it to have fun.

So, I'll keep checking my "Book of Faces" to see if I've been accepted or not.  I still have time to go 1H:1R again if I so desire.

But I think I could benefit from having a team's help.  I was always cheering on the other people in my division last year and ultimately didn't care if someone passed me (though, not gonna lie, I wanted to win too!), so I -think-, overall, I've got my competitive streak in check.

I think.

While it's always hard for me to put myself "out there", I think I will be grateful that I did so.  

If It Isn't Fun, I Shouldn't Be Doing It....

Just a mild digression from my regularly scheduled postings.  Probably because...best laid plans almost invariably get way-laid by something-or-other.

The PLAN was to go ride for a few hours on Sunday before Joe goes to work his reserve police officer gig. 

The new REALITY will be that I won't get out to the barn at ALL on Sunday because I'm planning a surprise Christmas gift for Joe and my family of formal pictures of Kaylee.  Sadly, the only appointment available was in the middle of the day, about an hour from the house, so, guess who doesn't get to ride on Sunday? 

This girl.

Perhaps it's for the best.  Rumors of an arctic blast don't exactly make me want to go leaping into the saddle if you want my honest truth.

But, it does make me a little anxious about my 50 attempt on the 21st of January.  I know it's doable.  My pony has heart.  Just...still.  I'm anxious!

Anyway, my digression is that, the holidays always seem to bring about this extra stress and pressure.  And I do it to myself. 

My current holiday goals?

To DIY a few gifts, both for co-workers AND for family.

My more ambitious project currently?

40 cards to go to Coast Guard boot camp recruits.

The ORIGINAL goal was just a few cards to each company, with a COMPLETELY DIFFERENT hand-written note in each of them.

My modified goal; 40 cards, 10 for each company and each of those 10 cards will have different hand-written notes.  Basically, the same card design for each of the 4 companies will have the same note in them. 

I know.  Stupid.  And I do wacky stuff like this to myself EVERY.SINGLE.YEAR.

Last year it was DIY projects for like 7 or 8 people involving multiple Mason Jars.  Not doing that again this year.  Just for 4 people. 

How this segues into my horses?  I am the same way.  I start out with grandiose plans.  Things I want to do!  Oh the wonderful things I COULD do, if I just did X, Y and Z.

And then reality sets in.

Let me assure you; I do endurance on a shoestring budget.  I splurge on quality grain (my main endurance horse gets Nutrena Fuel, 1 scoop 2x a day, my Paso mare and Arabian gelding are still round living off of hay unless in ride camp).  When at ride camp, I splurge on BEAUTIFUL coastal hay from a local feed store (if you're in the Austin area, I HIGHLY recommend Callahan's for coastal.  It's so luscious and green someone once thought it was ALFALFA that's how gorgeous it is!). 

Beyond that?

Shoestring.

My old, beat up steel trailer that I paid $1500 for about 3 or 4 years ago that a friend helped me re-do the floor in the horse compartment, then her husband did some repairs and welds on the roof.  From the goodness of their heart, it cost me nothing in their time, just the cost of lumber for the trailer.

My husband finally upgraded our truck from a Ford 1/2 ton that I used to pull my 3500 lb trailer to a 2008 Ford 3/4 ton diesel.  So I guess that's a splurge.  I consider it a safety issue.

A 35 gallon water tank from Tractor Supply.  REQUIREMENT.  One of the best things I've ever bought.

40 or 50 step-in posts, a fence charger (the Powerfields D-Cell Portable Trail Fence Charger is a great buy and it WORKS!!!) and fencing.  I hate to think of the money I wasted on figuring out containment.  From PVC collapsible fences (I loved them.  Strider broke them.  My initial plan was to run safety fencing to them to prevent him from putting a hoof through, but I never got around to it) to just the step-ins and safety/construction fencing.  Save yourself the anguish.  Get an electric fence.  Or a HiTie/SpringTie.  Both is preferable.

