tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67163293356081575212024-03-12T23:27:56.087-07:00Calypso Farm EventersTheSecretChronicleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05749616205918415902noreply@blogger.comBlogger87125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6716329335608157521.post-68162546221511045152023-08-24T11:20:00.001-07:002023-08-24T11:20:52.386-07:00A New Life For Common Sense Horse Keeping!
Lots going on here with Common Sense Horse Keeping!
Two years ago, my daughter developed an equestrian platform called The Pegasus App and it was very blogger friendly, so I began switching my blogs to that site. Well then she shut the site down a few months ago while they integrate a new software program for an event management platform, so my blogs have been unavailable.
Then the most incredible thing happened! I found a publisher for my book, Common Sense Horse Keeping and I knew that among other things, I needed to update my blog site. So, please head over to CommonSenseHorseKeeping.Beehiiv.com
Be sure to sign up for my weekly emails and please follow me on social media....FB, Ig and YouTube. There will be all kinds of exciting events happening as we lead up to a book release date of February 15, 2024! Please be sure to share the word as well!
Thank you for your support!
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2RaYJd3aCDGRv4vOEd6FGt1VAusMFx7kCAHE2nrfRkdkJ3cc77Tp1pGM6wn24Mq6EJio19bST-PEDJiS2grr3u-fHo_ChgJ3qz2_VL-UGtAzFqSHWCJKDhCmGizj0T8VDozstUSngEhsE62pBx20KGjLvixD4rzmIsDJpAHfNCy9cGsTOW4a7ChwzT7E/s1080/blog.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="320" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2RaYJd3aCDGRv4vOEd6FGt1VAusMFx7kCAHE2nrfRkdkJ3cc77Tp1pGM6wn24Mq6EJio19bST-PEDJiS2grr3u-fHo_ChgJ3qz2_VL-UGtAzFqSHWCJKDhCmGizj0T8VDozstUSngEhsE62pBx20KGjLvixD4rzmIsDJpAHfNCy9cGsTOW4a7ChwzT7E/s320/blog.jpg"/></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Pg0Ga5e8T7AbxkMRUUpMFASqBZYQlJbG9wqzKCIuI7f7ATksq0OS1TOJykvj3LwxaUkFVN4mKyMTgrfuvL9sXYOuPe6GF5POzmrmFAYWYnYCPv935BmY0pUKqMDMRL0YOFQ2okmrZhpYFuegFeWKW9BW8tbadAPRnfi_TOuZ9CPKJ64HrdTR5jvzlQQ/s2000/book.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="320" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1415" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Pg0Ga5e8T7AbxkMRUUpMFASqBZYQlJbG9wqzKCIuI7f7ATksq0OS1TOJykvj3LwxaUkFVN4mKyMTgrfuvL9sXYOuPe6GF5POzmrmFAYWYnYCPv935BmY0pUKqMDMRL0YOFQ2okmrZhpYFuegFeWKW9BW8tbadAPRnfi_TOuZ9CPKJ64HrdTR5jvzlQQ/s320/book.jpg"/></a></div>TheSecretChronicleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05749616205918415902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6716329335608157521.post-47521097335822442932020-08-30T13:18:00.003-07:002020-08-30T13:28:52.341-07:00When Life Hands You Lemons....Buy A Horse!So much has happened in the 3 months since we bought a farm....we have added 4 Buff Orphington hen chicks and 4 Welsh Harlequin duckings, the pastures are becoming lush with grass and the plants are blooming, despite the wicked heat.
Blossom continues to act as if she is the boss over Secret, who is gracious and just plain ignores the ears back, bare teeth charges that fail to make contact.
I love watching all the animals interact....it takes your mind off all the sadness and turmoil that is inflicting our country currently.
I adopted Secret a little over 2 years ago as a barely backed, just turned 3 Thoroughbred. The plan was to let her grow and mature for at least 6 months, while I worked with her on the ground.
As I previously blogged, our first ride in January, 2019, did not go according to plan, she erupted into a crow hopping bucking frenzy and I ended up in the ER with a torn calf muscle, which I suffered when my leg connected with her leg during my emergency dismount.
We had another crow hopping bucking incident this past March, which resulted in a much better emergency dismount on my part, although something (stirrup? her shoulder?) connected with the inside of my left knee, which is still bruised to this day.
Sadly, we had 2 more bucking incidents in the past month...the first occurred in the cross ties, after I stretched her leg. Possibly a nerve was pinched, but her reaction was swift and violent, which left her shaking and scared. It took a 2 hour orthobionomy treatment 2 days later to finally calm her down. A week later, after a lovely ground work session, she began to buck before Kirsten even had the chance to put her foot in the irons.
At this point, I could send her to Ocala for a thorough vetting for kissing spines, a bone spur or ? Interestingly, when she has been worked on, her pelvis has been out by several inches, so it makes me wonder if that is the cause of her bucking. It has been suggested that I send her to a pro to "ride the bucks out of her" but I honestly believe that this is a pain driven response. She is a sensitive red head, after all! But even if I find a reason, I can no longer trust her, especially to ride by myself. She just doesn't buck...she erupts into a violent crow hopping, 180 degree twisting frenzy.
So with a heavy heart, Secret has been retired. I don't know her future at this point. Possibly as a broodmare, as with her bloodlines, she would be much wanted. For now, she hangs out with Blossom.
So with Peter's blessing, I began to search for a new horse.
Surprisingly, I found him rather quickly. But i think that when it feels right, you just know!
So welcome Buzz, JC name Power Buzz. He is a laid back, puppy dog personality 4 year old unraced Thoroughbred. He's a big boy, 16.2 and stocky. The complete opposite of Tucker, very forward and responsive to your leg. He has a good WHOA though and a good brain. He goes along on a loose rein. A canter to die for! And the cutest floppy ears! I will need to get used to his big stride but I think once i get him fitted for a saddle that fits both of us, that will be a big help...I tried him in a hunt seat saddle!
He will need a new name and he comes home Friday!
I am so excited!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkFfeWlpV_QPfjm-wkhvf_pypYIn1BqlrnDBwf5QaIkUkrXnlMNoOhbEmyoNn40thTJqZ8wdBwNhhgUcfSQV8wXaTvvftcpXr601eGOAoiR_MV_KFl_84ozJK_G6ZOPvJXKrnGDt36ZSs/s2048/4EA36D6E-7AC0-4943-895C-0361AB00F991.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: none;"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkFfeWlpV_QPfjm-wkhvf_pypYIn1BqlrnDBwf5QaIkUkrXnlMNoOhbEmyoNn40thTJqZ8wdBwNhhgUcfSQV8wXaTvvftcpXr601eGOAoiR_MV_KFl_84ozJK_G6ZOPvJXKrnGDt36ZSs/s320/4EA36D6E-7AC0-4943-895C-0361AB00F991.jpeg"/></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2JNYnYdItt6y9uXge9yOee68Zs8acm28tdOEpBm671PyA3PlcS_NOSNl6v-GgJz1UscJ8JxqqBIukkyOPZ1-b8577y12nbaI2OZakerBcWW2kdMzxGkjnyfyEq3krOK1d5SWpcRcoDEo/s2048/309FBF87-57FB-476B-ABB2-E49BFBDB4D5F.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: none;"><img alt="" border="0" width="320" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2JNYnYdItt6y9uXge9yOee68Zs8acm28tdOEpBm671PyA3PlcS_NOSNl6v-GgJz1UscJ8JxqqBIukkyOPZ1-b8577y12nbaI2OZakerBcWW2kdMzxGkjnyfyEq3krOK1d5SWpcRcoDEo/s320/309FBF87-57FB-476B-ABB2-E49BFBDB4D5F.jpeg"/></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEWrLDb7lW1jvWFp0E3gqTSI7HENVkTJKocOSaV_peeeJ7Ba1XRnKFZc2nz0nzKjvo44FFqdWKIZXzwIlx5ATbhkeKD_urcxLA8mFDSnd_twRESJL6RLeLTcCMrwtj5S8tBBGBaAOuhYs/s2048/461D1F31-57E4-400C-A179-0213CCC917AE.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: none;"><img alt="" border="0" width="320" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEWrLDb7lW1jvWFp0E3gqTSI7HENVkTJKocOSaV_peeeJ7Ba1XRnKFZc2nz0nzKjvo44FFqdWKIZXzwIlx5ATbhkeKD_urcxLA8mFDSnd_twRESJL6RLeLTcCMrwtj5S8tBBGBaAOuhYs/s320/461D1F31-57E4-400C-A179-0213CCC917AE.jpeg"/></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2lAOf6LIeUovHkgX4_hJq0y1X8D7g8qj0JGBXrTgRRdJ-xJHMrF0m2JP68d5_iEfJTklHw37IGzlzhUITjcK_2OartAELHE3FOYBDFgyT3_vadMVXN4TUXFSItC4C_-jkOc7aTH2aW1U/s2048/A68D31BA-DDF0-49F8-AD28-080B3D222EB9.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: none;"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2lAOf6LIeUovHkgX4_hJq0y1X8D7g8qj0JGBXrTgRRdJ-xJHMrF0m2JP68d5_iEfJTklHw37IGzlzhUITjcK_2OartAELHE3FOYBDFgyT3_vadMVXN4TUXFSItC4C_-jkOc7aTH2aW1U/s320/A68D31BA-DDF0-49F8-AD28-080B3D222EB9.jpeg"/></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWbrZeGFCvF1Itcfyf0HQJVziOrnwXRLjqOLHWqjo8MwsqQa6B6sJqP3ibBLW4NFQBnKy5GH0xA8CtE7IM1ZGvzVgcY372lMAt_ucKRrN9u_Q2jFiuIimgaVRepfwDjydsxXN10dg3cPc/s2035/BE60355B-B394-40A8-91FB-5334AF14BC22.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: none;"><img alt="" border="0" width="320" data-original-height="1526" data-original-width="2035" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWbrZeGFCvF1Itcfyf0HQJVziOrnwXRLjqOLHWqjo8MwsqQa6B6sJqP3ibBLW4NFQBnKy5GH0xA8CtE7IM1ZGvzVgcY372lMAt_ucKRrN9u_Q2jFiuIimgaVRepfwDjydsxXN10dg3cPc/s320/BE60355B-B394-40A8-91FB-5334AF14BC22.jpeg"/></a></div>TheSecretChronicleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05749616205918415902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6716329335608157521.post-46405227885452790032020-07-25T13:26:00.001-07:002020-07-25T13:30:55.044-07:00Secret Moves HomeThe gingerbread farm we bought had not seen horses in several years and there was work to be done before we could bring Secret home.<br />
There was fencing that needed fixing, toxic plants (not many, thank goodness!) that needed removed, pastures needed seeding (thankfully we moved just as the summer rains were gearing up!) and the barn needed a thorough cleaning.<br />
In addition, I was on the hunt for a friend for Secret to keep her company.<br />
By the end of May, Secret came home, along with a former track pony by the name of Cowboy.<br />
Unfortunately, that plan backfired, as Cowboy was obsessed with Secret. If I took her to work out front, he paced and hollered. In turnout, he kept her moving and if she didn't listen, he kicked her. She lost weight and had lots of cuts and scrapes. He was soon placed in his own pasture, but that was not acceptable to him and he was clearly not happy. It was stressful.<br />
I had been on the hunt for a donkey...I have been wanting a donkey for years, and the week after Secret and Cowboy arrived, my husband and I drove out to Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue in Clermont, Florida. <br />
We decided on a jenny and a week later, the 10 year old came home. Her name had been Flower, but I immediately started calling her Blossom. I also call her Petunia, Long Ears, Funny Face and Donkey!<br />
Another week passed before I allowed Secret and Blossom in the same pasture together. It wasn't exactly the easiest introduction....Secret was fascinated and wanted to be let off the lunge line that I had her on, while Blossom was not so sure about this big chestnut mare and wanted no part of her. By the end of the afternoon, they were buds. Cowboy returned to his home in Ocala a few days later and peace settled over the farm.<br />
It hasn't always been easy and not every day is peaceful, especially when one has an accident prone horse, but the rewards are worth it. Secret is bonding with me in ways that a horse can only bond with the person they see 24/7. She is not a warm horse to begin with (typical chestnut mare!) but she nickers to me every time I come down to the barn and while she still is ticklish to groom, she suddenly loves when I take a towel to her face and ears and leans into it. Baby steps!<br />
We had a few weeks of her settling in. There were scary noises in the woods behind the barn (apparently a mama bear and her cubs) as well as deer and turkey and a horrible Fourth of July to deal with, which I truly thought both Secret and Donkey would be dead in the morning. There were a few more injuries, but thankfully nothing serious, other than a bad bump to the eye, which resulted in a cautionary $150 vet bill to ensure that the eye itself was ok (it was.)<br />
Secret seems to have adjusted to her new routine and life. She and Blossom have an interesting relationship...Blossom wants to be the boss and will pin her long ears and charge at Secret, who just stands there and ignores her, as if to say that she could in fact knock Blossom on her tail in no time at all if she wanted to. But when gates are open to different pastures, Blossom is following right behind Secret and never strays far, and when Secret returns to the barn after being worked, she is greeted by a bray...not too loud for a donkey, but a bray none the less. We gave Blossom the stall next to Secret and had a back door put in, so she can come and go. Having spent the first 10 years of her life living outside, she has taken time to adjust to the stall. She is spending more and more time in it but still can't bring herself to get inside the dry stall during a storm. And at night? Like a brave little donkey that she is, she parks herself between Secret's stall and the back fence line, keeping watch!<br />
Having a farm is a lot of work, that is for sure, but I love this hard work! I relish it and go about it with a smile on my face and a song in my heart. This is the life I was meant to be living!<br />
I am in bed by 10 and there is a sense of deep satisfaction of climbing into bed after accomplishing so much in one long day.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPLfFcEICOf00sjtSuV7JlAjm7lVgg9AGtIyIVFokInZC5G0ozBn_utcrDsgq_N_NcqOvAmleeYa7RGnOgzCvUfnbPjq7xMMNAxaVftSARNduRNH2TcHCvPmqtzicjUuoozkjNZxzmRZo/s1600/Secrethome1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPLfFcEICOf00sjtSuV7JlAjm7lVgg9AGtIyIVFokInZC5G0ozBn_utcrDsgq_N_NcqOvAmleeYa7RGnOgzCvUfnbPjq7xMMNAxaVftSARNduRNH2TcHCvPmqtzicjUuoozkjNZxzmRZo/s320/Secrethome1.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Secret taking a break after being worked</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEsGCs47mexPud5r68xQwkK1aG86KKqfNGdBJwTWxQ_wmUKn_xFYMJ91oZKMB4xzLz6IX1_8Q-aXSFDres2vIgT1tGVWiwwr9hm2U5la8mkCsQk2ZsScYXS116Ge4xFDWG3xIlPNxNIx4/s1600/Blossom1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEsGCs47mexPud5r68xQwkK1aG86KKqfNGdBJwTWxQ_wmUKn_xFYMJ91oZKMB4xzLz6IX1_8Q-aXSFDres2vIgT1tGVWiwwr9hm2U5la8mkCsQk2ZsScYXS116Ge4xFDWG3xIlPNxNIx4/s320/Blossom1.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Isn't Blossom adorable?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC5x4reNB38yCTJHbq3s4o8mQtkgLk40TbJU84Uk_BFEtuorKZSU6GlVfFiyRW6KA7953j2-aYCQistjZo60qEzYtimWRQHC3Y2hXWkU8P4oy7z-vVHOgIKn5KLImOcTXilcjn77Ac5mE/s1600/Blossom2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC5x4reNB38yCTJHbq3s4o8mQtkgLk40TbJU84Uk_BFEtuorKZSU6GlVfFiyRW6KA7953j2-aYCQistjZo60qEzYtimWRQHC3Y2hXWkU8P4oy7z-vVHOgIKn5KLImOcTXilcjn77Ac5mE/s320/Blossom2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Secret and Blossom, never far from one another!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi41-WxcvSu8fvyH0WTXlO2Nt0ZJx_ioxcCshs6VDkgq7hUitHf7-xD9No4y2d6V_tghkaKck4qCcOdv-N8rqh2J_OdsoAU0ojM1i7GAmIM-VyWdss6gQmM4gxlXQuNoY3mPXnbgOMetb0/s1600/Blossom3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi41-WxcvSu8fvyH0WTXlO2Nt0ZJx_ioxcCshs6VDkgq7hUitHf7-xD9No4y2d6V_tghkaKck4qCcOdv-N8rqh2J_OdsoAU0ojM1i7GAmIM-VyWdss6gQmM4gxlXQuNoY3mPXnbgOMetb0/s320/Blossom3.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blossom thinks that maybe she should have her own stall!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJNxm10kGuynTBVX7D14wJixsefekwfF7ELXePHqrQSUmnqxFDLr_RDjgCDY14dUOgHngbXmskpAcgi5OZqvezamg02owjFu-bHEpMsCbe0eHnW7EIGjQQexoFoQScOaYz94w48gXnudU/s1600/Blossom4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJNxm10kGuynTBVX7D14wJixsefekwfF7ELXePHqrQSUmnqxFDLr_RDjgCDY14dUOgHngbXmskpAcgi5OZqvezamg02owjFu-bHEpMsCbe0eHnW7EIGjQQexoFoQScOaYz94w48gXnudU/s320/Blossom4.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thank you for giving me a stall!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ZmgzThjgQVIWqr9Ap6OyIKaVjjIr7k-ZJV5fX-CyrKTD78BcZjKeSHgGjqZpLglprgHa2FMzzHVEe1X2jsPdTlzOdABM3JWuDYaPCISjl3yP1cSEJBSJBQaAea5CeQ2bjS_cclxSYEg/s1600/Blossom5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ZmgzThjgQVIWqr9Ap6OyIKaVjjIr7k-ZJV5fX-CyrKTD78BcZjKeSHgGjqZpLglprgHa2FMzzHVEe1X2jsPdTlzOdABM3JWuDYaPCISjl3yP1cSEJBSJBQaAea5CeQ2bjS_cclxSYEg/s320/Blossom5.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Always keeping a watch over Secret!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Secret and Blossom turned out together for the first time.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My, what big ears and nose you have!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of many boo-boos</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lets injure our eye while we are at it</td></tr>
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TheSecretChronicleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05749616205918415902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6716329335608157521.post-36522107838682357082020-07-13T13:09:00.002-07:002020-07-13T13:09:15.525-07:00We Bought A Farm (AKA, Don't Give Up On Your Dreams!)I grew up on a farm in West Virginia as a kid. When my parents divorced, my mom, brother and myself ended up on my grandparents 40 acre farm outside of Pittsburgh. <br />
It was heaven.<br />
We lived for 2 years in a 2 bedroom apartment above the detached garage. Built into a hillside, you accessed the apartment by driving around the garage and attached shed, past the circa 1904 barn and outbuildings and up to the apartment. We were level with the roof shed, which provided ample play opportunities, including crawfish races that my friend Diane and I used to be delighted in partaking. We would catch the crawfish in the creek (crick) in the front and we would have to plunge our hands into the murky water filled bucket, risking getting pinched, and seeing who's crawfish would be the fastest down the roof.<br />
