Biscuit's hoof is improving

Biscuit's hoof is looking fantastic.  I am still putting the ointment and organic vinegar in it.

The center sulcus is looking fantastic!  I will keep at it until it looks flat across the frog and the heels spread.  I think his heels are a little contracted.

I went out to the barn Monday after my cake class and Lee Ann P was in the ring with a lady on a Paint horse.  She wants to do some Western Pleasure classes.  Sweet little mare.  Lady likes to trail ride too.

The next day Lee Ann was riding this little mare.  She is very quiet and sweet as she can be.  She is boarding out at the ranch and Lee Ann will be training her.

Riding Biscuit

I went out to the barn Monday and cleaned Biscuit.  He was pretty dang dirty.  I brushed him all over and then tacked him up and rode in the arena.

He needs quiet a bit of work.  He didn't want to jog, didn't want to collect up, didn't want to go straight.  I can't wait til the dang woods are dry so that I can ride in there by myself.  Biscuit and I both need work.

I am going to continue to ride in the arena.  Just been so dang busy with cakes and therapy.  Next week is 2 days of cake classes AFTER the Day of Sharing.  Then it goes right into another wedding cake.  Busy is good though!

Ava rides The Biscuit

Monday a week ago I was babysitting Miss Ava.  I took her to the barn and she sat on the Biscuit and so did Alison's little boy Reed.  She hugged up Reed and Brutis, she chased a few chickens and got on the Gator.  What a gal.  She loved riding Biscuit and hopefully, one day will be my riding buddy!!

I took Ava home later and then came back to do Biscuit's feet.  I rasped all of his hooves and treated his thrush.  It is getting so much better!  The back area has filled back in but the center sulcus is still deep.  Working on it.  I put the vinegar in the cleft of the sulcus and then the ointments covered with Desitin.  It is working.  I bought a spray bottle and I am going to fill it with live culture vinegar and spray his frogs with it when I clean his hooves so that I can hopefully keep the thrush at bay all the time.

Treating Feet

I went out to the barn Wednesday and Biscuit refused to let me halter him and walked away.  I did manage to shut him in the little corral and told Edgar not to feed them.

I went back later with Barry and he still wouldn't let me catch him.  He did allow Barry to catch him and once he is caught he is fine.  Kellie said he was bipolar and she may be right!

I went out everyday to treat that hoof.  Thursday and Friday he let me catch him with no problem.  Heck he ran to me Friday - I had alfalfa.

Elan is sick and was at the vet for several days with a stomach bug that had him running fever.  Kellie was pretty upset that her boy was so ill.  He came home Saturday around noon.

Barry and I stopped by to see him after delivering a wedding cake.  He had lost some weight.  No riding for him for 2 weeks.

I will try to go out and ride Biscuit Tuesday.  I couldn't ride this weekend due to cakes and Ava's birthday.  I miss riding and want to go!  I told Barry I want to haul up to Ebenezer and ride even if it is by myself.  I am familiar with the trails and Biscuit behaves so I am not afraid.  I could even maybe go with Alex and Red.  Just want to ride!  Wish the trails in Tyrrell would dry up - I would so be riding there!!!

Monday Rasping of the Hooves

Monday I went out to the barn and pulled Biscuit up.  I brushed the mud off of him and he was shedding like crazy.

I worked on his feet.  It had been 2 weeks and they had grown some but not too much.  He was excellent while I was doing his feet.  I was supporting his hind hooves more like the farrier suggested.  Treated the sulcus and it is getting better.

Ebenezer Weekend Washout

Last week I was sick with a bad head cold.  Ugh.  I was up all night Thursday night with a low grade fever.  It broke around 3:00 AM and I started feeling better.  Barry didn't want to go to Ebenezer but I said give me a few hours and I will be ready to go.

We finally got out to the barn around 2:30 PM or so.  I got the feed and hay together and Barry went and got the horses.  We tried to load Biscuit first and he refused.  We loaded Sarge and then I held the door all the way open and pointed Biscuit in at an angle and he hopped in with no problems.  We left for Ebenezer at 3:00 PM.

We got to the park just before 5:00 PM.  Biscuit came out just fine - Sarge barreled out and hit Barry's arm with the divider.  Sarge is a pill.

I made pancakes Saturday morning and we saddled up.  Dang...we rode about 3/4 of mile and it started sprinkling.  My shirt was wet.  Dang......back to the park.  We rode a total of 1.45 miles.  That.was.it.for.the.weekend.

