Oh what a night!

I had the most fun I've had in a long time tonight. My neighbor, Vicki, talked me into signing up for Ladies night at Trinity Equestrian Center. It was supposed to be a three hour event but turned into almost 4 hours. Normally, you get to catch your horse and bring him into the arena but it was soooo cold, they did that for us (thanks!). Then, according to your skills, you groom and tack your horse.

Mine was a QH named Louie. He was great--5 or 6 years old but gentle as they come. His only fault was he didn't like to get close to other horses and would pin his ears. Only once did he act out, but it was pretty mild. Vicki was on a very pretty palomino; her neighbor, Sherri, on a rose gray QH named Sterling. Woody and Wilson were a couple other horses being used.

Sarah was our instructor. She was awesome. We did a variety of maneuvers (stretches, trotting over posts, serpentine turns using legs only, turn on haunches, brushed up on etiquette and had a quiz. Then we rode bareback!!!! I've never done that before and it was wonderful. The horse's back is warm, your legs are free and knees relieved of stress. I was even trotting without holding onto his mane. Our riding session lasted almost 2 hours! One was just not enough. Afterward there were brownies and ice cream and coffee. It was warm in the arena and the lounge--not too cold at all.

We had the option to make Christmas cards but conversation became the primary follow-up event. We talked about our fears after various disasters, something most everyone could relate to.

That's rotten

A few weeks ago, Dawna noticed that Sparkler had Rain Rot. I had felt the funny clumps of mattered hair on Gilly when we got him and just assumed it was weed seeds or other matter, although, it did not brush out easily and he didn't like it when I did. I hadn't noticed that Sparkler had it too, perhaps getting it from Gilly. I did some reading - it turns out it can go from bad to worse, although sometimes it just goes away in the spring with shedding.

But last weekend, Sparkler had two bald patches about an inch in diameter. So I went to Shopko and got a bottle of Betadine (Iodine) for $1.99 and wiped it on Sparkler's patches and a bunch of other places she had the matted fur. What I read said repeat daily for a week. With cold weather and such, today was my first chance to give the next treatment. The patch is still there, but the other spots have cleared up. So I treated Gilly too. He doesn't have the bald spots.

No damage done

We added another hay bale. That's only 2 weeks since the last one. I tried the Wintec on Sparkler and measured from the bottom hole in the leather to the bottom hole on other side. Mary says add 2 inches to determine the length of the girth to get. I took the saddle off Sparkler, set it 5 feet away and walked away for just a minute to the other side of the arena only to return and find her stomping on it. It seems OK.

I had to head out of town to a conference so I didn't have time to play with Banjo or Gilly.

It's here

My Wintec Pro dressage saddle has arrived. It's just what I expected!

Monday night TEA

Tonight's session was at Joy's stable. We enjoyed snacks and a session on English saddle fitting. I wish my new/used Wintec were here. Someone brought a similar Wintec and those who knew of them thought they were a good buy.

My sidepull arrived Saturday and I tried it on Sparkler. I'm very clumsy getting it on her. I just walked her with it and she did a little kicking out but stopped after a bit. Is it pressure against her teeth? Is it her memory of the pain from the bit? Does anyone think these are crazy questions?