The setup was tight, especially with a mother in a wheelchair, and I bunked with my mom, but I was never so happy as those two years. When our mom moved us to Florida, I was heartbroken and could not wait until suImmer vacation, when she would drive us north and leave us to our grandparents for the summer.<br />
Grandpa had long gotten rid of the horses and sheep, but he had an arrangement with a local horse breeder who kept his broodmares in the pasture and the arrangement included Little Chief, a palomino gelding, for us to ride. Later, his crazy neighbor, Mr. Bridey, boarded a Shetland (Smokey) and a chestnut mare (Cricket) and we always had free access to ride anytime we wished.<br />
From the day we moved to suburbia in Florida, a huge culture shock for me, I was dreaming of the day I could one day return to farm living. Pittsburgh, where I spent every school vacation until I graduated from high school, meant land to explore, shooting guns, riding, learning gardening from my grandfather, cousins and so much more. It defined who I was.<br />
It took me 56 years...just a week shy of 57 years, to reach that dream.<br />
I had bugged and nagged my husband nearly every week of our marriage. We did try. We listed our home 3 times over the years which resulted in no sale. In between, my husband was content to stay put. Our kids were in school, but eventually graduated. He had his business. He liked where we lived. I hated it. I hated the traffic, congestion, construction, you name it.<br />
Last summer, our son was promoted with Siemens and that meant he and his newlywed bride would be moving to Phoenix. They would no longer be a mile from us, in Winter Park, Florida. Our daughters had already fled the state (smart girls!) and now there was really no reason to stay. In addition, the church behind our home had been sold and was going to be turned into a 4 story apartment complex. That was all the motivation my husband needed!<br />
We planned on listing our home in the spring of 2020. We spent the fall sprucing and painting. I searched realtor.com weekly.<br />
In the past, the most being 2 years ago when we had our home listed, we could not agree on an area to live. If I had my way, we would leave the state. But since that wasn't happening, I had ideas of where to go in Florida....preferably Ocala area. Being a self employed engineer, my husband had certain requirements, including high speed internet and access to a reprographics. I was adamant that we would not live anywhere that we had to worry about flooding and hurricanes. <br />
We fought a lot that summer, as we could not agree on a location, all to no avail as our home didn't sell. <br />
Suddenly things were different this time around. My husband agreed to look at areas that normally he would have dismissed....Altoona (home of Rocking Horse stables!!), Oklawaha, Weirsdale (Grand Oaks up the road from both areas!), Eustis and Deland!<br />
By the time we were ready to list, the pandemic was getting under way and things were shutting down. We were either making a huge mistake or it would be a brilliant move.<br />
It was brilliant.<br />
We sold in one day, full asking and cash.<br />
We bought a farm in De Leon Springs. Just north of my beloved town of Deland!<br />
It is horse country with Spring Garden Training Center (standardbreds and a great place to get compost!) and Olympian Michael Poulin all up the road. Many lovely farms dot the landscape along the way. You are just as likely to see carriage horses as well as golf carts and tractors being driven on the road as you are cars. At Spring Garden Training Center, twice a month you can attend the farm swap and get mini pigs, poultry, goats and bunnies as well as compost, homemade jellies and plants.<br />
We are truly in the country!<br />
We settled on a gingerbread cottage (Literally!) and it was a big downsize for us (we went from 2600 s.f. to 1300 s.f.!) but we gained 3 acres and an incredible barn with 6 stalls.<br />
We have been here for 9 weeks so far and it is amazing how much we have accomplished in the way of landscaping, fencing and pasture improvements and more. Secret came home 2 weeks after we moved in.....I will save that for the next blog entry.<br />
Don't give up on your dreams.....they can come true!<br />
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TheSecretChronicleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05749616205918415902noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6716329335608157521.post-21805690875692319222020-01-23T08:57:00.004-08:002020-01-23T09:25:12.651-08:00Fire Prevention In BarnsHere in Florida, we are heading into our wildfire season soon. As Australia is suffering from the tragedy of those horrific wildfires, I thought it would be a good time to share my fire protection notes again.<br />
Over the years, I have hosted Chris Woodcock, a firefighter with Seminole County to speak at our pony club and Old Peoples Riding Club meetings. I first met Chris many years ago, when I approached him about inspecting the barn I was leasing and to teach him and his fellow firefighters how to lead horses from a burning barn. Below is a compilation of notes that I have taken from each meeting:<br />
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<br />
So the main ideas of fire safety in the barn is good old common sense. The first and foremost is:<br />
<strong>Absolutely, positively, NO SMOKING! This is not up for discussion. I am always shocked to see someone smoking in or near a barn.</strong><br />
In addition, the obvious (at least to me) are:<br />
<ul>
<li>Keep flammables and machinery out of the barn.</li>
<li>Keep debris off the roof.</li>
<li>Keep vegetation away from barn. You should maintain a 40-50 foot firebreak around your property.</li>
<li>Remove cobwebs. Not only are they unsightly, but cobwebs are fire hazards. (So you no longer have to justify your meticulous barn cleaning and the fact that your barn is cleaner than your house).</li>
<li>If possible, store hay in a separate building. I learned this at the age of 6, when my grandfather explained why he wouldn't store hay in his 4 story wood barn (built in 1904 and still standing!). Stack hay loosely and make sure it is properly cured and dry.</li>
<li>Use only UL listed appliances and outdoor extension cords.</li>
<li>Don't leave extension cords exposed to horses. I never understand when I walk into a barn, and the electrical outlet is right next to the stall door, right where the horse can chew on it. Yes, it is there for convenience, but surely, is it not obvious that sooner or later, a horse is going to chew on the cord?</li>
<li>While on the subject of cords: don't run them across floors, where a shod horse can step on one. If you have a cord that is patched with electrical tape, toss it. The life of your horse is worth more than the $7 to replace it.</li>
<li>Don't set heavy objects on cords, which can generate heat. Chris mentioned a house fire they put out, which was caused by a sofa sitting on an extension cord.</li>
<li>Fire extinguishers! Have them at every opening,in the middle and at both ends of the barn and within ready access. Make sure you know how to use one!</li>
<li>Smoke detectors! Get the good kind, that won't be triggered by dust. Put one in your hay loft or attic....Chris said many fires he goes to, the homeowner had no idea the house was on fire, until a neighbor knocked on their door to alert them to a fire in their attic.</li>
<li>If possible, install a fire sprinkler.</li>
<li>Have hoses outside the barn.</li>
<li>Is your wiring up to date and safe from critters chewing on it? Make sure all wiring is enclosed in metal conduit. Replace any frayed wires.</li>
<li>Is the master switch to the power readily accessible outside the barn?</li>
<li>Install lightning rods.</li>
<li>Do not use electrical heaters in the barn! A barn fire last year killed several horses when the owners put a heater in a stall to warm a newborn calf.</li>
<li>Do not use Lasko or other box fans. They are not designed for barn use! Buy only heavy duty metal fans!</li>
<li>Hay rolls! This year, I fed a hay roll late into spring, which was a first for me. The season was already warm, but we still didn't have enough grass yet. One day after an impromtu rain, which didn't give me time to cover the hay roll, I was pulling back the wet layers, and discovered that the hay just below the surface was hot. Just as damp hay in a barn can combust, so can a hay roll.</li>
<li>Don't forget shavings! Many of us now use bagged shavings, and these too can combust. They should be stored safely.</li>
<li>Manure piles also can "cook". Piles should be far away from the barn.</li>
<li>Scan your barn. Do you have rags, assorted cans, fertilizer and other contaminates lying around? You would be surprised at what you find.</li>
</ul>
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In addition, make sure your barn is easily accessible by a fire truck. Is the driveway wide enough? Are overhead tree limbs going to hinder the firetruck? Do you have large numbers which are easily read on your fence, gate or mailbox?<br />
You should make contact with your local fire department. Ask them to come to your farm, so they know that they can reach your barn, and know where local water sources are at. Show them around your barn and ask them to point out potential hazards. And while you are at it, ask them if they know how to lead a horse. Show them how to halter a horse while in its stall, in case the unthinkable happens and they need to rescue your horse.<br />
Barn fires are also caused by wildfires, which is why it is important to clear debris. During dry seasons, pay extra attention to the news and be aware of any fires in your area. Be prepared to evacuate at moments notice. One year, a friend tried to evacuate her mare from the barn where she was boarding, only to be told that the road was closed and she couldn't get to the farm. Thankfully, the fire went around the barn and she was eventually able to remove her horse, but had the barn owner given an evacuation order earlier, instead of practicing a "wait and see", my friend, the other boarders and all the horses at the farm would have been saved from the stress and the inhaling of the heavy smoke.<br />
Do you have an evacuation plan? Just like you should have a plan for hurricanes and tornadoes, everyone should have a fire evacuation plan. And you should practice your plan! Make sure your boarders know what your rules are in the event of a fire and hold fire drills at least once a year.<br />
What else can you do? I am all about prevention. I don't ever want to have to live through the death or injury of my horse for something that I could have prevented.<br />
If you are building a barn, use fire safe materials. For an existing barn, make any possible updates you can to make it safer. Just by following the above list will give you a huge lead on this. Brick or block barns and metal roofs are safer than wood barns, but you can paint your wood barn with 2 coats of fire retardant latex paint.<br />
How many entrances are there to your barn? I have always preferred a barn that has exterior stall doors in addition to the interior doors. Have a place to remove the horses to. Loose horses will just run back into a burning barn.<br />
And what do you do in the event of a fire?<br />
Your first priority is to call 911. It takes just minutes for a barn to become fully engulfed. That doesn't leave much time for rescuing horses. Horses that are easy to halter and lead, and have an exterior door to their stall, will have the greatest chance of being saved. Having halters and leads accessible will also mean the difference between life and death. It is a good idea to have extras of these at the entrance of the barn, or at the exterior stall doors. Even if you can locate the ones next to a stall door, chances are it is already engulfed in flames, or too hot to touch, so having spares will aid in the rescue tremendously.<br />
If you are a boarder, you should choose a barn that places an emphasis on safety. I have walked into expensive boarding barns that had extension cords dangling right in front of a horses stall, within easy reach of his curious mouth. I have seen barns where the manure was dumped right outside of the barn (never mind the issue of fly control). Just because you don't own your own place doesn't mean you can't keep your horse safe.<br />
There are several websites which will help you be fire smart. <a href="http://www.firesafetyinbarns.com/">www.firesafetyinbarns.com</a> is an excellent site to start with.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My grandparents farm outside of Pittsburgh. Built in 1904, it is still standing today. My grandfather was obsessed with keeping this barn safe from fire.</td></tr>
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<br />TheSecretChronicleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05749616205918415902noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6716329335608157521.post-13992237744111640982019-12-13T13:30:00.003-08:002020-01-23T07:12:01.545-08:00They Still Hang Horse Thieves...Right?UPDATE: 1/14/2020: Horse owners are being vigilante! Please visit Florida Horse Watch Group and Keeping Florida Horses Safe on Facebook for updates. Because there are so many reports, I am no longer going to try and post about every single one, therefore, I highly suggest following these two groups to stay informed. I suggest printing out the flier on the Florida Horse Watch Group page (go to files) and ask local stores to post in their windows. Also, talk to your UPS/Fed Ex driver, mail delivery person, neighbors, etc and tell them what is going on and to be on the look out for anything out of the ordinary.<br />
UPDATE: 1/6/2020: Zephyrhills: barn owner reports dog was beaten and 2 horses had rope burns. Breaker box was turned off, lead ropes trampled in stalls, barn in disarray. Three sets of boot prints, one female and 2 male. Sheriffs office notified.<br />
UPDATE: On New Years Eve, a woman scared off possible horse thieves from a barn near I-10 in Glen/Macglenny. West of Jacksonville. Police were called but suspects escaped.<br />
UPDATE 12/23/19 2:19PM: My barn owner observed and videotaped a blue Camry driving slowly along Leslye Lane in Eustis, off of 44A. This car was pulling into driveways. They sped off when they saw they were being videotaped. Windows are heavily tinted. Pictures below.<br />
UPDATE 12/23/19:<br />
Horse owners are reporting that they are seeing suspicious activity, from Plant City, Geneva, Sorrento Brooksville and Lakeland. A common denominator is that the person, who is usually Hispanic or Middle Eastern (and one woman, see photo below) comes to the property under the pretense of wanting information about riding your horse (not necessarily taking lessons but wanting to ride) and taking photos "of the pretty horses." Several have reported seeing a light blue Toyota Camry. This was seen in Geneva and in Sorrento. Also, see photos below about possible suspects in Plant City.<br />
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Stealing horses out of their stalls and pastures, butchered and remains left behind for the owner to find. This is sadly, a common occurrence in South Florida. Several monsters were caught and sentenced to jail terms, but sadly it is a larger situation than just 2 individuals. Because it was happening so often, Animal Recovery Mission (ARM) was founded to help combat the problem.<br />
From time to time, a horse would be found butchered outside of Dade County. When Phedras De Blondel, a half million show jumper was discovered butchered at the Palmetto, Florida farm of Steve and Debbie Stephens, the news media took note. The warmblood had just been imported and had been at the farm only a few days, having been in quarantine. That was in October of 2015.<br />
Fast forward to this past Thanksgiving. A chestnut gelding named Hot Rod was discovered missing from his pasture south of Ocala. His owner, Tammy Davis, found the butchered remains of Hot Rod close by.<br />
Then, a horse was stolen and the remains found on December 2, just 2 miles from the Stephens farm in Palmetto. Surveillance video captured a person of interest, but even with over $10,000 in reward money being offered, there has been no arrest made as of yet.<br />
Then on December 11, Jayda, a beloved family member, was found butchered near her pasture in Webster Florida.<br />
In addition, several horses have been reported missing over the past few months, including a bay horse in Oxford, just south of Ocala. Not only that, but there was an attempt of a horse being stolen from the Florida Horse Park while being stabled for one of their horse shows. Police were called, but nobody has been arrested in that case either.<br />
So what do we do to keep our horses safe?<br />
Plenty.<br />
First, the obvious. Install motion sensor lights and motion activated surveillance cameras. Get the kind of cameras that alert you to movement. If you have an alarm, use it! But don't install it near windows where anyone can see whether or not it is set.<br />
Post signs! Thieves will typically keep going if they see signs warning of security cameras and/or dogs.<br />
Thieves don't like noise. So get a goose or 2. A donkey is another deterrent. And of course, dogs.<br />
If you have wire fencing, if possible, consider replacing it with wood fencing. Especially back pastures that have easy access to roads. Patrol your pastures daily. Look for fresh tire marks where there should not be any. Look for cut wires, trampled bushes and other signs of someone scoping out your property.<br />
Plant thorny shrubs along your fence line and make the fence line as inaccessible as possible.<br />
Get to know your neighbors! Look out for each other. Tell them that if they see anyone leading your horses or attempting to load, do not assume that it is alright. It's ok to be nosy!<br />
