I finished my wedding cakes and went to bed early. Saturday morning I was on the road to deliver them to Winnie. Kellie and I were riding at 1:00 PM I got out there just alittle before here and had to brush Biscuit. OMG he was a pig but he looked good when I got through with him. I tacked him up and then Kellie arrived. She had trouble catching Elan!
We went out Cattail Marsh. A nice couple held the turnstile open for us and we went down the road from there. We went down to the bridge and crossed over to the other side and rode up that side of the bayou. It was torn up by hogs everywhere. We encountered a man up towards the front that was hunting hogs. We told him we ride there and he said that he was only shooting those close up! We certainly hope so. WE went on and around the gate at the front. Elan went willingly this time.
We got on the bridge and Biscuit went on the other side when a man spoke to him. Biscuit is still afraid of certain people. The man even picked up on it and said "wow he was so brave coming around the fence" Biscuit didn't start shaking but just moved out of the area! We tried to cross over into the woods at one point and they were hesitating over crossing a tiny bit of water in the ditch. We moved to a different spot as cars were coming and they finally went. We think we were not in the "regular" place and they weren't happy about it. We came back down the bayou and to the old gravel road. Biscuit was a little tender footed and kept tripping on the rocks. Biscuit pushed on the turnstile and I think with some work he would go through the turnstile. What a good boy he is. Our ride was 6.24 miles and was so much fun!
It has been miserable weather here. Today it was 38 degrees, 29 real feel and 93% humidity. Woo Hoo. Wet and nasty cold.
I drove out with Betty to check on my boys. I stopped at the tack room to grab a handful of treats because I left their carrots. I got out there and the boys were in the bottom of the pasture. At first they didn't budge...they were grazing. I called to them and they started walking towards me and then busted out in a gallop running to me - mud flying everywhere. Hahahah they have never done that before. Red used to run to me but Sarge and Biscuit never have.
I shared the treats with them and rubbed their faces and patted their necks. Too bad it was so nasty out there. I wanted to hug them up. They seemed quiet happy grazing and were little fluff balls.
Got back in the car and Betty said she thought they were so cute and got a big kick out of their running to me. So did I. What a big pick me up. That is why I have my little fellows - they never fail to cheer me up.
Just in case you are wondering - YES! I am a little 12 year old horse crazy girl on the inside even if on the outside I am a fluffy, graying, stumbling almost 54 year old. Horses are good for my soul. I thank God daily for letting me have two of some of His most beautiful creations. Love my Sarge and Biscuit.
Finally!!! Kellie and I planned a ride for Saturday morning at 9:00 AM. I left the house at 7:45 in case it was hard to catch Biscuit. He usually doesn't run around if I don't have Barry but you never know! I only hauled down almost halfway through the pasture before theirs so he wouldn't walk to the back. Their pastures are soaking wet!
Biscuit and Sarge were at the front and I put his halter on and walked him to the trailer and loaded up. I stopped at the barn and got his feed and the tack. We hauled out to the park and got there around 7:35 or so. Biscuit was filthy so I spent about 15 minutes grooming him. He didn't look too thrilled to be curried. Oh well - he was cleaner when I got through and then I tacked him up. I also put his hoof boots on in case we went down Cattail Marsh's old graveled path. Kellie arrived and got Elan out and he made a bee line for me. LOL he was looking for treats so I went and got him some. He is so expressive and funny. Just love him!
Kellie held Biscuit while I mounted up - no problems thank God. The yard area and trails had standing water and we carefully made our way to the road and walked around the park. We crossed to the inside and Biscuit jumped a little ditch. What a sissy. He didn't want to walk in the water. We got to Cattail and he didn't want to walk across the ditches that were full of water and I knew he would jump it. I went to the gate and went around it which I didn't like to do because it was so soft and I didn't want him to hit something on the side of that because I couldn't see it! We walked though the big double gates and headed down past the bogs. OMG wet is not the word - sodden is more like it.
We got to new clear cut for the pipeline and there were mats all the way back there - trucks and equipment. The horses both spooked HARD at something. Dang...that made my legs go weak. I thought Biscuit was going to fly to the moon but he just spooked in place. We went down to the bridge, turned around and came back, passed up the gravel road and went down the bayou a ways and then turned around. We headed back and Biscuit headed right for the gravel road. He is so funny!!!
I gave him and Elan a ton of treats and we talked to KD for a while. I had cakes so I had to hurry home. I didn't take my Garmin and we rode about 4 miles.
Kellie had bought me a gorgeous purple cane - that was so sweet of her - it will be put to good use so I don't fall over. My appointment is in 10 days from today. I want to ride so I need to get this taken care of.
