Apparently 2011 is the year of undiagnosed neurological diseases for my horses. In the middle of November, Sarah noticed that Fred's nose and neck were twitching simultaneously. Two days later, Fred was not himself during a jump school. A week later he had an abscess and the twitching was very intense. A week after that Dr. Kent came to look at Fred. She did a full exam of his body and x-rays of his withers. Dr. Kent couldn't find anything abnormal.
The twitch is only between Fred's left shoulder to his nose. We can't determine one trigger point. It waxes and wanes without any clear influence. It is involuntary and hasn't changed his normal routine at all. Fred seems fine to ride on the flat however jumping is not comfortable for him. I've only been on him once in the last few weeks. The video is from the day he came in with the abscess and was very uncomfortable. Stress does seem to play a role in the intensity. An interesting fact is that the facial nerves are not directly connected to the neck and chest so it is odd that the twitch is simultaneous. Also, after observing him, you'll notice that the twitch builds. If his chest is twitching, everything else is.
After massages and body work and time off, I took the vets' recommendation and we made an appointment with the neuro specialist at New Bolton. Dr. Johnson was great. Fred had a gait exam, blood work, endoscopy for his pharynx and larynx, and a spinal tap. Yep, two horses and two spinal taps in one year. We're awaiting results, which should be in early next week. The outcome could be either Lymes or seizures. I don't like either option, but both are treatable and we should be able to return to work this year. I must also say that I was very impressed with how well Fred handled the commotion. He was a trooper yesterday!
"Riding a horse is not a gentle hobby, to be picked up and laid down like a game of solitaire. It is a grand passion. It seizes a person whole and once it has done so, he/she will have to accept that his life will be radically changed." - Ralph Waldo Emerson
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
The Wal-Mart countdown says 5 shopping days until Christmas!
To get you in the mood:
And my favorite compilation by the group:
DRADLE! I had Christmas down in Africa...
And my favorite compilation by the group:
DRADLE! I had Christmas down in Africa...
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori.
There is a lot to catch up on. However, this is not an equine entry. I should write about Fred's lesson with Julio Mendoza and his current hiatus, but honestly, I don't want to.
For my fellow IBMers, I ask you not share this blog with let's say, my current project PMs or my SAM. I'll do some document work for you in return.
My current project is in the DC area. Due to some schedule changes Rob and I have some extra time on our hands. (Oh yeah, Rob and I are working together again. I think he must have been on some seriously hard core cold meds when he agreed to work with me again.) Extra time for us is very dangerous. It's especially bad in DC considering Rob majored in anthropology and as much as he calls me a dork for my Mobile work he is a dork for history. I don't mind history, so off we went.
Today I told him I was picking our lunch location. It just so happened to be by the Pentagon. It really doesn't matter what landmark you pick, Rob is cool with it. We passed the Air Force monument but we couldn't stop to admire it. On the way back to the office, I decided the weather was nice and I that I was wearing the right shoes and that we should walk around the cemetery.
The visitor center is spectacular. We had a bit of time but not all day so I asked if we could see the Tomb of the Unknowns. There was a lot more to see but our field trips can't take all day. I wanted to see JFK's grave site and walk around. I thought the Milwaukee VA cemetery was big. Turns out that is nothing compared to Arlington. One of the facts Rob taught me to today is that the cemetery was once General Lee's plantation.
As we walked up to the tomb, we heard a military band and marching. A procession was coming down the hill. The band was in the front followed by rows, maybe 15 or 20, of a military branch I couldn't identify.
Then it hit me. This isn't a happy affair passing us. The formality of the situation was due to a funeral service. The cemetery does more than 20 services each weekday. Yes, read that sentence again. According to the details of a military funeral, an enlisted personnel earns a casket team, firing party, and bugler. This procession also included the caisson, band, and escorting troops.
The caparisoned (riderless) horse marched proudly down the path. The funeral we were watching was for either an Army or Marine Colonel or higher.
I hate that feeling when your throat closes and you feel the tears about to spill over. As the casket passed and the caparisoned horse strutted by, you could feel the sorrow, respect, and pride that thousands have felt on that sacred ground. It was hard not to mourn someone I will never know who spent most of his life saving and protecting mine and yours. The strangers around us moved on. I watched the movement turn at the bottom of the hill and go on. The moment was stunning to the eye and heart, but I felt it was disrespectful to capture it by photos.
I put myself back in working order. We watched the changing of the guard ritual. The tomb's setting is remarkable. On a brisk, clear December day, you can see from a top the hill out over DC. The trees were bare and sad, but stood tall in respect. Our backs were to the Memorial Amphitheater. I've never seen the ruins in Greece, but I think this structure is about as close as I can get in the US. The amphitheater is made of marble. Above the west entrance is a Latin phrase (the title of this post) which is translated to "It is sweet and fitting to die for one's country."