Vary your routine. Thieves like orchestrated schedules. If you are gone, consider timers to turn on and off your lights and tv at different times. And if you are gone for an extended time, make sure your mail and papers are collected. Is it snowing? Ask a neighbor to make fresh tire tracks in your drive way.<br />
Many thieves canvas farms by posing as potential boarders, students, etc. I would seriously consider asking to see their drivers license and take a photo of their car tag. Don't assume that women and even adults being accompanied by children are safe.<br />
Treat your horse as if he is your child and follow the same safeguards on the internet. Don't reveal locations of your horse. Remove your address from websites and other social media pages. Don't reveal that you are leaving town on social media.<br />
Lastly, be diligent. Don't be afraid to report anything suspicious. Don't take for granted that the person waving to you while loading your neighbor's horse is supposed to be there. Better to call the police and let them decide. And don't be afraid to ask your local police to step up their patrols.<br />
Lets hope that arrests are made soon and this problem goes away. I am encouraged that these 3 cases in Central Florida have gotten the attention of the news media. But in the meantime, everyone needs to be proactive.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Missing from Oxford</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hot Rod. Murdered in South Ocala along CR 475A</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Person of interest in Palmetto </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnLzCN8xRyQb5DlVcX5dCKbDxFix6STFZtHD-HAsCn-wD9VM7SeclI5wJILAm8P9XYqtkU-mX4F_tn6R0VZCCxCMlW4OG32_VOlMTti1bsmMe9KFj26UTwFKdrj1-_6qfi3HegIo-slnE/s1600/jayda.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="920" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnLzCN8xRyQb5DlVcX5dCKbDxFix6STFZtHD-HAsCn-wD9VM7SeclI5wJILAm8P9XYqtkU-mX4F_tn6R0VZCCxCMlW4OG32_VOlMTti1bsmMe9KFj26UTwFKdrj1-_6qfi3HegIo-slnE/s320/jayda.jpg" width="306" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jayda, murdered off Hwy. 471 in Webster</td></tr>
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New details. Please keep sharing and alert your local law enforcement if you see anything that is a possible lead, no matter how small:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seen in the Black Prong area, Ocala</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blue sedan, most likely Toyota Camry. Spotted just before noon 12/23/19 on Leslye Lane, off of 44A in Eustis.<br />
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<br />TheSecretChronicleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05749616205918415902noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6716329335608157521.post-60528226787424712322019-12-13T12:05:00.002-08:002020-01-23T10:19:12.029-08:00Secret's ProgressI had this new horse....now what????<br />
It was apparent to me that all my time with Tucker had spoiled me. I adopted him at the age of 6 months, and while he was wild and untouchable for the first 2 months, once I was able to halter break him, the rest of his life with me was pretty easy. He accepted everything with no questions. Now I was back to owning an OTTB...while very level headed, she was none the less, a very young Thoroughbred. What was I thinking??<br />
I had resolved that I was not in any hurry to get on Secret, and that the plan was to bond and work with her on the ground. Because she had just turned 3 in April of 18 and was so big (and growing), I was in no hurry to push her mind or body. It had been many years since I had done ground work with a baby, so I decided to enlist the sister of our vet, Kirsten Nelsen, who had recently moved to the area and had impressed us all with a clinic we held at the barn.<br />
Kirsten (<a href="http://www.kirstennelsen.com/">www.kirstennelsen.com</a>) specializes in bio-mechanics and balance of horse and rider. She has studied under Jean Luc Cornille, Dr. Gavin Skofield, Ray Hunt, Tom Dorrance and Pat Parelli.<br />
She showed me how best to work Secret, who was very unbalanced, from the ground, utilizing both lunging and long lines. It was a little different from what I had learned to do, but fascinating and result driven (and no gadgets!)<br />
The long, hot Florida summer was spent bonding and learning...both Secret and I learned much about each other and ground work. Summer finally gave way to fall and we continued the ground work, as well as long walks and trots alongside the golf cart. As time passed, I became more secure and less reactive if she reacted to something new (temper tantrums were usually on the lunge line, as she learned to balance herself.) We practiced walking over tarps and jumps, and I bought an assortment of toys from the Dollar Store which to torture her with...blow up pink flamingos, flappers and more, all of which she took in stride, probably wondering what the hell was I doing to her? Her sire's reputation of being brave and smart had obviously been extended to her.<br />
There were comments from time to time from people, questioning why I had not yet mounted Secret. I made no apologies. I am in no hurry and that day would come. But in the meantime, I was enjoying the journey and learning so much!<br />
So it is almost 2020 and where are we? Well, in some ways we have come a long way, but we still have a long way to go.<br />
After Tucker's death, a week later, I had decided it was time to sit on Secret. By all accounts, all the boxes were checked. She was working really well on the lunge and long lines, I had been putting my weight in the stirrups and leaning over her. But when I straddled her and picked up the reins....yeehaw, it was a bucking bronco rodeo. I think I stayed on 8 seconds...there is video proof, but I ended up managing a dismount, which would have gone fine, other than being sore ( I did have my eventing vest on as well as my Charles Owen helmet ) but on the way down, my calf connected with a flying hind hoof and I was struck. Painfully so. I laid on the ground, unable to move, as everyone who had gathered to watch the big event, made sure that I was alive and not paralyzed. I don't think I uttered the F-word more times than I did that afternoon lying there, waiting for the ambulance. I was transported to the ER where x-rays revealed no broken bones, but an MRI, 2 painful weeks later revealed a torn calf muscle. By the time I returned from the ER, Kirsten was riding Secret, who was pretty calm.<br />
We determined that the box missed was her lack of acceptance of contact. I thought that had been long worked through. I was wrong.<br />
A plan was developed and Kirsten would work Secret for the 2 months that I was laid up. Eventually, I could manage to lunge her and Kirsten rode. Secret came along very nicely with no more rodeo episodes.<br />
I wish I could say the same for my brain. I was emotionally a wreck. It is one thing to fall off a horse that you know, and say that X caused it. But Secret was a blank slate. Could I trust her again? Would she result to bucking again if scared or stressed? I had questions and fears but no answers. Months went by and I finally resolved to get back on Secret, with Kirsten at her head. I was mortified that I was a nervous wreck and needed someone close by. But Secret was good and the following lesson I didn't need Kirsten at her head.<br />
In June, I started a new full time job.<br />
It was hotter than hades. My son was getting married in August. Days went by and I didn't ride. As we got closer to the wedding date, I realized I was making an unconscious decision to not ride...just in case...I didn't want to attend the wedding on crutches or with a black eye!<br />
I continued ground work and Kirsten rode 1-2 times a week. We had balancing issues but we persevered and honestly, it turned out to be the best plan for Secret, as she really matured over the summer. She filled out, she grew both physically and mentally and she figured out her balance. Kirsten has these amazing bio-mechanics training tips and they did wonders.<br />
In the fall, I got back on Secret and rode her. Even stayed calm when another horse took off in the adjoining field and Secret got tense.<br />
But then the time changed. It was dark by the time I got to the barn. I would run into the barn, grab her and go lunge her for the 15 or so minutes of twilight that was left and then groom her. I realized this was not good for either of us.<br />
So I made the difficult decision to move Secret to Kirsten's barn, up the road. Secret has only been there for 2 weeks, but it was the right decision. She has 12 hour turnout, which she really needed as her fitness level increased. Kirsten can work her during the week and I will work her on the weekends. It's a good move.<br />
We list our house in February and will look for a farm, so she can come home. By then, I expect that she will be turning 5 in April as a wonderful event prospect, ready to start showing.<br />
It has been a slow journey but well worth it. I look forward to what next year brings!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1RPwPhrfJ-JTlZ-8Mxp65mPzHUIiNa-WZxBSZWa1L1ZG3udYMUQ1PnxgCFg_X_bQjjLGvO34XZhMl0KfmbyYn_qNNFK1jLHNPanSifWdUgfX1GaA0Juxh7CaJNbfXUeqUFCKGIoja3SA/s1600/73181902_2113926888916937_4049564800420675584_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1RPwPhrfJ-JTlZ-8Mxp65mPzHUIiNa-WZxBSZWa1L1ZG3udYMUQ1PnxgCFg_X_bQjjLGvO34XZhMl0KfmbyYn_qNNFK1jLHNPanSifWdUgfX1GaA0Juxh7CaJNbfXUeqUFCKGIoja3SA/s320/73181902_2113926888916937_4049564800420675584_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Secret blossomed over her summer as a 4 year old!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our longest ride!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvfNxwgFYfkMXjiZyGL-VQkM3WGWfOdHiqLVcObJt3ZyVnWU7kQPf8Xwue__L8IS0SmG67mwHOrQhpAjH_k0utxF48Fg0r1egkL_Fmxn9473Vq2rOGMGj6Xs20DKVTak6_8Cw5bVIJ0eY/s1600/secret2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvfNxwgFYfkMXjiZyGL-VQkM3WGWfOdHiqLVcObJt3ZyVnWU7kQPf8Xwue__L8IS0SmG67mwHOrQhpAjH_k0utxF48Fg0r1egkL_Fmxn9473Vq2rOGMGj6Xs20DKVTak6_8Cw5bVIJ0eY/s320/secret2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of ground work!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkaar-NaOp93TVaBLSznqgvCSKslej7MYZ2ltS3I7k-xpgUjIVe4sWcWLdfmmwGWYfG10gcVm0f96pJL_RcCdr0psjkVtXtqQhI4ujseDR9MhuG6x01ZDTgKXn9jdRWRtgRCP8Vjx9vmQ/s1600/secret3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkaar-NaOp93TVaBLSznqgvCSKslej7MYZ2ltS3I7k-xpgUjIVe4sWcWLdfmmwGWYfG10gcVm0f96pJL_RcCdr0psjkVtXtqQhI4ujseDR9MhuG6x01ZDTgKXn9jdRWRtgRCP8Vjx9vmQ/s320/secret3.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fearless!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOjhLUbgb_ZBxHIGhulxO_5zYNc1q5Y3tVOHMk9Jgd0-lmoUTsvIFFOma8_cU075ps6bxc5QQiDObZJn2IAbrrLudmqFghVLANHciEblflewC-JGV7ON-I-OGjdvq8H-K-YuqkSnPwEHA/s1600/Secret.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOjhLUbgb_ZBxHIGhulxO_5zYNc1q5Y3tVOHMk9Jgd0-lmoUTsvIFFOma8_cU075ps6bxc5QQiDObZJn2IAbrrLudmqFghVLANHciEblflewC-JGV7ON-I-OGjdvq8H-K-YuqkSnPwEHA/s320/Secret.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Queen!</td></tr>
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<br />TheSecretChronicleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05749616205918415902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6716329335608157521.post-21300209792473738032019-04-12T09:06:00.001-07:002019-04-13T12:46:24.124-07:00Farewell, My FriendIt has been difficult to post this, but I felt that it was time.<br />
Tucker crossed the rainbow bridge on January 2 of this year.<br />
The EPSM was taking it's course on his body. He looked horrible...if it weren't for his fat belly, he could have been mistaken for a rescued starvation case. His hip bones protruded, you could count his ribs, and there was an ever increasing big dip just in front of his croup. Weird.<br />
He had been very subdued during the month of December. He was off his feed a little and just not himself. I could see muscle tremors.<br />
I had come to terms long ago that I would not let him suffer. There is no cure for EPSM. He would continue to worsen. I prefer to let an animal go with dignity. Better a day too early than a day too late. I have seen many horses who waited until it was a day too late and it has left me with emotional scarring. If it is in my power, I will never let one of my animals have to suffer because I was too selfish to let them go.<br />
Tucker, you were definitely one of my best horses. I am sorry that health issues kept getting in the way. We had fun on cross country. You were a gently soul, you had a funny bone in you which amused everyone and you were certainly beautiful.<br />
I hope that you are galloping pain free and that you, Imp, Pilgrim, Dolly and Teddy are all getting along and loving heaven.<br />
<em>"No heaven can heaven be, if my horse isn't there to welcome me."<br />Author Unknown</em><br />
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<br />TheSecretChronicleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05749616205918415902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6716329335608157521.post-77847656026689240632018-08-23T08:43:00.000-07:002018-08-23T08:50:04.941-07:00A Thoroughbred Called SecretI can't believe I haven't blogged for over a year, but honestly, the retirement of Tucker left me gutted and mourning. I still can't believe that I had to retire him. After taking his training SOOO slow, to have him develop ringbone, on top of the EPSM, was just gut wrenching. <br />
Tucker has eased into retirement, getting fat but unfortunately, the lack of exercise has caused the EPSM to cause horrible changes to his body. No longer a fit athlete, he has a big belly and no top line. It is spiny with strange changes along his croup, almost like a V indentation...I will have to attempt photos.<br />
But he is happy and I spent the year, as I said, pretty much mourning not only his retirement, but my lack of a horse to ride. I did have some offers to ride other horses, but it wasn't the same. I am the type of person who needs to have her own horse, to have the complete freedom that comes with that bond with your own special friend. And I am not the type of person to be content to just have a horse and not be able to ride, especially when the barn commute is an hour each way. When I finally get my own farm, I will relish having a retired horse in my backyard to look at, but when paying board and spending more time commuting than the time that is spent at the barn, I'm not gonna lie, but it was difficult.<br />
I had been casually searching for my next partner, knowing that I wanted an OTTB, but I realized that with the internet, horse shopping was much more overwhelming than it was the last time I shopped around for a horse. Especially for Thoroughbreds.<br />
There is OTTB Connect and Florida OTTB. Thoroughbred Sport Horses For Sale and OTTBs Looking for Second Careers. And then lets not forget about the rescue groups: Rerun, Friends of Ferdinand, CANTER and Finger Lakes. Each site promoting drop dead gorgeous Thoroughbreds every day. I was suspicious if they were cheap, incredulous if they were not cheap. I contacted a few ads, but the more I tried to get serious, the more frustrated I became. I did not want to get attached to a horse, spend lots of money on vetting it, only for it to fail. I saw myself in a groundhog day cycle of doing just this.<br />
Then a friend told me about a TB farm in Ocala. Final Furlong is the rescue side of Niall Brennan Stables. His wife, Stephanie, identifies when horses in their program need to be retired, whether due to injury or simply too slow. She gets the owners to give her the horse and even give her money towards its vetting and other expenses, and the horse is brought back to their home farm and let down for 60-90 days. And then she adopts the horses out. If they are not adoptable, they live out the remainder of their life at their farm, with other "lifers," as well as the yearlings and personal horses that live there. It is a fantastic program and one that should be modeled by everyone in the Thoroughbred industry.<br />
I emailed Stephanie and told her what I was looking for and a little about my background. I was open to mares, not just a gelding and I told her my color preferences, which are bay, black, grey and chestnut, in that order. However, having owned a horse of all those colors, I am not one of those who will pass up a horse due to its color.<br />
I was initially interested in a bay gelding that I had seen on their website. Stephanie replied with a photo of a new chestnut mare. Our correspondence over a few weeks had me inquiring about the gelding while she kept telling me about the mare. <br />
I finally broke the news to my husband over a beer and some Cajun food, that I was ready to get another horse and hey, it won't cost me anything! Having been along for this rodeo many times before, he knows there is no such thing as a free horse, and after grilling me about being able to afford board for 2 horses, he was surprisingly accepting and even offered to go along with me the next day.<br />
The day before Easter, we hit the road for Ocala. I was glad Peter was along for the ride, he would finally see the "real" Ocala, with its gently rolling hills and beautiful horse farms. I am a frequent visitor to this area, whereas Peter's experience with Ocala is just a few miles off the interstate to accompany me to the Tack Shack of Ocala. We pulled into a long driveway that was lined by fields already tall with lush green grass and shaded with beautiful old oaks. There was a tudor home and a concrete block barn. Nothing fancy, compared to many other farms in the area, but it screamed professionalism and working horse farm. The fencing was board, there was no wire, no broken boards and no sand. It was clean and flower beds were everywhere. I liked it immediately. When I got out of the car at the farm, Stephanie greeted me and said, "I know you want to look at the gelding, but really, this mare is what you want."<br />
