Just baaaarely squeaking a post in here this week! 😅 It’s been even busier than normal, with three friends in town visiting over the past week and half, lessons, a horse show, and all the usual work stuff. I’ll save the horse show recap for next week so that hopefully I have lots of media (blessed be Xpress Foto and their All Images package, plus Leigh and Hillary took some media too!) but there’s still plenty to update on other than that.
Last week I was actually managing to do a good job of fitting all the horses into my rota, but that didn’t continue through this week. Nonetheless, I got Rubes back in the groove and he seemed happy to be back to work. He does love having a job and a schedule, so I’m trying to make sure to have time for him consistently, but sometimes it happens and sometimes it doesn’t. This time of year is really a struggle, time-wise.
Either way, the good thing about him is that he doesn’t lose any ground in his training if he has a few days off here and there, he always picks right back up. He might be a little scooty and fresh the first day or two, but the education remains in place. Thank you, thoroughbred brain.
Henry also got a few rides, which he seemed delighted about mostly because getting ridden means you get more cookies.
Of course, as soon as I start riding him again he manages to hurt himself. I was feeding the other afternoon and Rubes came galloping and bucking down the fenceline, and Henry tried to follow suit in his own turnout but managed to lose his footing and fall down instead. He’s a little off now, but I can’t find any heat or swelling or anything obvious. He’s a bit tender to palpation over his muscles, so my guess is he tweaked something. Good job, old man. You can’t run around and buck like the youngsters anymore. I really wish my MagnaWave was here already because that would probably really help, but hopefully he’s feeling better in a few days.
Presto got his feet done last weekend and then this week we had a jump lesson and then a combo training ride/dressage lesson. It remains equal parts exciting and slightly depressing how good he looks with Ellie… maybe someday I’ll get close to replicating it. At least we know it’s in there?
Presto has been really really good, although he can be an entirely different ride from day to day, especially when it’s particularly hot or cold. I’m having to learn how to be quicker and more intelligent about how I adapt my ride to suit the horse on the day and in the moment. Sometimes I’m good at that. Other times I’m not.
I ended up bodyclipping Presto again on Wednesday because it’s warmed up so much here. It started out with me saying “I’m just gonna touch up his head before we leave for our lesson” which is always a lie and never actually ends as just a touch-up, but I have yet to learn. He had just enough hair to look slightly mangy, and since it’s been hot I was like ya know what… why not… and before I knew it, there went the clippers down his butt and I was committed. Luckily his legs didn’t have much regrowth so it was mostly shoulders, head, and butt. Still though. Why do I do these things to myself the day before a show.
I’ve been working at HITS a lot, and really enjoying the grounds. It’s got a more chill vibe than WEC, and last week I was able to catch the end of the Grand Prix while I was grabbing lunch. It’s definitely easier to spectate there and feels more relaxed/friendly in general.
In other random doings, I may or may not have decorated our new frozen semen tank. Now she’s FABULOUS.
I legit cannot WAIT to see the faces of the various vets, techs, and AirGas workers when I pull up with that thing. She’s certainly memorable and unique, you have to admit. She’s done a bit viral on TikTok too, with the video finding its way to the cattle breeding crowd. You gotta read the comments, they’re gold.
I hope other people decorate their jizzloos too. The world needs more levity.
Our Cashmere semen wont be here until next month, so for now it remains empty, but hopefully not for long!
Otherwise, things have been as business-as-usual as they ever get around here. I’m still swimming, but lately I only seem to be managing 2x per week instead of 3. Which is not surprising at all.
At some point during season I’ll struggle to get over there at all, but I do really enjoy my swims and think it’s definitely been beneficial for my riding. My core is stronger and my cardio is better.
This weekend will be mostly working without much riding, so maybe I can get caught up on a few things. I’ll definitely have a show recap for you next week!
breedrideevent.com 