On our way back to the visitor center and ultimately to the office, I knew I should write down how I felt today. I read a quote the other day, "If you won't stand behind our troops, stand in front of them." There is not a strong military identity in my family. Both of my grandfathers served as did my dad, but I can't say we consider ourselves very loyal to one particular branch. Being in the Maximo practice I have met a lot military men and their families. What I was strongly reminded of today was that these people are not Republican or Democratic or Tea Party or Independent. The military from the past, present, and future give of themselves for the rest of us. Whether it is right to send troops into battle or not, we must support them and their families.
For my fellow IBMers, I ask you not share this blog with let's say, my current project PMs or my SAM. I'll do some document work for you in return.
My current project is in the DC area. Due to some schedule changes Rob and I have some extra time on our hands. (Oh yeah, Rob and I are working together again. I think he must have been on some seriously hard core cold meds when he agreed to work with me again.) Extra time for us is very dangerous. It's especially bad in DC considering Rob majored in anthropology and as much as he calls me a dork for my Mobile work he is a dork for history. I don't mind history, so off we went.
Today I told him I was picking our lunch location. It just so happened to be by the Pentagon. It really doesn't matter what landmark you pick, Rob is cool with it. We passed the Air Force monument but we couldn't stop to admire it. On the way back to the office, I decided the weather was nice and I that I was wearing the right shoes and that we should walk around the cemetery.
The visitor center is spectacular. We had a bit of time but not all day so I asked if we could see the Tomb of the Unknowns. There was a lot more to see but our field trips can't take all day. I wanted to see JFK's grave site and walk around. I thought the Milwaukee VA cemetery was big. Turns out that is nothing compared to Arlington. One of the facts Rob taught me to today is that the cemetery was once General Lee's plantation.
As we walked up to the tomb, we heard a military band and marching. A procession was coming down the hill. The band was in the front followed by rows, maybe 15 or 20, of a military branch I couldn't identify.
Then it hit me. This isn't a happy affair passing us. The formality of the situation was due to a funeral service. The cemetery does more than 20 services each weekday. Yes, read that sentence again. According to the details of a military funeral, an enlisted personnel earns a casket team, firing party, and bugler. This procession also included the caisson, band, and escorting troops.
The caparisoned (riderless) horse marched proudly down the path. The funeral we were watching was for either an Army or Marine Colonel or higher.
I hate that feeling when your throat closes and you feel the tears about to spill over. As the casket passed and the caparisoned horse strutted by, you could feel the sorrow, respect, and pride that thousands have felt on that sacred ground. It was hard not to mourn someone I will never know who spent most of his life saving and protecting mine and yours. The strangers around us moved on. I watched the movement turn at the bottom of the hill and go on. The moment was stunning to the eye and heart, but I felt it was disrespectful to capture it by photos.
I put myself back in working order. We watched the changing of the guard ritual. The tomb's setting is remarkable. On a brisk, clear December day, you can see from a top the hill out over DC. The trees were bare and sad, but stood tall in respect. Our backs were to the Memorial Amphitheater. I've never seen the ruins in Greece, but I think this structure is about as close as I can get in the US. The amphitheater is made of marble. Above the west entrance is a Latin phrase (the title of this post) which is translated to "It is sweet and fitting to die for one's country."
On our way back to the visitor center and ultimately to the office, I knew I should write down how I felt today. I read a quote the other day, "If you won't stand behind our troops, stand in front of them." There is not a strong military identity in my family. Both of my grandfathers served as did my dad, but I can't say we consider ourselves very loyal to one particular branch. Being in the Maximo practice I have met a lot military men and their families. What I was strongly reminded of today was that these people are not Republican or Democratic or Tea Party or Independent. The military from the past, present, and future give of themselves for the rest of us. Whether it is right to send troops into battle or not, we must support them and their families.
Few of the many headstones.
Tomb of the Unknowns - Changing of the Guard Ritual
Memorial Amphitheater.
Monday, November 21, 2011
Snow make-up day.
It only took me two weeks catch up on blogs. I've returned to the normal travel work week and it has severely impacted my blog. Fail!
Since we were snowed out at Plantation, I squeezed Fred into Waredaca's starter trial that was rescheduled. I had only been to Waredaca once before, maybe 2 years ago, but always liked the facility. Amanda was so very wonderful to accompany me to the event. This was her second HT and I couldn't ask for a better companion! It was a long day and Amanda made it much easier. Amanda also captured some great photos.