We walked into the barn and the first face I noticed sticking over the stall door was a lovely chestnut with a white stripe. Stephanie informed me that this was the mare she was telling me about. <br />
Queen of Secrets. She was simply too slow on the track, Stephanie said. She had breezed, but was not going to be a stellar racer so they were able to get her owners to donate her to Final Furlong.<br />
I think I was hooked at that point.<br />
Stephanie brought her out of the stall, stood her up and I ran my hands all over her body and legs. She was broad chested, had clean legs and she was just as curious about me as I was her. Next, Stephanie trotted her in hand, followed by a turnout in the round pen. I got goose pimples watching her trot and knew for sure at that point that she was mine. We turned her out in the large grassy field, with the mossy draped oaks, and I turned to Stephanie and told her I would take her. <br />
On the way home, I introduced Peter to my favorite lunch spot, The Horse and Hound, and gushed over Secret. I felt like a teenage girl getting her first horse. Peter could not believe I had committed to getting a horse, at least without getting my own vet exam, but I knew that Stephanie was not going to tell me anything that wasn't 100% honest...she had too much to lose by doing so, and I knew that if she didn't work out, she could be returned. Stephanie had disclosed everything I needed to know, the good and bad, not that there was anything really "bad", certainly nothing alarming. <br />
Secret was to remain at the farm for 60 days to be let down, during which time I could visit anytime. Which I did. And I alternated between those moments of giddiness and moments of "what have I gone and done?" I mean, I hadn't even ridden her! I have gone bonkers! <br />
But every visit with Secret ended on a good note. I took her for long walks, groomed her and told her of our grand plans. I could not wait to get her home.<br />
I toyed with names for her. The barn workers, who clearly loved this mare, called her Queenie. In the end, I decided that Queen of Secrets was a good name but she would be called Secret. My husband however, thinks her show name should be Lori's Dirty Secret. It's cute and funny, but I am a traditionalist when it comes to names and prefer more elegant and formal names. <br />
Secret does hail from royalty! A friend of mine who studies pedigrees brought it to my attention that Secret's sire, Kittens Joy, is currently the number one turf stallion. After some research, I connected with several people who ride Kittens Joy babies and they all said the same thing: Smart. Brave. Sane. Hearing this confirmed my decision to get her even more so!<br />
Four weeks into her let down, I received a brief email from Stephanie: "Secret is bored. She needs a job. I don't know how much more of her my old gelding can take."<br />
I took that as a hint that Secret was done with being let down and needed to come home. She came home 2 weeks later!<br />
She loaded onto the trailer with not so much as a glance behind and I breathed a sigh of relief that I could check trailer loading off the list. She arrived at RK Farm to an adoring crowd of boarders and walked into her barn as if she knew that this was her kingdom that she would rule. No fits of anxiousness, no nervousness, no worries!<br />
Check.<br />
Since that rainy afternoon in May when Secret came home, we have done nothing but ground work. Having just turned 3 on April 21, I am in no rush to get on her. We have taken our time bonding and learning about each other. As a mare, she does have some quirks (grooming is not always her favorite thing and when she exits her stall, she likes to stop and survey her kingdom before walking on.) She has fearlessly tackled walking over tarps, through grids and through muddy dressage rings. I alternate lunging, trotting her from the golf cart and hand walking through poles on the ground. I have pulled out my books from my extensive libray and brushed up on my Linda Tellington Jones, lunging, training young horses and liberty training. We have had frustrating moments, like the first time she broke into a canter while lunging and had a total melt down, to moments of break throughs, when she did learn to canter on the lunge line and decided it was so much fun, that she now will offer to canter from the golf cart!<br />
When I first brought Secret home, I realized that there was a small part of me that was absolutely terrified....having a Steady Eddy like Tucker had taken away my fearlessness. Getting older also probably contributed to that as well...nothing like having a fear of falling from a 3 year old OTTB. If she reacted, like when she had a melt down on the lunge, even though I held on for dear life and didn't let her get away, the fact remained that I was shaking in my boots as I finally regained control of her. When she bucked and reared on the lunge, I had visions of her doing the same while riding her and asked what the hell was I thinking? There were times that I considered sending her back.<br />
But I persevered and one day, after she was being silly on the lunge, I realized that I was not reacting to her antics in a negative way. I thought, ok, so what if she rears or bucks when I get on her? I have been on horses that reared and bucked and it was no big deal then. And I came to acknowledge that with all of the ground work I had been doing with her thus far, I was also doing some mental work on myself. These past few months have been as much of a learning time for me as it has been for Secret and I needed this time to do exactly that! I feel that I have regained my former fearless self and when the time is right to get on her (SOON!!), I will be ready to handle it, much more than if I had decided to get on her from the get go.<br />
And Tucker? Well, he and Secret bonded from their first day of turnout together. He does get jealous of her when I am grooming her in front of him, so he gets lots of treats and extra hay or extra turnout time. He is a typical new big brother. I don't know if he understands why he is no longer being ridden, but he still gets lots of attention from me. <br />
Stay tuned for updates!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Secret in Ocala</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tucker and Secret Bonding</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tarps? No problem!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Being Nosy...Nothing Scares Her!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lunging</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lunging</td></tr>
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<br />TheSecretChronicleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05749616205918415902noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6716329335608157521.post-83392373677116417232017-07-26T09:16:00.002-07:002017-07-26T20:00:49.721-07:00An Update To Tucker...In Which Life Hands Us LemonsIt is has been a while since I have written. Lots has been going on, including my career. I am now the Florida rep for Noble Outfitters. This came about at a time when I was considering leaving the repping industry and had even gone back to working at a vet clinic....which I hated. The plan was to continue on with some of my lines....I can't ever leave Hilton Herbs, but out of the blue, I had several companies contacting me about repping for them, including Noble Outfitters. I am so happy that I took on Noble, they are an amazing company with a rich history and they are keeping me busy, which I love!<br />
So what is up with Tucker? Well, life threw us a big curve ball in the spring.<br />
Lets catch up, shall we?<br />
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First, lets bring you up to date with his allergies & summer sores:<br />
Challenged by allergies since he was about 2 years old, they have been brought completely under control with the use of Hilton Herbs. He gets Bye Bye Itch daily in his feed, I use the topical on his bumps (they are worse in March when the oaks are in bloom, and sporadically pop up the rest of the year) and anywhere else he is itchy and he is bathed only in Hilton Herb's Medicated shampoo.<br />
He will NEVER go out at night again. Horses are here to teach us and Tucker has certainly taught me plenty. I am so sorry for all the years that I turned him out at night, even with a fly sheet on. He was miserable and I should have listened better. He may have limited turnout in the summer, but he is so much happier in his stall, fan blowing on him and hay to munch all afternoon, then dealing with being attacked for hours on end. I truly am sorry Tucker for subjecting you to your own personal hell for so many years.<br />
Last year was a horrible year for summer sores. To recap, the summer sore from hell (just scroll through my blog entries) had never been a problem in the cooler weather, until I moved to a barn in the fall of '13 or '14 and it reopened within a few weeks, despite it being autumn. I fought that sore year round for several years, with last year culminating in what was nothing short of another hell for Tucker, with 3 sores opening on his legs. The ivermectin/DMSO/Fura ointment no longer worked and I was using Dr. Porter's cream, but was fighting a losing battle. The left foreleg was only somewhat under control, after months of being bandaged wrapped 24/7. I was on my way to Rolex last April, and had removed the bandage wrap and replaced them with fly boots as there was nobody in the barn who I could trust with bandaging him daily, and literally, as I am driving out of the barnyard, I look over to wave goodbye to Tucker (what? like you don't wave goodbye to your horse when you leave?) who is turned out in his fly boots. And what do I see? The fly boot has been removed and there is a big spot of blood on his leg. This happened in less than 10 minutes. I got out of my car, crying, walked him back to the barn, re-bandaged his legs and called my vet, pleading with her to come out and to do whatever she needed to do while I was gone. The sore did not close until last fall, after we moved to our new barn.<br />
This is the first summer that Tucker has gone without fly boots on his legs and I don't know who is happier, him or me! So what happened to have such a dramatic turn around in less than a year?<br />
Well, I attribute it to several key things. First, Hilton Herbs Mud Defender has really helped. Developed for the treatment of rain rot and scratches, this antifungal/antibacterial has worked on several horses in treating summer sores, not just Tucker's. Second, moving Tucker has also been a big help. Where he lives now (and will stay until we buy our own farm), Robyn, the barn owner, is diligent in fly management. The manure spreader is emptied daily. If we clean up after our horses during the day, the muck buckets are taken away from the barn until they can be dumped and spread the next day. Golden Malrin fly bait is sprinkled not only in the muck buckets waiting to be dumped but it is sprinkled around the barn and in front of Tucker and his stall mate, Spirits, stalls (poor Spirits, he has had to deal with summer sores not only in his mouth, but also on his penis.) The flies are practically non-existent around the barn. Lastly, I truly believe weed management plays a crucial role in summer sores. When Tucker first developed the sores, I was leasing my barn and I maintained a mostly weed-free environment. What weeds I had were pulled or kept mowed down (how is it a beautiful show barn can turn their eye to knee high weeds in their turnouts?) But when I moved him and they re-opened in the fall, I was convinced that the reason had to deal with the fact that there were weeds in his pasture (which had not been there when I had first visited the farm 2 months earlier....another lesson learned, if you move and several weeks go by before you move your horse in, go back for another visit, as the horse management may have changed.) The next few farms were also full of weeds in the pastures. Because of Tucker's many allergies, this is actually how Tucker's initial summer sore began. One of Tucker's many allergies is to different grasses and weeds. While I didn't really have any weeds in Chuluota, he would come in with tiny sores around his pasterns on a regular basis. They would heal pretty quickly, except for the one that went on to become the summer sore from hell. So I have no doubt that weeds out of control are going to aggravate his skin and cause more outbreaks. Thankfully, where Tucker resides now, pasture management is practiced and weeds are kept to a minimum.<br />
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Tucker's EPSM:<br />
I have managed to keep Tucker's EPSM pretty well under control. He continues to get Dr. Reilly's high dose of Vitamin E, magnesium, and high fat. Last fall, we had our best ever dressage score at Rocking Horse, getting a 32 and finishing in 3rd place (we would have won had I not gotten lost in stadium and overshot a fence, resulting in a rare rail down.) I have been pretty convinced that the EPSM would be what ended Tucker's career and was not at all prepared for what happened to us this spring:<br />
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In November of 2015, Tucker came up mildly lame in his left front. X-rays showed some arthritis and after a few weeks off, Tucker resumed normal work, only to come up lame again in March of 1016, 3 days before we were to show at our first recognized event. Xrays revealed the same arthritis, so we started him on Adequan injections and Hilton Herb's Joint Mobility. He was back to normal within a few weeks and we resumed our dressage and cross country lessons. Fast forward to March of this year, and Tucker is again lame. Not overtly lame, but none the less, he is slightly off on the left front. Xrays show that the arthritis has progressed and for the first time, I am hearing the term ringbone, which explains the cherry size swelling in the front of his ankle when he was lame. I decide to attack the issue with injections into his joint, which should give him relief for a year or more. I know several eventers who are competing at the upper levels with injections and who are able to go more than a year between injections, so I am optimistic. <br />
After 10 days off, I manage to get in a few more dressage lessons with Bill and Tucker feels fantastic. I am excited and start to make some show plans before the heat arrives. And then, 6 weeks later, I ask Tucker to trot and I feel a bobble. How can this be??? For the next few days, I tack him up, we do a nice long warm up at the walk, but when I ask him to trot, he is clearly off. I ask Robyn and several boarders to watch, hoping that what I am feeling can't possibly be right, that somehow I am imagining things, but no, they all agree, Tucker is lame on the left front. <br />
Kevin comes out and he puts different shoes on, saying that they should give Tucker more support. They don't help, Tucker is still lame. At this point, I not only consult with my vet, but I consult with Dr. Reilly and with Dr. Madison, of Ocala Equine Vet, who performed Imp's knee surgery. The prognosis is grim. They all say the same thing. If it were laminitis or even a fracture, those can be fixed. Ringbone cannot be fixed. Dr. Madison, after seeing Tucker's xrays, advices against anything drastic, such as surgery to fuse the joint. He tells me there is not much success rate in the front leg and he usually does it just as a last resort to help keep a horse comfortable. They all say the same thing. Time to retire him. And so, for Tucker's 14th birthday, that is exactly what I did. I retired him.<br />
I am devastated. I did not back Tucker until he was 3, and did not jump him until he was 6, due to his size. The vets all said the same, that due to his size and career, they are not surprised. But the reality is, when it comes to jumping, he is low mileage and there are lots of big horses out there, doing a whole lot more and lasting a lot longer. Was he pre-disposed to get this? My heart says that all the banging he did in the trailer over the years most likely contributed to this and at the very least, did not help. Was there something I could have done to prevent this? I just can't believe that I have had to retire Tucker at the age of 14.<br />
Now there may be days that Tucker is fine at the trot and canter....he certainly looks sound when he goes out. And I do ride him around the farm, though usually bareback. But the uncertainty of whether he will be sound from day to day mean that I really can't make any plans to at least make him a dressage mount. I don't know, maybe one day I will figure out what to do with him. He isn't really a trail horse, but maybe I could do obstacle training with him. Our house is on the market and once we move, I plan on creating an area where I can do liberty training with him. I know that I need to keep his mind engaged. What does worry me is the effect of not working will have on his EPSM. I already see a change in his topline, and I am certain that a lack of daily exercise will mean that the EPSM will take over his body sooner than later. <br />