It started pouring down rain later.  We did have dinner at our campsite as we had the cover over the table.  Kent made his famous beans, sausage and rice.  Kellie wasn't in her "normal" spot and was in site #11.  That is a nice site.  Going to start using that one!  Nice view of the lake and the park.  Nice pens.  Close the the bathroom.

We went to visit Archie and it was still raining.  Ugh.  Rained all night long.  We started packing up Sunday morning.

I wanted Biscuit to load up first.  Kent helped me.  He got the long rope through the tie hook in the trailer and we kept urging Biscuit to load.  He was shaking and we stopped and reassured him.  He finally hopped in.  Sarge loaded easily.

Sarge came out easy and Biscuit kind of ran out the back.  Sigh.  I want to take the trailer to the barn and work with Biscuit on loading in this trailer.

I washed my trailer out after shoveling out the poop.  Put the tack in the barn and hauled back home.   I took all of the food out and the dirty clothes.  Used the chucks to lift up the mats so that it dried.  Just need to get the towels/sheets back in the trailer and ready for the next camping trip.

Barry fussed about the trailer being too small.  Dang.  It is way bigger than the Brenderup!  He said this was the last time he was going in that trailer and he is going to buy a RV and then I could sell The Roadrunner.  I told him when a trailer was in the driveway that belonged to us I would sell The RoadRunner and not a day before.  My momma didn't raise a fool.

Vet visit and working with Sarge

It was vet day for the boys.  I went to get them and they came quickly to the corral and I was able to halter both of them without any issues.  Biscuit is getting so much better.  The corral is the best thing I could have done!

We loaded up and headed for the vet.  I took Sarge out first because he can be such a pill in the trailer by himself.  Doc gave him the shots and pulled his Coggins.  I put him back into the trailer and took Biscuit out.

Doc was giving Biscuit his shot and Sarge started pawing.  I fussed at him.  Next he tried to turn around...not enough room.  I fussed at him.  Doc asked if he would calm down when I put Biscuit back and I said yes.

Sarge quit fussing when I put Biscuit back in.  Sarge trailers really well but doesn't like to be left in the trailer.   What a pill.

I got back to the barn and pulled into the courtyard area and unloaded them both so I could treat Biscuit's center sulcus area.  Lee Ann P came out and I was brushing Biscuit and she started brushing Sarge.  I treated Biscuit hooves and they are looking better but still have a way to go.  I will keep treating til it is better.  I have had this problem before and it will get better.

I told Lee Ann I would like to ride Sarge and she said to start lounging him so I took him in the arena and asked for a walk and got a trot.  Barry always starts him at a trot and then he is cantering.  Ugh.  Lee Ann came in and made him walk.  He actually knows the commands but he was doing what Barry does with him.  I think Sarge enjoyed his little session.  <3

Lee Ann said he had a very smooth balanced canter.  I told her that I would like to ride Sarge and get my body used to a smooth canter and then work on Biscuit's canter.  I want Betty to take lessons and ride with me.  Dang...I could ride Sarge and she could ride The Biscuit.

Sarge is much more reactive but he is not mean or crazy.  If he was ridden frequently he will only be better.  He is such a sweet fellow - he loves all of the attention if he can get it.

Lee Ann told me about this sweet pot stuff of minerals for the horses that is supposed to slick them off nicely.  Sarge's hair is often funky in the winter.  I am going to get this for them.

I did go to 5 Star Feed to get the flat feed pans.  They only had one.  I then went to Mid-County Feed and got another one, a bucket of Nicker Makers and bones for Brutis.  He loves those.

I had brought home all of my tack from the barn and I put it in The RoadRunner.  Barry put the Microwave back in which was a PITA because he had to pull the fridge out to do so.

I have to get the trailer packed for Friday!  Woot!  Going to Ebenezer!

Alfalfa Time

Last Saturday Barry and I drove over to Vinton, La to the feed store to get a bale of alfalfa.  I got one for Kellie too.  I do believe my horses are going to be really happy campers.

When we got to the barn, Barry put it in the barn and took a square for the horses.  We went down to the pasture and they were out in the middle.  They started coming in and when Biscuit smelled the alfalfa he broke into a canter.  Couldn't get there fast enough.

They were sharing just fine until we went to leave and Sarge mean mugged The Biscuit and ran him off.  Barry fussed at him and brought Biscuit back but when we turned our back Sargent Mean Mugger came back.  LOL we finally took part of the alfalfa and put on the other side of the corral for Biscuit.  Sarge is such a pill at times.