I -just- bought 2 waterproof blankets of 1200 denier on sale.  Before that, it was inexpensive blankets with a shower curtain beneath to keep the water off.

The saddle I ride in?  A long-term loan.  An Imus 4Beat that fits my horse.  I HAD bought a brand new Abetta Endurance Stealth saddle.  Had a saddle fitter come out even.  Fit my horse THEN.  And then, it didn't.  So my friend with the Imus brought me out LITERALLY 8 or 9 saddles for my farrier (who is also my go-to horse person) to try on him.  Imus fit the best.  I've been using it ever since.  And the white hairs where my Abetta (or the piece of junk saddle that KINDA worked for LDs) rubbed are fading.  A lot.  SIDE NOTE: Endurance really DOES show you the weakness of your tack set up.  What DOES work for pleasure trail rides doesn't necessarily mean it WILL work for longer and longer distances.  This Imus might not work for us if we ever go 100's. 

The saddle pad I use?  Another long-term loan.  A Toklat woolback which I love.  I spoke with Riders Warehouse about various saddle pads, being completely willing to buy the Toklat Matrix or any other pad that was higher dollar.  After listening to me, the sales rep said the woolback was perfect for me.  And it was one of the least expensive options.  Suffice to say, I like Riders Warehouse and happily give them my business.  When it comes to these sorts of things, I simply will not cut corners any longer.  I've done the "What's the cheapest piece of tack I can buy to 'get me through'?"  And I invariably regret it.  Splurge on the QUALITY saddle and saddle pad.  Trust me on this.  My Abetta is quality, but...it just doesn't fit any longer. 

My halter/bridle with S-Hack and my breastcollar?  The same person who helped repair my trailer, is long-term loaning me the pad and saddle MADE them for me.  ALL of it.  And it looks gorgeous.  I get more complements on them from people.

And, the Scoot Boots which I am HOPING to get to use some day; a birthday gift from 3 of my dearest horse friends.

Man, I digress all over the place.

But the reality is I grab lessons when and where I can.  But I have to learn to roll with what life throws my way and to STOP stressing so much about it.  Lay out my calendar and my schedule, but understand that sometimes life happens.  Make riding a priority, but never EVER forget that it's fun first and foremost.  Sometimes I forget that I'm supposed to be having fun when I'm conditioning.  Don't misunderstand, when I'm done, I have nothing but gratitude, but sometimes I get bored when I ride.  So do my horses.  Same trails at the barn over and over again as we try to make the magical numbers I'm shooting for in my head.  But I NEED to remember to make it fun, for my horse(s) AND myself.  Sometimes we stop and school if they do something squirrely.  But in general, it seems like my focus is on making a 6-7mph time.  I'm not gunning for fast.  But I'm gunning for "Completion speed conditioning". 

And, just like with my holiday ambitions, sometimes I lose sight of the bigger picture.

It's not about the "things"; it's about the real reason behind it all.  Joy and fun.  And if I'm not enjoying it and I'm not having fun, I'm doing it wrong.

Now, off to go do these last 5 cards and see if I can't make it more fun for myself instead of it feeling like a "task to be done".

Have you ever had a time where  horses have felt more like a "chore" and less like a joy?  What are some things you've done to shake it up so you stopped feeling that way?  Or did you just accept that sometimes, horse ownership is a slog.  But eventually it DOES get better.

Reaffirming Goals

With the last post rooted still firmly in my brain, today sees me at least banging out another post.

Despite the fact that life has me so wound up I can't even get out to SEE said horses.  At least not until Sunday.  When, I hope, the Arctic blast doesn't ground my plans.  I have GOT to trim Strider's feet.  I only did it once last trim cycle, and Holly could tell as his heels had regressed.  Damn.  Set back my booting plan a full trim cycle, and it's looking like we're fixing to set them back a second trim cycle as well.  *sigh*

Anyway, with my goals and plans in mind for the 2017 ride season, and having won the Green Bean Endurance competition of 1 Horse: 1 Rider On The Vine (less than 500 total miles) in 2016, and having honestly assessed the competition in the next division and knowing I can't ride as many miles on just 1 horse as some of the others, I have decided, since I would like to campaign 2 horses, that I shall look into making it a team effort this season.