I hauled Biscuit back to the barn and he dropped down and rolled. It was humid and kinda of warm today and he was sweaty. Today (Sunday) it is freaking cold.
I went out to the barn today and got Biscuit. Lee Ann B arrived just when I got to Sadda's old pen. I tied up Biscuit and got his grooming tools. He had some huge patches of mud all over him. Lee Ann loaned me her circular knife and I worked on Biscuit's frogs. He had a round red cut on his front left bulb that wasn't there yesterday. Didn't appear to be an abscess as it didn't have pus nor did it seem tender. It looked fresh.
I did his feet quickly and tacked him up. Lee Ann B stood by to make sure I could get on. It was so much easier today. I think I need to go and mount up as many days as possible, even if I don't ride a long time. Just mount up. I need to keep those muscles working.
We rode around in the arena and Lee Ann P joined us on MiTye. She is such a pretty mare. I gave treats all around to the horses including Legato who is still on sick leave! MiTye gobbled them up and I was quite taken with her. I would buy her in a minute if I could afford another horse!
I met Lee Ann B out at the ranch and brought up the Biscuit. He was filthy. I brushed his coat and thank goodness most of his dirt came off!!!
I tacked him up and Lee Ann was already in the arena walking Rogue around. I got Biscuit ready and went into the arena, picked up the steps and put Biscuit in the corner of the arena. I went to step on and the saddle slipped. I stopped and cinched him to 16th hole. He has dropped some weight. I went to get back on and OMG it was so hard. My legs are so weak and I pulled my self on and used even the outside rail to right myself. That was so upsetting and was in tears. I am so afraid I will get to weak to get on my horse. I can't wait til the 23rd so perhaps Dr. Murphy can tell me what is wrong with me. I am scared I will always be this way - stumbling and unbalanced and not be able to ride without someone assisting me.
I got going and went round and round the arena. Biscuit was being an angel. So different from when I got him. He was always a spastic in the arena. We worked on a little of the giving at the poll to flex his head towards me. We do that to wipe the mosquitoes from his face. We rode about 30 minutes and I dismounted. I took his tack off and Lee Ann was working with him to learn to bow. Hahahaha He did it once when I had gone into the barn to fine tape to put a carrot on a stick! Serves me right!
I did his feet after that. The backs needed nipping but I just rasped the fronts. His feet looked really good. Lee Ann and I are going to meet at the barn tomorrow and hopefully ride with Lee Ann P when she rides Legato for the first time since her accident. Hoping that goes well.
Lee Ann B said that Julia bought Shalom and a horse transport will pick her up either Tuesday or Wednesday and haul her to Atlanta. Hoping the best for Julia and Shalom!! She is a great little mare.
Kellie and I went on the last ride of the year on December 30. I had to walk all the way to the back of the pasture to get Biscuit and he loaded up nicely and we hauled to Tyrrell Park. I parked in the big area nearer the trails as there was rainwater in the ditch. I saw a HUGE tree down covering the right side of the trail head. Oh Joy. Kellie arrived and we walked over there to check it out. It was the huge tree to the right of the trail head.
Tree down at the trail head
We tacked up and Kellie helped me adjust my stirrups after I had let them down for Adam to ride. I was too bundled up to get on so I had to take off one jacket. Then I mounted up. We walked over and tried to find another path to the right but it wasn't real apparent and the palmettos were thick there. We didn't need a poke in the eye for the horses so we went to the left. Such a nice ride around. Quiet - not trotting as the doctor ordered. Came to the huge pallet from the opposite side and Biscuit put his feet up there and I think he wanted to back off but he went on up there and kinda waited a second with all four feet up on it and then walked off. LOL he is such a funny boy. We got up to the front and got a better look at the tree from the other side and saw it was all rotten on the side we never could see.We couldn't cross at the far right - the tree came down with a limb close to the main trunk and it would have been to wide for them to step over - they would have had to jump. We found a path through the brush that wasn't apparent from the other side. I had to slow Biscuit down - he was in a hurry for some reason.
Rotten! Biscuit has backed up into this tree a few times when he thought the trail ride should be over!
Fresh hog tracks of a pretty good sized hog!!! It was int he middle of the trail. We didn't see any hogs today though.
Kellie and I continued on around and went down the little trail. She stopped to eat her sandwich and Elan stopped dead in his tracks when he heard the rustling of a sandwich bag!! I walked back to where she was and Biscuit and Elan were nose to nose almost. Kellie had given Elan a bite of sandwich and he had a big old smear of mustard on his nose. Biscuit stretched his nose toward Kellie entreating her to give HIM a treat. Elan actually bit at him and gave him the ugly Gorilla Face. I told Elan he was being a crank as I had gave him a treat that morning. He bit at Biscuit again - not really biting him - just showing dominance. Biscuit was unperturbed. Kellie gave him a bite and he didn't care if Elan was being pissy about it. Kellie and I thought it was hilarious because the mostly get along like a house on fire! Horses are just so freaking funny!!!