Hoof Care

Wednesday I went and purchased Lotrimine and Triple Antibotic Cream today and got some of the active vinegar from the house.  I went out to the barn and pulled Biscuit up to the wash rack and hosed off his hoof to clean it.

I mixed the cream in my little container and then put the vinegar into Biscuit's sulcus.  I did that 3 times letting a few minutes go in between each time.  I then put in the cream, pressing it well down into the center sulcus.  I am hoping this works.  I gave Biscuit treats and put him up.

Friday, Barry and I went out to clean Biscuit's hoof.  I took a little bit of water in a bucket to clean his hoof off as he didn't want to put his foot in the bucket.  I got it clean, put the cream into the sulcus and worked it in.

Hoping this thush is gone soon but his hoof smelled funky!

Barefoot trimming

The barefoot trimmer came out Tuesday.  It was nasty out.  I went down and caught the horses. They were both shivering so I hooked up the trailer and loaded them in it and got them bags of hay to munch while we waited for him to finish the horse in front of them.  He was working on Lemonnie.  She was not too happy with some of it.  She is so cute.

I went and got Sarge.  He came out of the trailer easy and I put his lead rope around his neck while I lifted the ramp back in place.  Dang that little rascal took off.  Edgar turned him back towards me and I got his lead rope but the little turn in by Brutis pen.  He was a little jazzed up when I took him into the barn and it took a bit for him to settle down.  Mike trimmed his hooves and they were long.  He said he'd work at pulling them back a little but that Sarge had really good concavity.  Yep.  Sarge has great hooves.  He is such a sweetie.  I got lots of sugars from him Tuesday.

I loaded him back into the trailer and took Biscuit out. I put up the ramp but didn't clamp it.  I took Biscuit into the main barn and washed his legs.  They were filthy with mud.  I tied him up while Azizza was being trimmed.  I got to watch Mike do that horse.  So much to learn.

He started on Biscuit and I gave him a little background on Biscuit.  We discussed that nasty crack that always comes in Biscuit's back left hoof.  I told him only once for a short time was I able to get rid of it but after riding in Kisatchie on that gravel road it came back.  He said it is most likely a crena that many horses have.  It is believed to be like a little notch in the coffin bone.  I just did some research on it and not that much is know about it but hoping to learn more.

He said that Biscuit had thrush in the front left.  I knew that am a bad horse mom.  I will get the stuff tomorrow to correct it.  He said that the live culture vinegar is good for helping to clear it up and to clear up mud scratches.  Poor old Azizza has had that so bad.  Poor chickie.  Biscuit gave him a little fuss about his feet but not much.  Anyway, he said Biscuit was landing toe first because of the thrush and that is not good.  After he trimmed Biscuit he was placing his feet correctly.  Lee Ann P said that Biscuit mostly walks correctly.  Lee Ann B came in with Rogue and she said Sarge was being a pill when she went by.  I had to leave so I head out and dang, the ramp is down.  I think Sarge must have been kicking it.

I loaded Biscuit up, shut the ramp for the bazillionth time and hauled them back to their paddock.   I am going to get Mike to do their feet for a few months and pull Biscuit's toe back to where it should be.  I am not an expert and always so afraid I will hurt my boy!

Sunday Ride including the Yellow Brick Road Bridge

Sunday March 2, Kellie and I went out for a ride.  I didn't have a problem catching Biscuit and we got out to the Park and tacked up.  I mounted up by Kellie's trailer.  Ugh.  The first time Biscuit moved.  I put him closer to the trailer and mounted up with no problem.  I was using my new crop!

Biscuit and Elan really moved out this morning.  We usually are kicking them down the trail.  We saw a little snake around the bathroom area of the road.  We went behind the bathroom with we usually don't do but did today.

We got out on Cattail Marsh and the horses were moving at a good rate.  It was windy but not cold.  We went down to Willow Bayou and saw an alligator - the first one this year.  We crossed over the big bridge and walked past the pipe shooting out the water.  As we approached the little land bridge, we saw white pelican's in the canal on the right side!!!  Wow!  We had never see white pelican's in Tyrrell before.  We went to the right side and walked all the way to Hildebrandt.  It had water in some places but mostly was just fine for riding.

We got to the back and let the horses graze a little bit.  We went down the little trail to the main trail.  The alligator nursery had a few little babies - probably last year's babies as they were about a foot long.