In the meantime, it is so bloody hot that I don't think he really minds not doing anything other than eating. He will always have a home with me and a place in my heart. He will be a companion to my next horse and I think that I will have to teach him some tricks!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4BKjkv5lZvwU7V8QPLQNSi05XfdApkTw_WesAaVKKbOwYfQ4SlUJ2peFqRNO7Fxm0NAVxCtPi7PQiCZO01ZUUQCBaF1CVks_sQAX3enm3wbBNMQs-vh-nV3tx-Sj5mcu9etA9yFnAtBs/s1600/Amanda+on+Tucker-19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1600" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4BKjkv5lZvwU7V8QPLQNSi05XfdApkTw_WesAaVKKbOwYfQ4SlUJ2peFqRNO7Fxm0NAVxCtPi7PQiCZO01ZUUQCBaF1CVks_sQAX3enm3wbBNMQs-vh-nV3tx-Sj5mcu9etA9yFnAtBs/s320/Amanda+on+Tucker-19.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The summer sore at its worst</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_RBXX5IC85nRvnRK90ccey728WHLynkIAfsGlXeeTr10oYZhOV09XOHHBi62Ezh1YkHxKMmhZBhupWbPY8ybslj6P3m8jNrag57LZ2tVrOdEK5zVjliOJejIc9CXT6jij9B8YsFFuS40/s1600/12-4-2007-09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1600" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_RBXX5IC85nRvnRK90ccey728WHLynkIAfsGlXeeTr10oYZhOV09XOHHBi62Ezh1YkHxKMmhZBhupWbPY8ybslj6P3m8jNrag57LZ2tVrOdEK5zVjliOJejIc9CXT6jij9B8YsFFuS40/s320/12-4-2007-09.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The effects of Tucker's allergies</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The summer sore over the years</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjclMGRyL5FWW7Ti9ARNvsy8SwzVNExpR_nuYG-R-dzzPNQlP75nD-EAZqWcg2Opq2NkC2Wd19nGTqrUvvXEzz8LaRzFwJ4s7xRx3B9W6zh_jEYDxDgda5enIFAP5V4s-2YtqQjrb6VFls/s1600/tuckerskinaug5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="575" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjclMGRyL5FWW7Ti9ARNvsy8SwzVNExpR_nuYG-R-dzzPNQlP75nD-EAZqWcg2Opq2NkC2Wd19nGTqrUvvXEzz8LaRzFwJ4s7xRx3B9W6zh_jEYDxDgda5enIFAP5V4s-2YtqQjrb6VFls/s320/tuckerskinaug5.jpg" width="179" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tucker's tail most of the year, before Hilton Herbs</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnBrAxgxQhrRJNXdAkvLQagXvcTzK5gM23eP9PaVqTP_CvVOgmlUb6UoPXlKjNFvUsa4MIsBuWUY8oyUoUjlmwpnbLsGX5tU7decS-N7GRmR62pqJD6-UPbQAaAEOUM17OTB8Jtjysjk8/s1600/tuckerjuly13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="575" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnBrAxgxQhrRJNXdAkvLQagXvcTzK5gM23eP9PaVqTP_CvVOgmlUb6UoPXlKjNFvUsa4MIsBuWUY8oyUoUjlmwpnbLsGX5tU7decS-N7GRmR62pqJD6-UPbQAaAEOUM17OTB8Jtjysjk8/s320/tuckerjuly13.jpg" width="179" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tucker's tail for the past 5 years, thanks to Hilton Herbs</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another year of dealing with the summer sores</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn50_w-fV1ZzovFQgNQPDeM0C42-NDVQ8gocv9ONmg4anrv2kx5Udcd_uLf5uJlub1e3IHRAqfaj_3V3FQ0TNFcGUnYZNfRNv_YBk2ZqzTGkpDkh_LQ6DZViuBq6pLcDVuiSK4yF_1Nlg/s1600/ss14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn50_w-fV1ZzovFQgNQPDeM0C42-NDVQ8gocv9ONmg4anrv2kx5Udcd_uLf5uJlub1e3IHRAqfaj_3V3FQ0TNFcGUnYZNfRNv_YBk2ZqzTGkpDkh_LQ6DZViuBq6pLcDVuiSK4yF_1Nlg/s320/ss14.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Summer sore after using Mud Defender</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg30Yu4VieBYlYBU7yr5lCVZTc3AcV556KuXtr9cMxLZynWYRq-ng2tcuA7kNKz8atUn3sqxmSG2AZTzwB2dPlOsGYjFIo7V_Ht7Iqu3JhsAZGcW7nLTg3kBy0KFZqgK-YzA55NOZPwjho/s1600/TuckerRH16a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg30Yu4VieBYlYBU7yr5lCVZTc3AcV556KuXtr9cMxLZynWYRq-ng2tcuA7kNKz8atUn3sqxmSG2AZTzwB2dPlOsGYjFIo7V_Ht7Iqu3JhsAZGcW7nLTg3kBy0KFZqgK-YzA55NOZPwjho/s320/TuckerRH16a.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful skin, full mane! No itchies!</td></tr>
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TheSecretChronicleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05749616205918415902noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6716329335608157521.post-42400773051098782512016-10-18T16:47:00.001-07:002016-10-18T16:47:17.994-07:00Rocking Horse 3 Phase! We Did It!!Earlier this month, I competed Tucker in our first full three phase since his second and more severe bout with EPSM.<br />
All I can say is, what a journey it has been, from 2012, where he could barely pick up a canter and not be able to maintain it, to being able to compete and finish all 3 phases in one day!<br />
I was pretty apprehensive about our weekend at Rocking Horse, but show jitters are normal for me. I had a restless night, dreaming of every possible horrific event that can happen...from driving the truck and trailer off the Lake Jesup bridge into its 15,000 alligator infested waters, to falling off Tucker on xc and of course, being utterly embarrassed and forgetting our dressage test.<br />
Tuesday and I had made the wise decision to haul Tucker and Nebo up to Rocking Horse on Friday, so that they could be settled in and figuring on an early morning dressage test, I didn't want the stress of rushing to get there on Saturday. It was a wise decision, we arrived, unloaded horses and tack, set up their stalls, waited out a storm and with the lightning finally moving off into the horizon, we tacked up and headed out to the cross country, which was open, to learn our course. <br />
I had new boots on Tucker and I was interested in knowing how well they would hold up to galloping through the water, so as we approached the water complex, we trotted and cantered back and forth through the water. (the Woof Wear boots held up just fine with no slipping or turning.)<br />
I was surprised to see a bank and a ditch on the course for beginner novice, albeit smalls ones, and later that day, I called my daughter Jen, who evented at the upper levels, and expressed my concern that the jumps were maxed out and while it was a straight forward course, the jumps looked big to me! Ha! What a weenie I have become!<br />
Saturday morning, we warmed up for our dressage test. My husband, Peter, came along and he could not understand why Tuesday and I were the only ones wearing coats for dressage. I can't speak for Tuesday, but for me, it is all about tradition and looking your best.<br />
We entered the ring at a nice forward trot and laid down a pretty respectable test. Our personal best to date, we scored a 32! Most of our scores were respectable 7's with his canters scoring mainly 6.5's...definitely something we need to work on. The judge commented on our test sheet that it was a lovely test! The test was good enough to land us in first place!<br />
We had a bit of a break and the awesome crepe vendors were at the show, so I enjoyed a strawberry and banana crepe and walked the stadium course with Marcea and Tuesday. I changed shirts and then tacked up for back to back show jumping and cross country. We literally had about 13 minutes to go from the stadium ring out to cross country, so navy electrical tape was applied over Tucker's boots, Peter had my vest to hand off to me as we exited the ring and we headed out for a very brief schooling over fences with Marcea. I jumped about 3 times, declared that he was ready and into the ring we went.<br />
God damnit, I had a bit of a mental lapse and we almost overshot fence 2. Really? On my husband's video, you can hear me declaring "Oh crap, 2! There it is!" and we make a tight right turn back towards the jump that I have ridden past and jump it on an angle. As we land, I hear the dull thud of the rail bouncing off the ground and I know that I have just blown my blue ribbon. We continue on and thankfully finish the course with no more brain farts and just the four penalties. We exit the ring and Peter hands me my vest. Tuesday is right after me and I watch her knock the same pole to the ground and then we head out to the cross country course, at a leisurely walk. I had made the decision that I was not going to rush out there, and it was a good choice, as they were just finishing up the tadpole division as I arrived.<br />
Ten, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1.....and off we go!<br />
After we got past jump #2, a bench which I have never liked, I realized that HAY! I am having fun!!<br />
The course was straight, up a small bank and into some trees, around the big bank, over the ditch, a smattering of coops and feeders. I did not even notice there was a photographer after one of the fences, nor did I realize I was being followed the whole time by the one jump judge on an ATV! It was just Tucker and myself, two beings becoming one as we fell into a steady rhythm of Tucker's heavy footed gallop. Past the starting box, thankfully the tree that I hate was not on this course, into the big field, through the water, bend right into some more trees and head for home! I not only enjoyed myself, but I realized that the jumps were not that big, which photos and video confirmed! We finished clear and within time and dropped to 3rd place.<br />
I was so pleased with Tucker! My fears about eventing an EPSM horse fell away. He can hold his own and his recovery was pretty spot on, with him drinking and eating well.<br />
I realized that we are pretty competitive and after doing a few more at beginner novice, if for no other reason than to build my confidence, we will be ready to move up to novice!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpQkxfLIs6xcuCNyBtHhOPL-KEY7Irefarl4ppdb1rFthw-L1vSKOyYbmTB4rHLXybePQPen6LOfqIPMaCW94t1ezQneUYFNt6UbsjZmpVHAaRUdMewQA9PVmN-nsBCeQOIiWi5uYqMKU/s1600/rockinghorsefall16o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpQkxfLIs6xcuCNyBtHhOPL-KEY7Irefarl4ppdb1rFthw-L1vSKOyYbmTB4rHLXybePQPen6LOfqIPMaCW94t1ezQneUYFNt6UbsjZmpVHAaRUdMewQA9PVmN-nsBCeQOIiWi5uYqMKU/s320/rockinghorsefall16o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We have worked long and hard for that trot!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYhM36r6T3vS7DmDNkELIyt0ZY6HrqJ6l6kZOsgcvpeWV-ZBHrooKw6j5u2B3OXyFaHiTVfb-imYIKYjEFXOkCWlhrJAkh1Hk8gTF6wKvGRMNMp7K5KM0iVOcVli1yH4oezoVh8KKciU8/s1600/RH2016+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYhM36r6T3vS7DmDNkELIyt0ZY6HrqJ6l6kZOsgcvpeWV-ZBHrooKw6j5u2B3OXyFaHiTVfb-imYIKYjEFXOkCWlhrJAkh1Hk8gTF6wKvGRMNMp7K5KM0iVOcVli1yH4oezoVh8KKciU8/s320/RH2016+002.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting it together in show jumping after a near disaster!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Those jumps are tiny!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnT4SMcKQIRM0DboVenVd0Egyus76FV0Nhke_okp72VkL8BbI8LRmdL2K5QtUcgdOseAYCrjQA1IuV4Pa1spXYaS6gLxz-GkNG6atE8EBDBqhHE9D9fEsu8R_yg7paCN-XGvZaYnteG30/s1600/RockingHorseFall16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnT4SMcKQIRM0DboVenVd0Egyus76FV0Nhke_okp72VkL8BbI8LRmdL2K5QtUcgdOseAYCrjQA1IuV4Pa1spXYaS6gLxz-GkNG6atE8EBDBqhHE9D9fEsu8R_yg7paCN-XGvZaYnteG30/s320/RockingHorseFall16.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Well done!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKoJ649q6eV7pYBAAsuGJegR1fjQGr0pfKqEaCB0NSi1BBHI95MFFo1WbfnD38-diE9Xiik2jGNPdUGVZfFuwvmB-ZMW1cnuyNu44ORyHaAaKPPJ-irE4wSmi7bv1JopNtbDFTYP1_4WY/s1600/tuesdayLoriRH.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKoJ649q6eV7pYBAAsuGJegR1fjQGr0pfKqEaCB0NSi1BBHI95MFFo1WbfnD38-diE9Xiik2jGNPdUGVZfFuwvmB-ZMW1cnuyNu44ORyHaAaKPPJ-irE4wSmi7bv1JopNtbDFTYP1_4WY/s320/tuesdayLoriRH.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A successful finish to cross country! What better way to share than with friends! Tuesday and Nebo!</td></tr>
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<br />TheSecretChronicleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05749616205918415902noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6716329335608157521.post-38677770380601608082016-10-16T17:33:00.000-07:002016-10-16T17:33:03.943-07:00Finding THE Perfect Boarding BarnThere have been lots of articles and blogs lately that talk about what makes the perfect boarder or what makes the perfect barn manager. But none of them have addressed what I have felt makes for THE perfect boarding barn.<br />
I have been on both sides of the fence. I had my own farm that I leased and ran as both a boarding farm and non-profit rescue facility for 6 years. I also have managed farms and I have been a boarder. So I know what it is to be both a boarder and a barn manager.<br />
When I leased the barn, I was probably the happiest I have ever been as a horse owner, because the barn was run exactly as I wanted it run. And you know what? My boarders must have been pretty happy as well, because the only time they left was if they were moving from the area. I did kick one boarder out, she was my first boarder. It was very frustrating that she would haul her horse 3 hours to her barrel racing trainers facility and when she returned a few days later, it was apparent that she had loaded her sweaty horse directly onto the trailer and hauled him home without rinsing him off. He would step off the trailer with dried sweat and utterly exhausted. She would tell me how her trainer would spend 2-3 hours running the horse in circles in hopes of improving his time. And then, Monday morning, he would colic. Without fail. I was unable to make her see the connection between what I regarded as abuse at the trainers and the Monday morning colics. I finally had enough and asked her to leave. <br />
Her replacement was with me almost 6 years. She left twice. A college student, she took her horse home one summer and then she tried to find a barn closer to her home. I told her I would see her in a few months. And I did. Two barns and 6 months later, she returned.<br />
When I ran the barn, I like to think that I was pretty easy going. I would feed whatever the owner wanted. The horses always had clean, good quality hay and the water buckets were dumped and cleaned daily and refilled with fresh, cool water. Water troughs were dumped daily and scrubbed of algae. The fencing was safe and kept in good repair, I always had grass and good footing. Stalls were mucked daily and bedded deeply. I blanketed in the winter and horses were hosed off in the summer. I really had no rules, other than keep the barn clean and leave things as you found it.<br />
And isn't that really what we all want as horse owners? Good feed, safe facilities, fresh water, clean stalls and ample turnout with grass? I don't think that the services I provided were above and beyond what every horse deserves. I think that is what every horse and its owner pays for and should receive.<br />
So why is it so hard to find a barn that cheerfully offers these basic services? <br />
When I gave up the lease on my barn and became a boarder again, I admit, it was hard going from having total control of your place to placing the care of your beloved horse in someone else's hands.<br />
I found I had to make a list of what was most important for me. Besides the obvious, which I mentioned already. Because I have a "special needs" horse, it was important to find a barn that would adhere to his diet (Tucker has EPSM. His diet was planned by a vet and is crucial to his well-being) and due to his extreme allergies to bugs, he could not ever be turned out at night. That was hard, as most barns in Florida turn out at night during the hot summer months, and finding a barn that would bring him in by noon and not leave him out all day in the heat and storms, was hard to come by. It seemed that I had to choose either option A or option B and there was no wiggle room.<br />
Finding those 2 criteria meant that perhaps some of my "basic" requirements" may have to take a back seat. The trick is to find what you can live with and what you can't.<br />
After a few moves (one barn quickly went down the tubes as the manager decided that running a barn was hard work, another barn decided not to be flexible with turnout), I found a setting that was a bit of a drive for me, but allowed Tucker to eat what he wanted and go out during the daytime. But fencing sucked (they did have hot wire, so I was able to live with the unsafe fencing) and I had to understand that I would have to clean my buckets (and eventually dump them daily when that stopped happening), that the stall was not going to be immaculately cleaned (just add some additional time to the barn visit, and go over the stall yourself) and dump and clean the troughs yourself. This worked fine until the care unexplicably and utterly deteriorated. Then it became a situation where boarders were teaming up to cover for one another if one of us had to be out of town. We knew horses would not have buckets topped off during the heat of the day, they might be forgotten and left out in the heat or a storm, hay might be forgotten and god knows what else. For months, we covered for one another, until one by one, we were able to find new barns. During that time, manure and fly management ceased to exist, grass turned into sand and weeds (and some toxic weeds for some fields), and the suddenly quiet and happy barn turned into nightmare with boarders complaining nonstop and weekly arguments between boarder and barn management. My happy place was no longer a fun and happy place. Some boarders were lucky and found great barns, others were not so lucky and went from one hell hole to another. I stuck it out longer than some other boarders because I had to stick to my list and I did not want to trade one set of problems for another. <br />
I finally found THE perfect boarding barn and moved Tucker there last May. And it hit me. I finally realized what THE perfect boarding barn was all about!<br />
You see, at the barn I am at now, there are boarders who have been there for TWENTY years! One doesn't have to be a genius to know what the secret is.<br />