We kept going and got towards the back and Biscuit was suddenly in a huge hurry and would walk off when I had stopped him to take pictures. OMG we had to make this a huge training ride. Walk a little .... stop.....no! I SAID STOP.....Don't know what his huge hurry was all about. I told Kellie for 2 cents he'd have been in a gallop back to the trailer. He is a hoot. We had to go through the brush again and OMG I had to get after Biscuit to SLOW DOWN going through there. I didn't want him to mow me over with saplings!
We got back to the trailer and took their tack off. Elan later came looking for his treats - LOL I shared some treats with him. He is just so funny. Biscuit gobbled up loads of treats while I did his feet.
It was a fun ride but not very long...only around 4 miles.
My half sister, Beth, from Georgia and my nephew, Adam, came to visit. I haven't seen her since she was 7 years old and she is 46. Dang. It was so nice to visit with her. Adam said he'd never rode a horse so I invited them to come out Saturday and ride the Biscuit.
They met Barry and me at the corner store and followed us to the barn. Barry and Adam went down to get Biscuit and Sarge and LOL they were running all of the pasture from Barry. He finally caught Biscuit and Adam walked the Biscuit up - he was being a good boy. Barry finally caught Sarge and brought him up. Adam got to groom Biscuit. We tacked up the horses and I got on Biscuit to make sure he wouldn't act like an idiot with Adam. I rode him round and round and he was being a good boy. Barry was making Sarge work in the big arena.
I thought Adam was ready so he mounted up and we changed the stirrups. He went round and round on Biscuit and Biscuit couldn't have been a better angel. Kellie and Randy dropped by and we all chatted. Biscuit kept wanting to go to the center of the arena but I told Adam to make him walk to the edge and around the rail. He got Biscuit to do what he wanted. I was thrilled that he got to ride - he seems like such a nice kid - an Eagle Scout at that!! Wow!
I didn't get to ride last weekend due to cakes and holiday parties. I missed my boys. Barry and I went out to see them today and I took them each 3 carrots. I haven't been out there since last Thursday. Biscuit was a little head shy like he gets IF I don't go out there and handle him. He is still a sweetie and oh did he ever love his carrots. He was a filthy beast on his right side and just as fuzzy as he can be. Such a sweet guy. Sarge is fluffy too and glad to get carrots.
Kellie and I are planning a ride either Saturday or Sunday in Tyrrell Park. I can't wait to go. My legs are wobbly and I was really having a hard time walking last Thursday - that is the last time I was out at the barn til today. I haven't drove since then either. I am going to Houston tomorrow to have some tests that will hopefully tell me what is wrong and what we need to do to fix it. I just want to be better. My horses are so dear to me and I can't imagine not being able to ride any longer. That is just to scary of a thought.
Barry and I hauled out to the barn to get the horses. Biscuit turned and walked off - Sarge soon followed. OMG they started running all over the paddock - Biscuit was flagging his tail and channeling his Arabian side. Much of the time he was extended trotting and he has a gorgeous extended trot that can really cover some ground. It was a pleasure watching him and I told Barry to let the run til they were ready to be loaded up....they need the exercise. I finally caught Biscuit and he quietly walked into the trailer. Wish I had had my camera on so I could have caught all of that action!!
We had to feed them when we got up to the barn and load up my saddle. Sarge broke the hanger for the bucket and it must have scared them when his feed bucket hit the floor and the entire trailer jumped back like they were fighting in there. We had to get a chain to tie it up with. We took off for the park and unloaded. I brushed Biscuit and cleaned his hooves. I tacked him up and was very careful mounting up. We walked over to where the old round pen was and met two ladies...one was Tammy that I knew owned one of the Arabs from the ranch and have talked on the Horse Forum with her. The other lady I introduced myself to and she said she was Mona and I knew her last name was LaBleu. LOL I went to school with her and we used to discuss horses as kids. I told her I was Denise Guntner but that didn't ring a bell. Hummm....then I said I went by Wilson in elementary and then she remembered who I was! How funny!!! Robin, Big Randy, Kenny and a young teacher named KD joined us. KD did the bomb proof clinic with us.
