Back on Track

I still haven't replied to my MT about McKenna, but fortunately the mare is getting better.  I did some of the massage techniques she taught us working on the big knots in the mare's back (seriously, you could see them).  The temperature's dropped back enough that the horses need sheets on at night, so McKenna's been getting some quality time with my BoT sheet.

She also got a special massage from my BO's new gelding. Apparently both of us have a thing for chestnuts with chrome.

Tuesday McKenna got lunged in some loose set side reins to help stretch her out.  I could tell she was feeling a lot better; I was able to brush her without her flinching and didn't feel near as many knots in her back.  She was surprisingly good on the lunge.  A little up and wild eyed, but payed attention and didn't have any crazy moments.

Yesterday, after a long turnout time in the indoor, we had a pretty good w-t-c ride.  She started out pretty up again, but lots of forward trot with circles and changes of direction helped bring her back.  She felt like she did a couple weeks ago; a powder keg ready to go off but I was proud of both of us for not freaking out and working through it. We didn't do much more than 20mins as I didn't want to push her and she felt maybe a little weak towards the end but I figure we're rehabbing so it's to be expected.

Oregon State, fight fight fight!  Go Beavers!!

I tried the tape test that's been going around on social media.  Apparently putting duct tape on a horse's nose acts like a twitch and helps chill them out for the farrier, mane pulling, or clipping.  Since one of our quarterly goals is to work on ear clipping I thought I'd try it out on McKenna.  For us it was a big fat FAIL. As soon as I put the tape on, McKenna started swinging her head and rubbing her nose on anything she could reach trying to get the tape off.  I tried a few times, letting her sit for a couple minutes with it on but I wasn't able to clip her ears anymore than I normally do.  Oh well, at least we tried!

One Down, Two to Go

I spent most of Saturday body clipping Buddy. He's been getting sweaty during his lease rides, and I worry somewhat about him getting put back wet or warm. Bus's odd in that he loves getting clipped so it was an easy decision to make. 

I've always wanted to clip a design onto a horse, but lack any artistic talent. I decided this year I would try it and if it didn't work I could always clip it off. I used a neon dry erase marker and sketched a "B" on his hip. I had to use my little clippers to get inside the B and to clean up the edges so it looks a little funky. Oh well it'll grow out. 

I usually body clip Phoenix every year but I think I'm just going to do a trace clip on him. Since he's older and not working as hard he doesn't need to be totally naked. Anna wants me to try and clip a heart on his butt so we'll see how that goes. McKenna gets pretty sweaty so I'm planning on just doing a trace clip with her too. I might use the little clippers, she's still nervous of them and I think the big clippers will freak her out. 

Getting Ready

I started getting the ponies ready for our little schooling show on Saturday.  I'm taking Zoe in the 2' long stirrup and Bud in the 2'6" pre-adult hunters.  Nik will also be taking Bud in walk trot and a couple trot-a-pole classes.  If I have energy and its not blazing hot (the forecast calls for 91*) I might enter a couple jumper classes in the afternoon.

Both ponies had their manes done yesterday as well as getting clipped.  Zoe is still horrible about having her ears done, but after  a come-to-Jesus talk, she's getting better.  Unfortunately my clippers started dying as I started her ears, so I'm charging them tonight and we'll try again tomorrow. I also washed and conditioned both their tails and they'll get bathed on Friday.

I'm excited because my friend will also be showing in the 3ft hunters.  We showed together a ton a few years ago, but she moved back up to Portland after she graduated.  We haven't managed to show together since, so hopefully Saturday will bring back all the good times!  I'll also have my own little cheering section; Zoe's owner and possibly her daughter will be there, Rick and Connie are coming to watch with the 4H girls, and Jen's friend is coming back to take pics.  Hopefully I can get someone to video as well.

Looking as cute as can be!