Biscuit and Elan were being so forward and just fabulous.  We got to the little cement bridge and noted how wide the stream was going back towards the bog.  We rounded the curve and there was a little armadillo.  Don't think he ever saw or heard us!  Biscuit finally noticed him and kept an eye on him.

We did a little jogging going back up to the front.  We crossed over the bridge and decided to cross the Yellow Brick Road Bridge.  Biscuit started backing up and being a goober and so did Elan.  Kellie popped him a few times and he finally headed for the bridge and Biscuit followed.  He stopped just before the bridge but Biscuit kept going and crossed it.  We went around the other side of the drainage ditch and past the pretty pond back there.  We could see 2 alligators and blue and white herons.  We went past the pump station and to the bayou.  We stopped there and ate our sandwiches which I shared the crust with Biscuit and Elan.  LOL  Biscuit was begging for treats from Kellie and she gave him some of her sandwich.  I think he ate a piece of ham.  :-)

We went back across the bridge and down the side of that rode to the gates.  We saw another snake like the one we saw up in the front.  I was jogging Biscuit and tried to kick him into a canter at one point and OMG he did something that nearly unseated me.  ahahahahaah rough as could be.  Kellie said he sounded like he was falling down.  We jogged all the way pretty much to the gate of Cattail Marsh.  Elan wasn't too happy about that but trotting hurts my back and I need to get Biscuit collected up and jogging again.  It is good for him and for me.  We came through the turnstile with the help of a nice photographer lady.  Biscuit was hoping she had a treat for him but alas she didn't.  He had begged for treats the day before and some people tried dog food but Biscuit decided that dog food was for the dogs and not Biscuit.  Hahahahaha  it was falling out of his mouth after he tried it!

We jogged back to the barn, walking some but jogging quiet a bit.

We had a great time and hope to go again soon.  The woods are officially a swamp.  So is all of Tyrrell Park.  It is dry enough out on the bayou but that is it.

I cleaned Biscuit's legs off and we hauled home.  We rode a 8.5 miles today.  I now have 49.8 miles for the year.  Hoping to ride more than I did last year.

Saturday in Tyrrell Park

On March 1st, I had a wedding cake, a birthday cake and another sheetcake for Lee Ann B and her hubby Spud.  Spud planned a surprise party for her!  How sweet is that?  OMG Barry has never thought to plan a party for me so Good for Spud!  He is my hubby hero.

I got my most of the cakes done early so I could go riding with Kellie.  I left early so I could catch Biscuit with no problems.  Got stopped by the DPS on the way - thank goodness she didn't give me a ticket.  Got out to the barn and got their feed and was able to catch Biscuit with no problem.  I had trouble getting the dang ball on the hitch.  I had to take it totally off and redo before I could get it on there properly.  I loaded up my Biscuit Man and headed for the park.  Got to the red light on Hwy 124 at Tyrrell Park Road and DANG....I realized I didn't have my freaking tack.  I think I am losing my mind.  I called Kellie and hauled back to the barn.  When I got there Biscuit looked at me through the window like "are we through?  Just a joy ride Sister?"  LOL!!

Got to the park, tacked up the Biscuit and we rode just to the bridge so 4 miles.  We saw the eagle!!!  I had to to get back to put the flower together and finish Lee Ann and Spud's cake.  It was fun though and Kellie brought me Birthday Presents!!!

A purple shirt with a horsey slogan, an orange Hags with Nags cap and two purple crops - one with a star!  So with my new scepter, my Queen of the Living Quarters shirt, I now need a hat with a crown on  it.  I am a Queen and Biscuit is my trusty steed!!!

Barry went with me to deliver my wedding cake and I delivered Lee Ann and Spud's cake.  So wish I could have stayed for the party but Barry isn't feeling so well so I had to go home.

Riding in the arena

The weekend after I went to Ebenezer I went to Austin to teach a cake class.  Had a great time teaching the class but the 4 hour drive really did me in.  I did get up the following Monday morning and ride in the arena.  I had missed my Biscuit Man!!!

I saddled him up and put him in the corner and mounted up.  I had a little bit of trouble pushing up but made it into my saddle.  The Lee Ann's were riding too.  I walked Biscuit and did just a tiny little bit of jogging.  I really enjoyed riding Biscuit.

I went out to the barn several times during the week and just gave him and Sarge treats.  My sweet boys!!!

Their hooves are long and need to be done but I am waiting for Mike to come and I will pay for him to work on their hooves.