It is all about giving the <em>paying customer</em> what they are paying for! Just as I used to give my <em>paying customer</em> what they were paying for, so does this barn. There was no question about what I was feeding Tucker. When I was looking into new barns, I actually had a barn owner tell me that Tucker would be just fine eating what the other 19 horses in her barn ate, never mind his EPSM or what the vet said. The arrogance on the other end of the line was mind boggling and I quickly ended our conversation. Not only could Tucker eat what he wanted, but EVERYTHING on my list was being checked off: morning turnout, check. water buckets cleaned daily and replenished with cool water, check. Good quality hay, check. Stalls cleaned daily, check. Pasture, manure and fly management, check, check, check. Lots of grass, safe turnout and no weedy fields? Three more checks. <br />
And because the barn owner was giving her <em>paying customers</em> what they wanted, I noticed something amazing. There is so much respect and love and admiration for this barn owner, that when something happens (dog sick, gotta run to the vet; sick/injured horse, hurricane approaching), boarders appear almost from thin air to help! With the approaching hurricane last week, numerous boarders showed up to help finish barn chores and get the barn safe. The son of one boarder appeared first thing the following morning and picked up the tree branches that were blocking the driveway and disappeared before anyone knew he was there. I have never once heard a boarder complain, and there is no barn drama whatsoever. <br />
When I travel, I get text messages letting me know Tucker is fine. I get cute photos of my barn cat Hobbs, whom everyone has fallen in love with! We meet up for lunch and breakfast and when a boarders horse died recently, there was a collection taken up for a donation to the Morris Animal Foundation to help find a cure for cushings, the disease responsible for this horses death. <br />
So what are clues to finding THE perfect boarding barn? <br />
Well for starters, ask how long other boarders have been there. Is there a trend of longevity or is it a revolving door policy? If the barn is advertising every month for stalls available, that could be a clue. The barn I am at does not need to advertise. My farrier, vet and a local tack store owner all recommended this place. I just had to wait 6 months for an opening. I had never even heard of this barn, yet one of the local dressage judges boards here, so I knew that is must be a good place. So just because you have never heard of a place or seen it advertised, don't think that THE perfect place doesn't exist!<br />
It goes without saying that you need to visit the barn and I suggest making a few visits. One barn I moved to looked great when I first checked it out, but when I moved my horses there 2 months later, the weeds were overgrown, there was trash everywhere and the tack room was a disaster. <br />
When you visit, speak to boarders and listen carefully! They may be reluctant to tell you that they are unhappy, but you may be able to pick up clues from what they are telling you. <br />
And of course, look at the horses. Are they in good health? Happy? Stalls clean, pastures in good condition? If a potential barn owner cannot accommodate you to stop in and visit within a timely manner, or they keep rescheduling or giving excuses, then something is wrong, especially if they are advertising for boarders.<br />
If you are unhappy at your current farm, be sure to do your homework and evaluate a new barn very carefully. You do not want to go from a bad situation to one worse. I have many horror stories to relate of both myself and friends who ended up in worse situations. And be sure to ask friends, your farrier, your vet and even the local tack store what they have to say about a potential barn. And ask them if they can recommend a place if you are having a hard time finding one on your own.<br />
If every barn owner and manager gave their paying customer what they are entitled to, there would be a lot more perfect barns and a lot less grumbling and barn drama!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYjCKJQAUYpNzop68vt4cBgWN51MCTMnki4f_YRvR_hKRvAgprWiDwvxqYiqygvMdR4k0hrKgKQryKLA8Rgv1r-lGXJ9L12TR2mVig36Zra9im_eSgo1wr5eKRmydTfxGBO-FYPoJBw0A/s1600/RKFarm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYjCKJQAUYpNzop68vt4cBgWN51MCTMnki4f_YRvR_hKRvAgprWiDwvxqYiqygvMdR4k0hrKgKQryKLA8Rgv1r-lGXJ9L12TR2mVig36Zra9im_eSgo1wr5eKRmydTfxGBO-FYPoJBw0A/s320/RKFarm.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The perfect barn will have clean and safe aisleways, which besides looking nice, help keep flies away.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6wls3Fq4caafSqhaWlyEMgAk6PegVNsMudvhEXf3dwH7kppFc9SmKoKJzf8wT7UVnkMyg5u3L0-_SikBBXKlS6v__WuAy5br8OpFXtYtUZ9R4smFLsOhiKdspxzdtN62FEhSrTg6c_is/s1600/RKFarm1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6wls3Fq4caafSqhaWlyEMgAk6PegVNsMudvhEXf3dwH7kppFc9SmKoKJzf8wT7UVnkMyg5u3L0-_SikBBXKlS6v__WuAy5br8OpFXtYtUZ9R4smFLsOhiKdspxzdtN62FEhSrTg6c_is/s320/RKFarm1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The perfect barn will have ample grass, no weeds, and safe fencing. The horses should be fat and shiny and happy!</td></tr>
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<br />TheSecretChronicleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05749616205918415902noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6716329335608157521.post-64147740723186301692016-09-26T13:40:00.004-07:002016-09-26T13:40:43.399-07:00Fall Is Coming And We Venture Out For Some XC Fun!It may be hotter than hades, but by the time we make it to Labor Day weekend, I realize that I have survived another brutal summer, and while the days are still hot and humid, the mornings are staying cooler longer....it is 83 degrees at 10 am rather than 95 degrees, and the evenings are cool enough to resume walking the dogs.<br />
It really helped my attitude this year in that my husband and I traveled to Charlottesville, Virginia over Labor Day for a wedding and then spent a few days at our daughter's in Arlington...which meant a trip to Middleburg! Being able to see the first pumpkins of the season and eat freshly harvested apples, really helped to put me in the mood and for once, when we returned to Florida, I did not gripe about how hot it was.<br />
When I saw the post on facebook, that Marcea, my eventing trainer, was planning an outing to the Florida Horse Park for some cross country schooling, I immediately replied that I was coming. I contacted my friend, Tuesday, to let her know that I would be by to pick her and her horse up at 8 am and that she did not have the option of not going!<br />
I have not schooled Tucker over cross country since last spring, our last outing was to a schooling show at Rocking Horse Stables in late May and I have been barely making it through each hot, humid and miserable summer day, looking forward to cooler weather. While I have been to the horse park as a spectator and vendor, I had never had the opportunity to school or show there, so I was ready for an adventure!<br />
There were 9 of us, including Marcea. It was a bigger group than I was used to, but we were mostly riding at the same level, so it wasn't really an issue. Tuesday, who has only been the in the states for about s year, was not sure about what it meant to go schooling with a group, as apparently, things are done differently in the U.K. Her mount, Nebo, a very talented Thoroughbred, is green and was feeling quite fresh and full of himself. About halfway into our schooling, as we were practicing drops and banks, Tuesday echoed my sentiments, in that it was great going out in a school with an instructor, as we were being pushed and jumping things that we probably would not consider jumping if we were by ourselves. We spent nearly 3 hours tackling the hills, valleys, drops, ditches and water complex that make up the Florida Horse Park. Located just an hour north of Rocking Horse, the terrain is pretty similar, but the park is creative in how they have added valleys and change of terrain to make it different.<br />
Tucker was very excited to be out on the course. He tackled everything with his usual gusto. Our only hesitancy came at the ditch...when Marcea asked for the first rider, we immediately volunteered, but as we neared the ditch, I realized it was a bit wider than the one we normally jumped at Rocking Horse. Tucker slammed on the brakes and then, not able to decide whether to jump it or walk it, he managed to step down into the ditch with his left foreleg and down onto the other side with his right. I thought for sure we were going down, but he quickly recovered, and we jumped the ditch a few more times without incident. I think that of all the jumps, the ditch will always be the one I dislike the most, and exactly for the reason above...I have a deep fear of the horse falling into the ditch. <br />
I have to insert just one bit of complaint about the day...now I love the people who event, they are one of the reasons I was drawn to the sport, with their generosity and helpful attitude, something you rarely see at hunter shows. In the past, of all the years that I have been cross country schooling, everyone has been very considerate of their fellow eventers, waiting their turn or going to another part of the course to school.<br />
I was dismayed to see riders who disregarded the fact that we were a group with an instructor, and would regularly cut in front of one of our riders to jump a line. This happened over and over. The offenders were mostly from the same few, who were also riding in a group with an instructor. At one point, while I was coming through a valley and up the other side, I actually had to yell for someone to move out of my way, as he had parked himself and his horse right in our path to a fence.<br />
Cross country courses are large areas of land, in case you hadn't noticed. There is absolutely no reason to be rude and ignore general eventing protocol and etiquette. I sincerely hope this was an isolated experience and not a trend, as there is no place for this behavior in eventing.<br />
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Other than that and with the exception that it ended up being a warmer day than I would have liked for September, it was a beautiful outing with great friends and talented horses. <br />What better way to spend a day?<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tucker after XC at the Florida Horse Park</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbQ6ksIO8zJuEbVcS05-bGRYuAEfyUkkUryaNAx0bY6UM_H3EYWpmGBLX8BbeRFZGxy8oRL_Vd-6JkMkzbFQGVSGKqNL4GlSNiBq5VZVl-HJbHUJXcPwOCcNl1yVcz-Ql2hcZN9CKZjkE/s1600/Tuckerxc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbQ6ksIO8zJuEbVcS05-bGRYuAEfyUkkUryaNAx0bY6UM_H3EYWpmGBLX8BbeRFZGxy8oRL_Vd-6JkMkzbFQGVSGKqNL4GlSNiBq5VZVl-HJbHUJXcPwOCcNl1yVcz-Ql2hcZN9CKZjkE/s320/Tuckerxc.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tucker slathered with poultice back home after XC</td></tr>
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TheSecretChronicleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05749616205918415902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6716329335608157521.post-71003564641594290382016-07-22T14:21:00.000-07:002016-07-22T15:30:37.562-07:00Product Review: Fleeceworks, Neue Schule and Total Saddle FitSo I figured I might as well review three products. Two of them are pretty new to my tack box and the other, has been around for a year.<br />
The one that has been around for a year, is the Shoulder Relief girth from Total Saddle Fit.<br />
I had never heard of the girth until last year's Rolex, when my daughter steered me toward their booth. After Rolex, I came across a great review of the girth and in the next few weeks, several friends purchased girths and were raving about them. A few weeks later in May, a box arrived from my daughter for my birthday, and it contained a Shoulder Relief girth.<br />
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Now don't laugh and ask why are they including instructions for how to put on the girth. But that first time you tighten up your new girth, you are going to want to put it on backwards, especially if you have used any belly guard girth...not that I have. But even with the D rings and common sense shouting at you to put the girth on one way, you might be like me and the second time you use it, you are going to put it on backwards. That is why they include instructions. For idiots like me.<br />
The design of the girth is to keep the saddle from interfering with the shoulder. The girth changes the position and angle of the billets and as a result, if you have a problem with your saddle sliding forward and interfering with the shoulder, this should stop that problem.<br />
I have never ridden in anything other than your standard contour girth and was quite happy with my Stubben girth. If it isn't broke, why fix it, right? I have never noticed an issue with my saddle sliding forward, but I will say, that after using the girth, I did notice freer shoulder movement. He seemed muck looser in the forehand and if possible, even softer through the back. Being a draft cross, while Tucker is a lovely mover for his breed and size, I will take any help we can get on the flat. I loved the suppleness of the leather and there was never any chaffing or rubbing...except the time I put the girth on backwards.<br />
Fast forward nearly a year. About 8 months into the daily use of the girth, I noticed that the girth was cracking and there were even small holes in the leather. Now I am anal about my tack being clean. I religiously wipe my tack down after every ride. So there really wasn't any explanation for the leather to be falling apart. I mentioned this to the reps at their booth at Rolex this past spring. They were horrified, apologized profusely and immediately sent me a replacement girth. They get a 100% for customer service.<br />
The All Purpose/Jumping girth retails for $150. Looking through the SIX pages of girths in the Dover catalog, I have concluded that this is a bargain, with some, no, make that MANY girths, retailing in the $200-$440 price range. Wow! Who knew?<br />
Based on the price, customer service, and more importantly, the results with my horse, I highly recommend this girth.<br />
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Last month, I purchased an NS or Neue Schule bit. Tucker has been improving in his dressage lessons, getting more supple, rounder and forward, but Bill Woods, my dressage instructor, suggested a different bit from the 16mm loose ring snaffle I used every day. He thought something in the 12-14mm range, perhaps a twist, might get Tucker to respond better to my aids. My friend Sandy, and her daughter, Nikki, ride in NS bits and were very impressed with them, so I decided to rack up the visa card and purchase the Tranz angled lozenge loose ring. At 14mm and with a Salox mouth, it was touted to encourage a "true, consistent contact and a higher level of responsiveness." Hmmm....sounds like exactly what I am looking for! In addition, the rounded center lozenge is set at a 20 degree angle, enabling more cleanly defined rein aids.<br />
I swapped out my bits and the first thing I noticed was a much quicker level of responsiveness to downward transitions. Halt, please. YES! was the immediate response. I felt that he was rounder, especially though the poll and he was more relaxed through the jaw. Never have I felt that this bit is severe or abusive in his mouth, something I am very concerned about. I was skeptical of these high priced bits with their fancy metals, but I have clearly learned that there is something to be said about some of these bits. There appears there is more saliva with the bit. I am not sure how to clean the Salox, so I use the SOS pad on the stainless steel rings and just wipe the Salox with a wet sponge and then rinse with clean water.<br />
The bit retails for $135. Like the girth, this appears to be a bargain! I highly recommend this bit if you are looking for more responsiveness from your horse.<br />
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Lastly, my Fleeceworks bamboo eventing saddle pad arrive this week and I love it!<br />
I am a saddle pad junkie...who isn't? My criteria is that it must be durable, breathable and fit well....I have returned many pads that simply were not long enough in both directions....I want a pad that doesn't end at the cantle and I want it to come down past the end of the saddle flaps, not stop there. I don't mind spending more than $50 on a pad, but it better last me more than a year, especially if I am rotating my pads and it is being used only once or twice a week. I have purchased fancy schmancy pads off of etsy, that looked really cool, but the binding has worn away after only a few months. Additionally, the pad has to be breathable and lightweight enough for our Florida heat and humidity and be easy to wash off or throw in the washing machine.<br />
I saw the bamboo pads at Rolex and Judith offered to send me a custom pad. I requested a white pad with navy trim. I also purchased a set of shipping wraps made in the bamboo material. I haven't had the opportunity to use them yet, but I appreciate that they are long enough for Tucker's height and appear to be lightweight. <br />
The advantage of the bamboo is that it is breathable, pulling heat and moisture through the cotton flannel and away from working muscles. It claims to be able to store 35% of its own weight in liquid, is elastic, which will provide relief from pressure points and is a sustainable, natural fiber. The quilted cotton flannel lined with bamboo offers a firm support to assist in muscle fatigue. As a result, "total protection from excess heat/moisture equals total protection against one of the top reasons for back injury in performance horses."<br />
Since Tucker has EPSM, the fact that this material claims to assist against muscle fatique is a big asset.<br />
