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Showing posts from July, 2022

Fast and Slow

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Got four days of riding in this week. Two of which were the same route, one fast and the other slow. My guess using my iphone is that the route was 6.4 km (but could have been 7-7.5) and we did it fast in 47 minutes and slow in more than double time. walking only mostly trot and canter Ive been noting some lethargic behaviour this week even though we havent had a significant heat wave (yet). The horse that was a dragon a month ago that I didnt want to canter on trail, is now a slow poke. Im not sure if this is weather, fatigue with a change in eating habits (micronet), the newly detected heart murmur, or the three days of Bemer sessions.  Keeping my 👀 on the situation but did enjoy watching his droopy eyes and lips during the sessions.

Happy summer days

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Had a good ride in sector 3 and got some new flying mane pictures on 17 and N trails. The scent of the wildflowers was a delight, and we got surprised by a deer. 🦌 

2022 Riding Log

Boring post, only meant for me to record rides/intensity and fitness/weight. July 7: Vet/Dentist. Weight 432 kg (up from 414 kg March 22). Heart murmur. July 8: 53 mins, 6.4 km (G/H/50). Speed 7.3 km/h. Lethargic walk/jog July 10: 130 mins, 12 km (J/17/N/Q). Speed 5.5 km/h (18 flights). Lethargic walk/jog and canter Feb 9: 455 kg Feb 20: 440 kg

D Day

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Yesterday Q had his dental appointment and overall checkup. Turns out, Q got fat and gained 18 kg (40 lbs) in 3.5 months, going from 414 kg to 432 kg, and going up one point on the condition scale (5 to 6) and cresty neck scale (0 to 1) Doc also detected a slight heart murmur (maybe a leaky valve, will check again this fall) for the first time. So today was D-Day. Diet Denial Determination Doom No more carrots, peppermints, grazing, or bananas. Restricted hay (yes, micronet Im glad I have you) and increasing the intensity of the exercise. So today we headed out early and did 6.4 km in 52 minutes which is a pace of 7.4 km/h. Thats a short warmup/cooldown at a walk and trotting the rest of the way. Poor Q was in a sweat when we got back. Cool shower, roll in the sand, and repeat this weekend.

The super duper long weekend

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Some riding happened, and much living and socializing. I feel the last 2 years has robbed me of my ability and desire to be social.  But its slowly coming back. Yeah! As for Q, he appears to be finishing his full 1/2 inch haynet despite the repeated warnings that this torture device should not be used on horses because it will either 1) not provide enough nutrition, 2) make them give up trying, or 3) make them aggressive beasts. I guess they never met my Q, a tenacious constant forager. This particular haynet is recommended for small ponies or minis that have metabolic disorders. 🤷‍♀️  And yesterday Q gave me a lovely 2 km gallop on our favorite fast track. I in turn cut the ride short at 25 minutes and then we proceeded to our favorite grazing spot after a shower and mane/tail scrub. Barn energy seems to be back to normal. And clearly Q is completely unphased by the noisy moped at our intersection. #goals

Barn Drama

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It sucks. The #1 problem with boarding is when the gossiping turns to hurt feelings, recriminations and the classic “if you dont like it, leave!” This was a completely avoidable situation but youth and exuberance often create misguided decisions that are steeped in miscommunication. So here we are, 10 days in to the most BS I have experienced in my 17 years at this barn. Ive since tempered my anger and hope that everything will return to a calmer state. To be clear, my anger is not directed to any of the recent changes in feed or management, but at the emotional roller coaster the barn has become where no-one must be caught talking to someone else for fear that they be labelled a traitor and gossip.  Ive put my name on a few waiting lists at other barns but I am really hopeful that I never have to use them should my name ever get called. Aside from the quality management, and the great trail access, Im also reluctant to make any changes to Q’s routine and break up the best thing he has