Dressage was fantastic. We had one small bobble during a down transition. We had a 35.5 which put us in 5th or 6th after dressage. I was quite pleased.
Stadium was a little crazy. Fred was calm and happy until warm up. Then his frisky fun side let loose. We had an energetic and clean ride through the stadium course, which rode great. We almost crashed the Ravens' oxer but somehow left it up. You'll see below what I mean.
The cross country course was a great BN challenge. There were 16 jumps and some were more than I had seen in a while. Fred was really good on the XC course until I started losing some brake control at the end. Again, see below. That was a minor complaint as I was thrilled to end our first season together on such a great note. We have lots of homework in front of us and the potential for a lot of fun.
Since we were snowed out at Plantation, I squeezed Fred into Waredaca's starter trial that was rescheduled. I had only been to Waredaca once before, maybe 2 years ago, but always liked the facility. Amanda was so very wonderful to accompany me to the event. This was her second HT and I couldn't ask for a better companion! It was a long day and Amanda made it much easier. Amanda also captured some great photos.
Dressage was fantastic. We had one small bobble during a down transition. We had a 35.5 which put us in 5th or 6th after dressage. I was quite pleased.
Stadium was a little crazy. Fred was calm and happy until warm up. Then his frisky fun side let loose. We had an energetic and clean ride through the stadium course, which rode great. We almost crashed the Ravens' oxer but somehow left it up. You'll see below what I mean.
The cross country course was a great BN challenge. There were 16 jumps and some were more than I had seen in a while. Fred was really good on the XC course until I started losing some brake control at the end. Again, see below. That was a minor complaint as I was thrilled to end our first season together on such a great note. We have lots of homework in front of us and the potential for a lot of fun.
Probably our only quiet jump.
Entering the two stride that we rode just right.
Yeah...
Over the last and clear.
First XC jump. Fred says "la de da..."
Headed to the finish and Fred can't hear my request to half halt.
We finished third and we earned it. I can't believe Fred and I did six event this year. We had three not so great outings and three that ended better than expected.
I learned a lot about riding, maintaining, and training horses this year. The lessons about motivation, perseverance, patience, and dedication are what will stick with me for a long time. I look forward to many more good days with Fred in and out of the saddle. I also look forward to the simple visits with Tyler where I can forget about everything else and hang out with my friend.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Sally's Aiken 2012 Letter
Sally Cousins sent out her 2012 Aiken letter. As it asks, I am passing the info along.
When my computer was knocked off the couch earlier this year by a dog who shall not be named ( ok I shouldn't have had it on the couch) I lost all my Aiken records so please pass this information along to anyone who might be interested.
Our place in Aiken is set on 27 acres 5 1/2 miles out of the center of town. It is convenient to many hotels , stores and restaurants. We have lots of show jumps, some cross country jumps and a dressage ring. We have lots of turn out available in individual paddocks. Lessons are available daily and we go cross country schooling many times a week. Pine Top is an hour away and all the other events are within 20 minutes. There are 5 cross country courses nearby that we use to school. There are many derbies ,combined tests and some unrecognized events held in Aiken while we are down there. Hitchcock Woods is close to our place. It is a 2000 acre park that is great for trail riding. We are 25 minutes from the Augusta airport and an hour and 15 minutes from Columbia airport. Megan Papler also rents a house 5 miles from the farm and that is a great place to stay especially for the young riders.
Many people have mentioned that they are concerned that their horse is not far enough along in its training to come down, but Aiken is a great experience for greener horses. The footing is sand so we are able to school more in good footing and the environment is relaxed. I try to get my babies far enough along to be able to cross country school them while we are down there. For example, Walle was concerned about water at first and he was able to get out to many different water jumps and is now quite confident. At the time he wasn't even doing much jumping.
Costs:
self care
- under 30 days $15 a night per stall
- over 30 days $10 a night per stall
lessons $65
training board $400 a week (shipping to local events and schools included)
there is a discounted rate in January
I will be taking a deposit of $5 per night to hold a stall.
If you have any questions please let me know. Thanks, Sally sallycousins@aol.com
I couldn't help but add Walle's horse trial debut video. (Wall-E, like the robot in the movie) Walle is one of the biggest and sweetest horses I have ever encountered.
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Starter Trials at MDHT
Sunday, October 16 was the MDHT starter trial. 2 days before closing, I decided to enter Fred in the BN division. LClark and Scotch (PB/PonyBoy) joined us for the fun.
In the week leading up to the event, Fred and I prepared every way we could. Cindy helped us through show jumping, Wende gave Fred a fabulous massage on Saturday, and Sarah was super patience with us during our dressage lesson.