Apparently the way it does this is by Fleeceworks placing bamboo between the horse and any foam in their saddle pads. This will draw sweat and disseminate heat through its fibers. This can not only enhance performance of the horse, it can prevent muscles from overheating. According to Fleeceworks info tab, each fiber is hollow and becomes plump and elastic as it absorbs sweat. This translates into effective relief from pressure points.<br />
Not only are the bamboo pads breathable, they are also machine washable.<br />
I have used Tucker's new pad several times this week.<br />
It looks great on him!! Functionality aside, I just love how this pad looks, with the contour eventing cut and the ample length in both directions.<br />
I was impressed with how well the pad handled his sweat and heat in our high temps and high humidity. There were no uneven marks on his hair when I removed the saddle and pad. I just hosed the pad off and it came remarkable clean for just using the hose on it.<br />
The contour pad retails for $69. For such quality and benefits, I find it well worth every penny.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here you can see a difference in the size of my old loose ring and the NS loose ring</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fleeceworks Bamboo contour eventing pad</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love the fit of the Fleeceworks Contour eventing pad! Ample room all around!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fleeceworks bamboo Contour eventing pad and Total Saddle Fit Shoulder Relief girth</td></tr>
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<strong><br /></strong>TheSecretChronicleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05749616205918415902noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6716329335608157521.post-57485892542310131392016-06-17T12:15:00.002-07:002016-06-17T12:15:28.521-07:00Surviving The HeatI unfortunately live in Florida. I am not bashful about proclaiming my hate for this state, with its lack of hills, swimming holes that don't contain a gator or two and no fireflies. Born in West Virginia and raised outside of Pittsburgh, I would leave tomorrow if I could. We have two seasons here in Florida: Hot and Warm. We used to have decent winters....heck, it has even snowed a flake or three, but it has been several years since I have had to pull out the really heavy blankets for Tucker. I miss the<em> </em>winter of 2010, when the horses were in blankets for a record 45 days straight. Ah, those were the good old days!<br />
I swear every year that summer comes earlier and earlier, probably because it has been eons since we had a long and decent spring. <br />
We have been experiencing a heat wave this week....temperatures are hitting 92 already by the time I arrive at the barn at 10am and the heat index has been averaging 110. You wouldn't think so, but it actually makes you appreciate the days when it tops out at 92 and the heat index is in the low 100's!<br />
So short of not riding your horse for 4-6 months of the year, how does one cope with horses and heat?<br />
Clothing:<br />
I was hard to convince, but I love long sleeve technical shirts. I am cooler in them because I don't have the sun baking my skin. There are plenty of options to the expensive shirts available at your local tack stores. I found some shirts last year in Target, made by Champion for under $25. Uniglo also makes their airism shirts, which retail for under $20. I don't like that they are super fitted, but I will wear one underneath a lightweight polo or t-shirt to give my arms protection from the sun.<br />
For breeches, I love Devon-Aire's All Pro line. They are available in ribbed or smooth and in a variety of rises and colors. They are much lighter than the Tuff Riders and wear much better and at under $65, they are affordable. The All Pro line is a moisture wicking, high tech fabric, perfect for hot, humid weather. I also wear Devon-Aire's Signature Madrid. They are also a high tech fabric and light weight, but cost a bit more than the All Pro's. At $109, I tend to save them for lesson days and for showing.<br />
I also make sure that I put sunscreen on my face and neck. I wish that I had been more diligent about this when I was younger, but better late than never.<br />
Hydrate!!<br />
I am a tea drinker. I drink unsweet iced tea all day long. At the barn I bring two containers, one of ice water and one of unsweet tea. I am easily bothered by the heat and my blood pressure drops quickly. It is important that I drink and I snack on Kinds granola. I like the peanut butter variety and I add in dried apricots.<br />
So what about your horse?<br />
It is important that your horse stays cool and comfortable as well. When I was younger and lived to compete and the heat didn't bother me, I thought nothing of riding in the middle of the day during the summer months. That way both my horse and myself were acclimated and were fit to compete. Nowadays, I would rather have a root canal than show in the summer (we volunteer to jump judge instead!) and there is no way that I would ride in the middle of the day. When I was on a different schedule and leased my own barn, I rode before 8 in the morning. Now I don't get on until 10. Tucker has already been out for a few hours and so I hose off his chest and legs when I bring him in (unless he is really hot and sweaty, then he gets a complete rinse off, pre-ride.) Our rides in the summer are short and sweet and to the point. Some days, if it is especially hot and humid, we just walk under the trees and focus on halt halts, leg yields, turn on haunches, etc. I always forget how beneficial it is to just walk and I sometimes feel that I have accomplished more on those days then when we actually add in trot and canter work. If there is a good breeze and I can tolerate it, we do add in more work at the other gaits, but we get to the point and I rarely ride more than 20 minutes.<br />
My horse comes first post ride. Tack is swiftly removed before I remove my helmet or gloves or check my phone for any messages ( I refuse to ride with a phone...that is my time!) Tucker is not much for drinking from a bucket if I offer him after a ride, but he will drink from the hose, so we get to the wash rack, get the water spraying on him and I offer him the hose to drink from. I make sure I rinse under his tail, not only to remove sweat, but that is an area that will help cool down your horse quickly. I was visiting at a high end show barn once and watched horse after horse be rinsed off and not once did anybody ever lift the tail. Yuck!<br />
Tucker is cooled out with some hand grazing under some shade and once I have finished up with him, he is in his stall for the rest of the day, fan on and 2 buckets of cool, fresh and clean water. Some barns prefer night turnout schedules. Due to Tucker's allergies, he only goes out during the day. In the summer, his schedule is shortened due to the heat and storms, but after a light lunch, he is content to nap until his next meal.<br />
I do offer electrolytes to Tucker in his lunch, although for him, he gets them more for his EPSM. Electrolytes help to replenish minerals that are lost during sweating. Once in his stall, he is fed lunch, which is a mash, which is a great way to get water into your horse. He is pretty good about drinking water from his buckets and I usually have to top off his buckets before I leave the barn. And speaking of water, one of my pet peeves is not having cool, clean water available for your horse. When your horse is turned out, dump out the water and fill it with fresh water. This is why I don't like big water troughs, as they are a pain to clean. I prefer using muck buckets for outdoor water troughs, as they are easy to dump and clean. By doing so, you can check for any critters that may have become stranded in the water, and you can keep the algae away. I am always shocked to see barns that do not dump the water daily and the horses are left to drink warm or even hot water. I have seen some barns where the algae was so thick in the trough that one would never know if there was a dead animal contaminating the water. If the water buckets and troughs are not something that you would want to drink out of, what makes you think your horse will? And while you are at it, put a stick or rope into the water, so a wayward squirrel or bird can get themselves out of the water.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi70raVICWSdz4dWAXWs3qFIFO69leVJw4qWrxKqZjmoB0ow5EryQcnixdg0StVJV6Nq_kq95WIhs_aid65mJRlxpK1hWuKCfzgaCu_8eQBiVjnr10dxvr2fe_Q9NsSHQUJeqrIQ_sOFSI/s1600/summerwear.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi70raVICWSdz4dWAXWs3qFIFO69leVJw4qWrxKqZjmoB0ow5EryQcnixdg0StVJV6Nq_kq95WIhs_aid65mJRlxpK1hWuKCfzgaCu_8eQBiVjnr10dxvr2fe_Q9NsSHQUJeqrIQ_sOFSI/s400/summerwear.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Champion high tech shirt & Devon-Aire All Pro breeches, help me deal with the heat!</td></tr>
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<br />TheSecretChronicleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05749616205918415902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6716329335608157521.post-61085527603402070552016-06-10T12:36:00.001-07:002016-06-12T19:20:40.003-07:00It's All About the Horse!<div>
<em><strong>(</strong>The blog below originally appeared in my other blog, Smart Horse Keeping. In an effort to consolidate my blogs, I am reposting and will be reposting other blogs from that site. You can visit my facebook page, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/CommonSenseHorseKeeping">www.facebook.com/CommonSenseHorseKeeping</a> As you can see, I changed the name on my facebook page! Enjoy!)<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvKvFfTaqBE6pckCT3fvjeEM5yXvCUUswxkCXuNxUzwQPi-eB4mbxs6S-ueo9ABIViNzjMbZiOG_vhPCne8gPUJhjBfhNXzLVo07Bp9XOOKODcoOOG9HOOEjg0JQCpa0DN1iHJdu8wehw/s1600/Lori+on+Misty+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvKvFfTaqBE6pckCT3fvjeEM5yXvCUUswxkCXuNxUzwQPi-eB4mbxs6S-ueo9ABIViNzjMbZiOG_vhPCne8gPUJhjBfhNXzLVo07Bp9XOOKODcoOOG9HOOEjg0JQCpa0DN1iHJdu8wehw/s320/Lori+on+Misty+001.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Proof that I rode before I walked!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fresh, cool water....everyday!</td></tr>
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<em><strong>It's all about the horse</strong></em>. That is why people run stables. Or at least, that should be the mantra of stable managers and owners, but unfortunately, it isn't in many cases.<br />
The purpose of this blog is to educate not only stable owners and managers about how to properly run a barn, but to educate the boarding horse owner, who should be savvy enough to know how to get the most for their dollar and to make sure that the barn believes that "<em>it is all about the horse." </em>In other words, making sure your horse is getting the best possible care. Unfortunately, many horse owners have no clue as to basic horsemanship and rely on the words of someone who may or may not have an idea of how to run a barn.<br />
What makes me qualified to tackle this topic?<br />
I have been involved with horses my entire life. My grandparents had a 38 acre farm outside of Pittsburgh, and Grandpa always made sure there were horses around for me to enjoy. My grandparents and my mother all rode and my grandfather was my first mentor in the horse world. Many of his remedies are outdated (like giving a horse tobacco to worm him) but other lessons I learned from him still hold true today, such as feeding a better quality feed will save you money in vet bills down the road and horses should have clean and cool water available all the time. <br />
When we moved to Florida, and I was able to get my own horse, since money was very tight, I had to go the partial boarding route, which meant learning how to muck stalls, choosing the right nutrional program and how to keep my horse safe and sound so as to avoid costly vet bills.<br />
Eventually, I could afford full board. But I was never happy with this arrangement. There were always some concession, and it was my horse who paid the price. Cheaper feed, cheaper hay. Limited turnout. No shavings on mats. Services paid for that weren't delivered. And I wasn't the only one. Other people I spoke to were not happy with their boarding arrangements, but due to work, family, etc., they had no other options.<br />
The stories I heard, not to mention my personal encounters, were jaw dropping:<br />
Boarders who paid premium prices, only to have supplements sit unopened on the feed room shelf, never fed to their horse.<br />
Stables who took the liberty of keeping horses drugged to make them easier to handle.<br />
Horses fed the wrong feed.<br />
Colicing and injured horses that owners were never notified of until after the fact.<br />
Stable workers who were abusive to horses.<br />
Boarders who paid for trainers to ride their horses, which never happened.<br />
Water buckets that are never dumped, are full of hot water and slime.<br />
Unfortunately, the list goes on and on.<br />
Over the years, I have seen it all. Many of the above examples I personally experienced. Too many people think that having a barn is fun and glamorous and exciting. Then reality sets in. It is hard work. You are on call 24/7. In all kinds of weather. And it is expensive to run a barn. Feed is expensive. Shavings cost money. Things break. Things break ALL THE TIME!<br />
So barn owners start cutting corners. They forget that <em>its all about the horse.</em> They feed cheap feed. Cheap hay. Provide less bedding. And unfortunately, it is the horse that pays the price. They lose weight. Their condition level suffers. Their coat becomes dull. They become injured or sick.<br />
So while the barn owner thinks that they are saving money, in the long run, the owner is losing money, because now their vet bills have increased or they are no longer competitve at horseshows.<br />
It's like the person who puts cheap gas in their car or doesn't bother maintaining it with regular service. In the long run, you will have expensive repair bills. Same theory applies to the care of your horse. Take good care of him now, and you can avoid expensive expenses down the road.<br />
I have managed my own barn, managed barns for others and run a non-profit horse rescue. I have been involved with the United States Pony Club, which is in my opinion, the greatest youth equine association on earth. The lessons learned are endless and I love that they put the emphasis on horsemanship, not competing. <br />
And so, I hope to compile what I have learned, and share it with my fellow horseman, whether you are new to horses or an old pro. We are never to old to learn! Please share your boarding stories with me, either as a manager/owner or a boarder.<br />
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TheSecretChronicleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05749616205918415902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6716329335608157521.post-65285700817692030562016-05-31T13:34:00.001-07:002016-06-01T04:38:48.726-07:00Why Are We Showing In The Heat? But We Did It!!As I blogged last week, I had entered Tucker in the Rocking Horse Stables schooling trials. I had missed the winter season and summer was upon us, and I really wanted to attend, 1) so we could say we had finally gotten to a trial this year, 2) to focus on show jumping and dressage and 3) so we could push ourselves a little in the heat.<br />
I hate the heat. I hate Florida, and I hate summer in Florida. Since menopause, it has gotten harder and harder to tolerate the heat and there is nothing more torturous than trying to ride when it is 95 degrees out and you are experiencing a hot flash! I admit I am a total wimp when it comes to the heat. I will take snow and ice over the heat...and yes, I am from the north, so I know what winter is like.<br />
The week leading up to Rocking Horse was actually decent, but of course, Saturday morning, the day of the show, summer officially arrived and it was just plain miserable, even at 9am as I was loading Tucker. To make matters worse, I had eaten something the night before that disagreed with me and I had a good case of show jitters. Not a good way to start the day.<br />
We arrived at the show and as luck would have it, they were behind schedule in the stadium ring. Figures.<br />
We did a short warm up...the sweet thing about Tucker is that he doesn't need much jumping. He is uncomplicated and thankfully, we can get the job done without a lot of sweat before hand.<br />
I had entered the 2'6 and 2'11 classes, with no expectations, other than to work on my form, our leads and my head game. I used to love jumpers, did it for years on my Sir Tally, but being out of it for years started to cause my brain to play mental games....I am always worried of making a total fool of myself, whether by missing a distance, knocking a rail or just by having bad form. Watching the 2' class erased most of those fears, as I watched some really bad rounds. I only hope that they were beginner riders, but shame on their trainer for bringing a rider to a show who has no idea of how to release and is yanking the mouths of their mounts. I felt pretty confident as I entered the ring, but had absolutely no expectations, other than to enjoy the ride.<br />
And we did, as we hit every distance. We didn't get every lead, but I had the presence to ask for simple changes and get them. We didn't have Marcea school us, but I think I did her proud and followed her instructions for riding into the corner and flexing him to the outside, which helped for a straight approach. All was great until about the 3rd from last jump, when I think Tucker and I both had the same revelation, which was that it was wicked hot and what the hell were we doing? I decided in a split second that I had nothing to prove to anybody by trying to ride in the heat. We somehow finished the last three jumps, though I doubt it was pretty! We finished clean.<br />