We went through the woods that were dry as they could be. Last week it was POURING rain in there. We went over the mat and Biscuit just very dutifully walked over it. We went out on Willow Bayou and down past the resident alligator. We crossed the bridge and went straight to the right side of the bog. Such a nice day to be out riding. Somewhat overcast and a little breeze blowing. We hadn't got too far down just past the big bog area when a pack of pigs came running out about 20' in front of us. They ran down about 20' and went back in the brush! I counted 12 - about 3 large sows and the rest were little piglets. Barry and Kellie were in front and I was directly behind them. Not one of the horses so much as flinched. Good Boys!!! Kenny had to go back so he was missed on the rest of the ride on that darling little Halflinger. I could just kiss this pony up he is so cute!!!
We got down to the point and stopped and rested a few minutes and then took off again. We went all down the back of the bayou and came back up. Sarge was backing up at one point over something and bumped into me and Biscuit...lol a slightly squished leg ensued but all was good.
We were crossing the bridge and Barry got off and walked Sarge because he picked up a rock in his hoof. He cleaned out Biscuit and Sarge's hooves at the bridge. I didn't want to dismount. We went back up the bayou and Elan was wanting to move out and Kellie kept making him circle to slow him down. He was not a happy camper. I had Biscuit collected up and walking and poor guy finally broke into the SLOWEST jog "see sister, I can jog this slow if you will let me". Poor guy! Poor me! Walking was actually HARDER on my legs, feet and pelvis than standing up in the stirrups and posting. Ugh.....I don't know if my backside with survive the walking!
We took our tack off and I rinsed Biscuit off. He was a mess - cleaned his hooves and gave him lots of treats. Gave quiet a few to Elan too. He was watching me for his treats.
KD took this picture in the front of the woods . Biscuit's cantle bag is crooked!!!
Kellie, Barry, Robin, KD and I went over to the picnic table to eat our lunch. Susan was on her way to give Kellie some satsumas. We waited til she got there and she had Dulci with her. Dulci looked like a million bucks!!! It was so nice to see Sue. Haven't seen her in a coon's age. Kellie gave me some of the satsumas and OMG they were delicious! We loaded up and hauled home. I always enjoy my rides but walking the entire way really made my legs and feet unhappy. I am certainly no speed queen but standing up in the saddle and jogging really feels better.
I had my meeting with the doctor over my health issues and he went through the MRI with Barry and me. I have some bulging discs in my neck but not enough to be causing my issues with walking. He said it was minor and more like just the regular old aging process! I do have some compression in the T10 and T12 discs and degeneration. He said it is a 50/50 chance it is MS and I will have to undergo light tests on my eyes to determine that plus have another MRI at the office in the Medical Center not in Pasadena. He said I was a little past the age most people are diagnosed with MS. I have never been so glad to be an old chick in my life! Barry asked him about riding and he said only walking - no fast stuff no jumping - as if! I said I do not ride like a crazy person - I trot mostly but will just be walking and will be with an ER nurse. Barry wasn't too happy about it but I did tell Dr. M that I feel better after I ride and can walk better.
So probably for the next 2 months or so I will only be allowed to walk on Biscuit. I told Mom I didn't want to not ride and let my old fears return...plus Biscuit would be a handful if I didn't ride all winter! He also said I am not diabetic - just borderline. My numb feet have nothing to do with diabetes - it is the constriction of my spinal cord. That is good news but I will continue with a low sugar diet. I don't want to develop full blown diabetes either.
We are riding tomorrow God willing and the creek don't rise. Looking forward to a walk with my Biscuit.
I loaded up and hauled out to get Biscuit. He walked to the back of the pasture and I cripped my way out there to get him. Sarge didn't even bother to walk off because Barry wasn't with me! hahahah It is so funny how they KNOW. They do pay attention! I loaded up The Biscuit and hauled to the park. I got there before Kellie and started brushing Biscuit. Kellie arrived. Randy had sent me a HUGE cabbage and I put it in the trailer. We tacked up. We mounted up and thank God I was able to get on with no trouble.
We went to the right and down to the matt. There was a man standing on it and we asked about how long it would take once they started putting in the pipe line. He said about 2 weeks and they would bore under the wetlands and Hildebrandt Bayou. They may block us from that side of the woods but 2 weeks isn't bad.
We rode around to the little trail and went down that. Someone was cutting with a chain saw not far from the trails near Cattail Marsh. We went back to the main trail and went out by the front and went down the grass and around the front of the stables. Over to the cars and then back into the woods and we went to the left. We got around the first turn and it started sprinkling a little more. Kept going....later started just RAINING. We got to the huge cut ride away and went that way walking down where they had cut everything because it wasn't slippery with mud. Kellie had put on her poncho but I didn't have mine with me. I ended up soaking wet but I like riding in the rain. We went up to the main trail and headed for the barn. Elan was slipping in the mud because of his shoes. We got to the trailer and went over to where Kellie's neighbor was having a photo shoot. We were going to walk the horses under the eaves of the barn but Biscuit wasn't too hip on that!! We went to the trailers and took their tack off. I was soaking wet and had to take Barrys saddle off of the top and move it to the bottom and still hang onto my saddle Ugh.