Canter departs. GAH! My brain understands them, my body doesn't. We tackled my nemesis on Friday with Sarah. Sarah's fix is easy once I get it. We practiced, and practiced, and practiced! It's a work in progress. On a really good note, Sarah says Fred's trot work is improving.
The PB stayed over at HVS Saturday night as we left for MDHT at 5am. Fred was a smart horse and loaded on to the trailer with no issue. (Big thanks to Lauren Gress for helping Fred practice loading and unloading.)
MDHT ran the HT in a reverse order this time, elementary to training. There were 5 divisions of senior BN and LClark was in the first one. Her dressage time was at 8:30. We left the barn at 5am. The schedule worked well as LClark was completely done before I started and we were done by 12:30. The weather couldn't have been any better.
The PB is so much to fun watch. He is cuuuuuuuuuuute! Lauren and Scotch finished third in a division of twelve.
In case you haven't seen enough, here are my photos and GRC's professional photos.
The day before MDHT was the two and three star at Fair Hill. Here's my link to the photos I took.
It turns out going to MDHT was a good plan. We were snowed out at Plantation today. Yes, snowed out. As I type I'm trying to figure out if I can enter us in something for next weekend.
In the week leading up to the event, Fred and I prepared every way we could. Cindy helped us through show jumping, Wende gave Fred a fabulous massage on Saturday, and Sarah was super patience with us during our dressage lesson.
Canter departs. GAH! My brain understands them, my body doesn't. We tackled my nemesis on Friday with Sarah. Sarah's fix is easy once I get it. We practiced, and practiced, and practiced! It's a work in progress. On a really good note, Sarah says Fred's trot work is improving.
The PB stayed over at HVS Saturday night as we left for MDHT at 5am. Fred was a smart horse and loaded on to the trailer with no issue. (Big thanks to Lauren Gress for helping Fred practice loading and unloading.)
MDHT ran the HT in a reverse order this time, elementary to training. There were 5 divisions of senior BN and LClark was in the first one. Her dressage time was at 8:30. We left the barn at 5am. The schedule worked well as LClark was completely done before I started and we were done by 12:30. The weather couldn't have been any better.
The PB is so much to fun watch. He is cuuuuuuuuuuute! Lauren and Scotch finished third in a division of twelve.
Lauren and Scotch.
Fred was excellent the entire day. The dressage warm up was in between three dressage rings and the elementary/intro stadium course. The XC start and finish was just on the other side of the fence. Fred was all focus and lovely in warm up. He held it together until the first lap around the dressage ring. Behind the judge's booth was the concession area with lots of people and things moving in the breeze. Fred wasn't afraid but he would have rather watched those going-ons instead of doing his test.
Moments like this make me feel very lucky to own this horse.
What are they doing over there? Let's go over there!
Ending a great test.
We had two 8s in the test! The trot and canter circles to the left were 8s. The right side needs to be more supple and finesse. I like the progress we're making.
Stadium started out really well and then I let him get backed off at the fan jump before the two stride combination. We managed to leave all the rails up. There was a red fabric bag blowing through the course during our round and Fred never blinked about it. He's a good boy.
XC was fast! The course was stunning. Great fences and room between some to actually go forward. Fred was focused and with me through the first 8 fences. By fence 9 Fred the FreightTrain arrived. Fred cruises pretty easily so it isn't scary but it makes my approach to the fences difficult. We had a few awkward jumps but nothing to worry about. The two water crossings went well.
We also finished third in our division of twelve. I was thrilled with how well we did. Besides the small freight train run, I felt Fred and I are finally working together.
In case you haven't seen enough, here are my photos and GRC's professional photos.
It turns out going to MDHT was a good plan. We were snowed out at Plantation today. Yes, snowed out. As I type I'm trying to figure out if I can enter us in something for next weekend.
Friday, October 14, 2011
Week recap in photos
The Herndon, VA IBM office. White room with bright orange chairs. Must be a Feng Shui thing.
A souvenir as a result to my Montgomery, Alabama trip a few weeks ago. Guess I have my SEC team now. Thanks, Fitz! ;)
Paige helped me work on Teeny Tiny's sensitive nose.
Paige shared her anguish with Fwed and he seemed to relate to her.
Lauren and Paige were very helpful in loading Fred. He's been in trailer training this week.
The Diesel in a Washington, DC parking garage with 6'6 clearance. I was terrified.
Me and Fred, Lauren and Napoleon, and Paige and Bootz.
Red, white, and crazy!
Fwed being good.
Fwed being sassy.
Fwed being good.
Fwed being very sassy!
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