The problem is I'm competitive.  Against myself.  The trail.  Not so much with other horses because I know I cannot put in the work that others can with 3 or 4 days a week of riding, although I get a thrill out of the PFHA breed competition.  Seeing my horse's name in the magazine is a joy.  Granted, a mixed joy as I have to stare at my ex's name...but still a joy to see he and I out doing it!

I know that I won't exactly be adding lots of miles to a team (if everything goes 100% perfectly, I'm looking at contributing about 325 miles on Strider.  Up in the air on how many miles I can contribute with Dakini.  So, not exactly a massive amount.  A few 50/25 weekends (I have 3 planned currently, and that's about all I want to ask of him).  I'd sure like to return to Racing Stripes in April...except that's a long drive.  And just about 2 weeks after is the ride at the Grasslands which is more critical to me.  So, this year I think I'm a miss. 

Rest (and my finances!) is just as important as competition. 

And long-term goals matter more. 

In my mind, I keep thinking give me 2 more years before we attempt our first 100.  Which will probably be at Armadillo Run.  This is purely arbitrary, and it may take more time.  But I'd like to try a 75 first.  Except here in Texas, there don't seem to be many of them.  And I'm loathe to try driving out of state just to attempt a 75.

This year is about setting Strider and Dakini up for success as much as possible.  There's a few rides I would LOVE to try, but I'm not yet done getting them both to where they need to be for boots, so those rides are currently out.  Granted, it's only 1 or 2 of them, but still.  Out.  At least for this year. 

So, on the current "To Do" list:

Trim Strider's feet so we can get that heel down.
I must do this in order to get him a pair of properly fitted Scoot Boots, which I feel are going to be our best bet for booting.  Between Scoot Boots and Hoof Armor, I think I will have him ready and good to go.  I need to go ahead and measure and photograph Dakini's feet and send them off to the Scoot Boot dealer so I can get her sized and/or see if she needs work.  I cannot wait until the last minute to get her boot ready. 

Start diligently ponying Dakini off Strider or Strider off Dakini.
I feel that my heavier weight does condition her better for my MW rider friends.  I cannot imagine what a powerhouse Strider would be with a lighter rider.

This will give them both a break of carrying me, yet still give them the benefit of the miles logged beneath their feet.  I know that we're all bored of the trails at our boarding facility, but, time is of the essence.  I suspect we shall spend time in the arena doing laps at some point just to make miles.  But, we can do this.  I need to recommit and be diligent with my calendars

Continue working on my weight. 
I'm content with the 1lb/week (every other week) loss.  I haven't had to change my eating habits that much, so once this holiday stress eating I'm doing is eliminated, I will perhaps be able to do even better.  Just altering my eating habits helps immensely!  I grab an apple now instead of a "Fun Size" candy bar.  Go for more protein.  And don't beat myself up when I have a "bad day". 

Those are just some of the larger goals.  What about you?  What are your equine goals for 2017?

Dedication and Goals - 2017

"It was instrumental in helping me to achieve my goals.  I’m a 100 mile rider with 1,000 competition miles.  I’m very proud of this fact – I consider this one of my most prized accomplishments of my life – even considering getting into the UC Davis vetmed program.  I could not have done this without blogging – both for the support I received, the connections I made with other blogs and groups, and how it FORCED me to critically evaluate my program and plans."

Mel (over at melnewton.com) posted the above back in October of 2011.

What can I say?  I -did- say that I like to go back to post 1 of every blog I read and work my way through them, didn't I? 

As you're well aware, I have this blog.  I love writing.  And I love being able to review what I have and haven't done successfully.  But I have NOT made it a priority to write for my blog. 