Kellie's truck was right behind the trailer and Biscuit was reluctant to load up so I had to maneuver him so he'd feel secure and up he went. I got my RAV soaking wet. Dang!!!
I took some pics of Biscuit and Kellie's neighbor took a picture of us soaking wet. hahahahahha we had fun rain or not rain!
I went out to the barn and got Biscuit out of the pasture. I got him up on the washrack and Lee Ann P came out. Legato is doing way way way better and Dr. Sherwood said she was going to be fine. Lee Ann tacked up Shalom while I brushed and tacked up Biscuit. I went to get on and my leg didn't push when I asked it to push. I almost had a cow. Lee Ann held Biscuit and told me to PUSH. I was able to get on thank God. This weak leg, numb feet thing has to go. It is worrying me. Morgan and Cody showed up just when I was getting on.
Biscuit and I went around and around the arena - he was being a toot about moving towards the center and not staying by the rail when we were going with his right to the rail. I can pop him with my right hand holding the reins and the crop but quickly found out I can't with the left!!! Hahahah I will have to work on that skill set! We did some backing up and some side passing. One turn on the forehand. He wanted to speed up at times and that head was going up when I wouldn't let him. I locked my hands at my sides and made him go around twice without moving off the rail before our ride ended. We didn't ride that long....maybe 30 minutes if that long. Lee Ann was riding Shalom and she did a fantastic job. Shalom is a very nice girl!
I enjoyed my ride and then got off.
I cleaned up some of his poop and washed it off and put the hose over his back. It now dangles from the top and it bumped him and he had a cow thinking it was killing him. He spooked and it and was moving sideways bumping into me and I was trying to get out of his way without falling. Thank goodness I was able to and told him to calm down. He was scared to death of that hose. I untied him and calmed him down - lol he had a terrified look on his face and kept touching me with his nose. He does that now when he gets scared or upset...he reaches out and touches me with his nose. I think that is what he was doing a long time ago when we would go by the little tumbled down building and I thought he was trying to nip me. Poor baby!
Lee Ann and I were standing there talking about endurance riding and all three horses were on lead ropes. Shalom got irritated with Legato and pickup her butt and both barrels! She didn't kick Legato though but she got her butt in a little bit of hot water. Legato is better - she has a little trouble backing up and turning on her back legs but since it has only been 2 weeks she is doing great. Dr. Sherwood looked at her and said she was fine and would totally recover. Thank God. I took Biscuit back to his paddock and turned him out.
I only made it out to the barn twice this past week to see the horses just briefly. I am dealing with some health issues - found out I am diabetic. Dang. I am going to turn that one into a positive - I will have to lose weight to control the diabetes. That is a plus for The Biscuit! The other is I am not very stable on my feet - can't balance well and my feet and toes are numb. Had MRI and have seen a neurosurgeon. Have to go for another MRI and special blood tests. It could be lots of things but as long as I can ride I will have to adjust. Thank God I have a light saddle. Wish it was even lighter as I am just so dang wobbly right now. It has made mounting up a little difficult because I can't move quickly. I am so glad my horse is a good boy!
Barry and I went to the barn Saturday. I would have loved to rode but Biscuit needed his feet trimmed. Lee Ann B was there and rode Rogue in the ring. Barry rode Sarge bareback - he was cantering him and his butt wasn't even leaving the little patch he was sitting on!
Biscuit's feet were a little long - but I was able to get some concavity to his front hooves. I had to nip them and then rasp. I got out a hay bag with alfalfa in it for Biscuit to get him to stand a little better as I don't have balance. What a pain in the butt!
Later I had to laugh at him. He had pulled a very compressed piece of alfalfa out and it kept dropping on the ground. I picked it up twice and put it back in the hay net. I finally told him he needed to put it back in the bag himself. Hahahaha....that horse understands English well. He started rubbing it up and down on the bag trying to tear it open so he could eat it. It was hilarious with him tossing it around. I finally shredded it for him. I only got his front feet done but they looked really nice. I will finish his back feet Monday. I will then have to start on Sarge's feet. I told Barry he needs to go out there with me when I do and hold Sarge as he can be a toot. Not bad or scary...he just refuses to pick up his feet sometimes.
