Well, it is summer in Florida. Not summer but like… SUMMER. It’s hot. It’s sticky. It’s gross. Still not as gross as Texas (they’re having a real nasty summer) but it’s been worse this year than last year for sure.
Nevertheless, we chug along. We make sure to ride early, take more breaks, keep things lighter/easier, and make sure everyone is hydrated. Well… I’m never particularly hydrated, but the horses are.
We had another jump lesson last Thursday, which was considerably less feral than the one before. I also put Presto back in the Myler combo bit and he was considerably less fussy. I dunno why he loves that thing so much but ok, duly noted. I do like galloping him in the pelham, so I think we’ve got a little more experimentation to figure out. He was a lot more rideable for this lesson though, and settled right back into it.
We’ve got a schooling CT this weekend and then Ocala Summer HT next weekend. It’s supposed to stay hot so hopefully we get decent ride times, but I’m also more than happy to just lope around the XC and not go for time, too. He mostly just needs to get out and jump around a course again.
In other news his leg is continuing to heal nicely (knocking on all the wood) and isn’t requiring much extra care anymore. I did discover that the scar sits right under the edge of an open front boot, which is superb… he might have to end up either bootless forever for SJ or with sheepskin lined boots. He would, wouldn’t he?
His FEI passport got approved too, it’s on its way back to me as we speak. That’s one thing checked off the to do list.
I’m currently trying to shop for a good lower-budget (prob like entry level budget) mirrorless camera that does nice video for social media content, if anyone has suggestions. I’m still looking at/researching both cameras and lenses. Guidance and experiences appreciated.
BRC is also open for pedigree reports if anyone is looking to nab one! We’re now offering to do them in custom color schemes now too, if you’re into that kind of thing. Peep a Barbie themed one I did last week. It was fun!
Doing the reports keeps me inside out of the heat, so I’m more than happy to pile up the queue at the moment. 😅
Hope everyone is staying cool out there!
breedrideevent.com 
Well, Amanda, I am so glad that Presto, is doing better!!!! He is such a amazing horse 🐎🐎 and his antics are hilarious 😂😆!! Also, I am glad his leg is healing up and he will be set to travel, thanks 🙏👍 to his FEI Passport 🛂🛂!! Again, Amanda, keep us posted, on all of your adventurous horse friends 😜🙂!!!!
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Yeah, Texas is pretty much like burnt toast – all dry, brown and crispy. It’s too hot to do anything outside much past noon. Fortunately the humidity is staying lower-ish, so the horses aren’t really struggling, but I have heard of a LOT of cases of anhidrosis locally. My two seem to be doing okay with lots of shade and a breeze, but damn already! We need rain desperately. My mare comes back from training this weekend, and she may possibly get a vacation until the temps break – like November?
Nice to see Presto’s wound has healed so nicely, I’m sure you’ll find some boots that will work for SJ – you’re very resourceful!
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I think this has been the hottest summer I’ve experienced in Florida in the last 9 years I’ve been here!
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We’ve had a pleasant return to spring in Montana this week: highs barely making 70 degrees and intermittent rain. I haven’t been able to ride though due to some unfortunate life events.
Cameras: Lots of folks like the Canons for entry-level. Most lenses are universally compatible within the brand (and sometimes outside of the brand, with an adapter), so invest in GOOD lenses: you can always pick up a better camera body later if you get deeper into the photography game. I’ve also had luck with used camera bodies: I found mine through a brand forum, for about half-price of new, and it was very, very gently used. It’s served me very well.
Re: Bits: I was on a foxhunting forum where someone commented that they use the Myler combo bit AS a Pelham, by putting a set of reins on the “snaffle” ring and then a set on the lowest ring. I’m not super familiar with how it would work with the nose pressure that way, you might have to put the “snaffle” reins on the upper ring. The description of the setup on the forum was vague. That might be an interesting experiment to see how he feels about it.
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I can vouch that summer in Texas is 200% gross and intolerable this year. Two of my friends have non-sweaters and have resorted to buying the horses their own portacoolers… fun times!
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