But, I have goals.  I have LOTS of endurance goals.

My 2017 goal?

Get Strider -AND- Dakini BOTH prepared AND qualified to compete at the PFHA National Endurance ride to be held in Idaho (at the Teeter Ranch) in October.  To get this done, I need only get both horses through 2 50 mile rides each.  Not an unattainable goal, just a tricky one.

Compounded by the fact that my funds are always tight and vacation time even more so. 

But, this isn't impossible.  This is completely doable if I'm careful.

So, there's my 2017 goal.

First up.

January 21/22.

Strider is poised to do a 50 on the 21st, making it year 2 towards our Decade Team goal.  This is my long-term and most important goal and the one I want more than any other goal. 

Strider and Dakini are poised to do an LD on the 22nd.  Strider will ONLY go if he's still bright eyed and bushy tailed that morning.  And assuming I have a rider for Dakini.  If not, Strider stays behind, Dakini goes out.  I will say though, after last year's River Run, Strider was still full of energy and go on Sunday morning. 

From then until the end of March, it's lots and lots of ponying for either Strider or Dakini.  Once or twice a week, even if I'm only doing laps in the arena.  I'm currently evaluating my calendar, gauging it, assessing my time, and knowing that I -MUST- commit myself to at a MINIMUM of 1 night a week out at the barn (preferably 2) and 1 weekend day to riding.  Ponying and riding. 

March 25/26.

Strider AND Dakini are going to be signed up to do a 50 at Shanghai Trails.  This will be Strider and I's first return back to the trails we first rode in 2015 at our first LD.  I'm so very much looking forward to it.  I have a rider signed up for Dakini for that weekend.  The ride is flat and typically "fast", so I know that Strider and Dakini can do a nice, slow 50 there and, barring issues, finish.

While I would very much like to keep on doing back to back 50/25s with Strider, funds are an issue.  And, while I had a great time competing in the One Horse: One Rider division of the Green Bean Competition last year, in the new division I will be placed in, I will not be competitive.  BUT, I will still be participating, just to show solidarity.  Or perhaps this year I'll join a team so that I can compete both horses if I so desire. 

ANYWAY!!

April 20/21.

Strider and Dakini will again be doing 50's on the 20th.  Barefoot friendly trails, and I'm hoping the weather holds so I can actually enjoy the LBJ Grasslands for this ride.

On the 21st, Dakini (most likely) will stay at base camp while Strider and I do a 25 to accompany a friend who is going to attempt one of her horse's first LDs. 

May 13.

Strider and I (I hope) will be attempting Last Hoorah! again.  The ride was gorgeous, but I will be going better prepared between Hoof Armor and Scoot Boots!  Or, if Dakini needs another 50, she will have her chance.  I can always find someone to catch ride for me to finish her qualifications.

From May until, probably, October, Strider and Dakini will have the summer off with light riding here and there.  Keeping them both fit and trim and ready to go.

There IS a ride in September, but it's so hot, I will probably skip it.  Again, also a means of saving funds for the Nationals Ride.

October ?/?.

National Endurance Ride.  I will need to have hoof boots prepared and ready for both horses and back up boots ready to go.  Extra Hoof Armor ordered and prepared to use as well.  I ordered new 1200 Denier waterproof blankets and both horses have rump rugs already as well.  So, we're outfitted there.  I don't know what the weather is like in Idaho in October, but I need to start researching it.

Currently, this is my 2017 goal.

My long-term goal?

As I've said, Decade Team with Strider.  If I could make Decade Team with Dakini, that would be magnificent as well.  But, most of my heart and energy goes to my spunky little black Paso who has carried me dutifully and with pluck and aplomb these past 125 LD miles (not his fault we went OT on 1 ride, and he hit a dang rock in the last 10 miles at another ride!!!) and 100 endurance miles (well, 150 endurance miles, if his dippy rider didn't get us lost!).