By the time I got back to the barn, to wait for the next class, which was an hour away, I decided to scratch. I was hot and light headed and feeling a bit miserable. I was pleased with how our class had gone and decided to just ride our dressage test.<br />
Thankfully, there was a bit of a breeze for our test. We rode BN B. When we finished, the judge asked me what size circles I was doing. She said that they weren't 20 meters but that they weren't 15 meters. I just laughed and patted Tucker as we exited. I thought our circles were on the mark, but who knows? We did receive a 33 for our test, a personal best, so I was happy. <br />
When I went to collect our test, I took a gander at the results board. While we were just out of the ribbons for our test...first place was a 24....we did win the jumper class! <br />
And what did I wear? Well, lucky me, my Devon-Aire Signature Granada field boots arrived on Thursday. I have been riding in boots that are a size too big and didn't realize how much it affected my leg until I rode in the new boots! What a difference! And they are so comfortable! They felt completely broken in on Saturday. I wore my tan Madrids and the navy Ariat shirt. I think I looked pretty fashionable!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blue looks good on Tucker!</td></tr>
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TheSecretChronicleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05749616205918415902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6716329335608157521.post-76874392932387952282016-05-26T06:07:00.000-07:002017-09-05T17:30:57.916-07:00Disaster Planning for the Horse Owner<strong>*UPDATE*</strong><br />
September, 2017:<br />
Hurricane Harvey hit Texas last week with devastating effects that will take years to recover from. The only good news was that the people learned their lessons from Hurricane Katrina and animals had more of a priority in evacuations this time around. The downside was that horses, cows and other livestock were not quite so lucky. While many horse owners did evacuate, there were those who were caught off guard and to this day, animals are still be rescued from the floodwaters.<br />
With Hurricane Irma looming not so far off the coast of Florida, with no definitive set landfall location, it is encouraging to see that many horse owners are being proactive now and ready to evacuate. There are two excellent facebook sites:<br />
Florida Equine Evacuations Locations <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/346108115474253/?fref=mentions">https://www.facebook.com/groups/346108115474253/?fref=mentions</a><br />
and<br />
East Coast Equine Evacuation and Assistance Group <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/EAST.COAST.EQUINE.EVACUATION.AND.ASSISTANCE/?fref=mentions&pnref=story">https://www.facebook.com/groups/EAST.COAST.EQUINE.EVACUATION.AND.ASSISTANCE/?fref=mentions&pnref=story</a><br />
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<br />
These sites provide excellent resources for anyone needing to evacuate or for those with trailers and stabling to offer.<br />
<br />
<br />
Remember! Better safe and sorry. You cannot wait until the last minute to evacuate with horses and livestock.<br />
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<br />
This is a repeat of a blog that I wrote a few years ago. As the DC for our pony club, I would invite the local fire department to come out to the barn every year and talk about disaster planning. On a side note, every farm owner should invite their local firemen to come out to the barn. They will inspect your barn and tell you what improvements need to be made. They will also welcome the opportunity to learn how to halter and lead horses, something which could someday save the life of your horse.<br />
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Pictures from Hurricane Charley in Central Florida, 2004:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV6zvsKvaToKOlZ1ZfJz45Y3hVaf2pUKD2kxvEgH9U6A8oVRowvPCuwFPb1IR1_Zsws3HTtADR85ZR3WA3hRxWuBKOUzZyD4ZioJww9sDmzeQMv52a48pS5k7_gfeXbhgUTkZP-amOHRA/s1600/hurricane+charley+001.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5723844449664472130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV6zvsKvaToKOlZ1ZfJz45Y3hVaf2pUKD2kxvEgH9U6A8oVRowvPCuwFPb1IR1_Zsws3HTtADR85ZR3WA3hRxWuBKOUzZyD4ZioJww9sDmzeQMv52a48pS5k7_gfeXbhgUTkZP-amOHRA/s320/hurricane+charley+001.jpg" style="display: block; height: 211px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a> <br />
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<br />
<br />
<strong>Disaster Planning</strong><br />
<br />
Blizzards in October. Hurricanes and flooding in Vermont. Tornadoes in the mountains. Sound like the latest disaster movie? No, unfortunately, that was the weather pattern last year in the United States. Hundreds of people and countless animals were killed, injured and left homeless. Ironically, Florida was one of the few states to not experience a natural disaster in 2011. But don’t let our quiet year fool you. That just means we are one year closer to our next big disaster. Will it be 2012? There is a good chance that we will be affected by a hurricane or tornadoes. We are already in a drought and experiencing wild fires.<br />
No matter where you live, you need to have a disaster plan, not only for your home, but for your horses. Do you?<br />
It isn’t that hard to plan one. The first thing you need to do is to identify what type of disasters your area may be subjected to. For Floridians, that means hurricanes, flooding, tornadoes and wildfires. Unfortunately, we don’t have much notice to inact an emergency plan with the<br />
latter two, so it is all the more important to know what to do when Mother Nature comes calling.<br />
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<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>Hurricanes, Tornadoes and Floods</strong><br />
<br />
Should I stay or should I go? No, not a question posed by the rock group The Clash, it is a serious question that you need to address in the event of a hurricane.<br />
Usually, we will have several days notice of an impending hurricane. Except in 2004, when those of us in Central Florida had only 6 hours notice to prepare, when Hurricane Charlie suddenly changed its course. If you are going to evacuate, you need to do so when the first evacuation order is issued. Otherwise, if you wait until the last moment, you may find yourself sitting in a parking lot of bumper to bumper cars on the interstate. Identify what will cause you to leave. For me, living in the Orlando area, it would have to be a category 3 or 4, coming in along Cocoa Beach, to force me to leave. Another major factor to consider is whether or not you are in a flood zone. How close are you to a river or lake? Tropical Storm Fay in 2008 caused major widespread flooding for weeks. Many horses in Hurricane Katrina that were left behind, suffered a horrible death when their barns flooded. Remember, wherever you decide to evacuate to, the aftermath of the storm will most likely follow you, short of heading out of Florida and then going further west.<br />
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<br />
If you leave:<br />
<br />
Take all your animals with you. Don’t leave any animal behind, you don’t know when you will return and it isn’t a good idea to leave their care in someone else’s hands.<br />
<br />
Make sure your vehicle is gassed up and ready to go.<br />
<br />
Keep important papers in your truck: vet records, identification and proof of ownership. In a disaster, health certificates are usually waived. Make sure your animals are current on their coggins and vaccinations.<br />
<br />
Bring along enough hay and feed for several days. Have extra water in your trailer.<br />
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Bring your evacuation kit (below).<br />
<br />
Know where you are going. Before hurricane season hits, research places that you can evacuate to. Don’t assume that showgrounds or other facilities will be open for evacuees.<br />
<br />
Know back roads. Major roads become clogged very quickly.<br />
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Staying put? There is a lot to do to get ready, but you can do it!<br />
<br />
The biggest question many horse owners want to know is, what to do with my horse? If I stay, do I leave my horse in or out? This is a topic discussed time and time again on countless bulletin boards.<br />
Ask yourself, is your horse better left inside or out?<br />
<br />
Look at your barn construction. In the event of strong winds, is your roof likely to blow off or collapse inward? Metal roofs will blow off. In the event of a collapse, what will fall on your horse? Concrete walls or 2x4’s? Is there a hayloft overhead with hay and equipment that can fall on your horse? If you turn your horse out, you have to consider that in 100 mph plus winds, even the smallest object becomes a flying missile. Tree branches, jump cups, buckets, blown off roof tops, will all cause serious injuries and fatalities to horses. Are there electrical wires near your fields?<br />
What about your fencing? If you leave your horse out, ideally, there should be at least 2 perimeters of fencing, as downed fencing is a reality. In Hurricane Andrew, many horses that survived the storm, later died because of downed power lines in their fields and broken fencing which allowed them to escape and to be hit by vehicles. This is something you need to consider not only in a hurricane, but in an approaching tornado. Don’t assume that your horse can<br />
outrun a tornado! They can’t! Nobody can.<br />
The bottom line is, whether you leave your horse in or out is a decision that you need to make, based on your facilities. Personally, I will take my chances with a collapsing barn rather than leaving them out in the elements. In one of the many tornadoes that touched down last year, one farm in North Carolina lost all of their horses that were outside. The stalled horses all survived, save for one. The truth is, in a storm such is Andrew of Katrina, there is only one good answer, and that is to evacuate!<br />
Once you identify where your horse will ride out the storm, you have a lot of work to do:<br />
<br />
Fill every bucket, trash can and other containers with water.<br />
<br />
Pick up enough extra hay and feed to last at least a week. Cover it with a tarp.<br />
<br />
Pick up and store every possible object that isn’t tied down. Knock jumps over.<br />
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Plan on identifying your horse with at least 2 methods.<br />
These include:<br />
<br />
Body marking with livestock paint. Available at Tractor Supply. Put your address and a phone # on the side of the horse.<br />
<br />
Painting hooves with phone #.<br />
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Neck banding.<br />
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ID tag on halters<br />
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Braid ID tag into mane or tail. Use a small baggie with emergency information.<br />
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When using a phone number, it is best to include your # and<br />
a number of a friend of relative who lives out of the area, as there is a good chance that local lines and cell lines are not working . Just make sure the person is aware that you are using their phone number!<br />
Never, never, never attach your horses coggins to his body. Many horses were stolen after Katrina because they had their coggins attached to them. This gives the founder of the horse an instant pass over state lines.<br />
Make sure you keep current photos along with your horses coggins in your personal files, so that you can identify your horses, should they become missing.<br />
It is a good idea to use 2 methods of ID, and leave a halter on your horse. It is also advisable to attach reflective tape to the halter, in case your horse gets loose in the dark.<br />
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<br />
<strong>Wildfires</strong><br />
<br />
To me, wildfires are the scariest disaster, as they can occur in an instant. All it takes is for one inconsiderate person to throw their cigarette butt out a car window and disaster can result.<br />
If conditions are prime for a wildfire in your area, be prepared to evacuate at a moments notice. Do not wait! Fire officials will close down roads making evacuation impossible. Therefore, it is a good idea to have your truck gassed and the trailer hooked up and ready to go. Have your<br />
evacuation kit packed, including feed and hay.<br />
To safeguard against wildfires and to protect your farm:<br />
<br />
Keep shrubs and palmettoes 50’ from your barn.<br />
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Have tranquilizers ready. Low flying helicopters, smoke and fire trucks may agitate your horse and make loading difficult.<br />
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And make sure that your horse knows how to load!<br />
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Now is the time to prepare your evacuation kit! <br />
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<strong>Evacuation Kit:</strong><br />
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3-7 day supply of feed, hay and water<br />
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Bandanna’s (blindfolds)<br />
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Batteries<br />
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Blankets<br />
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Copies of vet records, coggins and proof of<br />
ownership<br />
<br />
Duct tape<br />
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Emergency contact list<br />
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First Aid kit<br />
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Flashlight<br />
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Fly Spray<br />
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Heavy gloves<br />
<br />
Hoof instruments<br />
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Instructions for feeding and medications<br />
<br />
Knife<br />
<br />
Leg wraps<br />
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Maps of local and alternative evacuation routes<br />
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Medications<br />
<br />
Non-nylon halters and cotton leads<br />
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Paper towels<br />
<br />
Plastic trash cans with lids (to store water and<br />
feed)<br />
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Radio<br />
<br />
Rope<br />
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Shovel<br />
<br />
Tarps<br />
<br />
Trash bags<br />
<br />
Twitch<br />
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Water and feed buckets<br />
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Wire cutters<br />
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Water purifier (bleach)<br />
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Disaster can strike at any moment in time. Know what can occur in your<br />
area. Blizzards and earthquakes also require forethought.<br />
Be a smart horse owner and plan now!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP9JWzCbDKHLLE2JA0Ikm28y5kWhIzYFBlxa-ItpkEIbi2A-CUs792XKJEow0s9dPjcn7yC6m6tIh1-hHGy3UZ9bCz49stXEzhpshV_BpNxSwY8-okrqMwzHlVg7-QcXnkdwZzjLCg9TY/s1600/storm+damage+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP9JWzCbDKHLLE2JA0Ikm28y5kWhIzYFBlxa-ItpkEIbi2A-CUs792XKJEow0s9dPjcn7yC6m6tIh1-hHGy3UZ9bCz49stXEzhpshV_BpNxSwY8-okrqMwzHlVg7-QcXnkdwZzjLCg9TY/s400/storm+damage+003.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Horses with their emergency info still painted on them, the day after Hurrican Charley hit Central Florida. This was near Winter Park.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ID tags can be made at any pet store for under $10. Laminated luggage tags from Kinko's for $2. Make sure your info is updated and correct. Include at least 2 phone #'s, stable address, vet info and any medical issues your horse may have. Braid luggage tag into mane or tail, attach pet tag to leather halter.</td></tr>
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TheSecretChronicleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05749616205918415902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6716329335608157521.post-25605030030094888842016-05-24T13:53:00.000-07:002016-05-25T04:53:01.252-07:00Happy Birthday, Tucker!!<div style="border-image: none;">
Tucker turns 13 today! Gosh, a teenager in the barn! Unlike human teens, however, he is full of wisdom, he has no interest in talking back, and he is not embarrassed to be seen with me!</div>
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Where did the time go? I can't believe that he has been a part of my life for 12 and a half years. I like to think that the next 13 years are going to just be even better and full of lots of adventures! I have learned so much from him, whether it is stuff I would rather not have had to experience (EPSM, allergies, habronemas), or things that I can't get enough of (dressage...who knew!), my time with Tucker has been a valuable learning experience, helping to shape me to become a better horsewoman every day!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdnDdqsuqK4T3_ZqwP9QALjFpw19_srYASs_9gzqjaty_2Hp_9GyL48f4TZp-Kh9QdLjKh2LD_yviGkOP0RP0tSN2kGi1bd5EICpx1Nb4TMTHHB9L7fDXgxUb2aEZAkJoBd4y62U_WiZY/s1600/Tucker+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdnDdqsuqK4T3_ZqwP9QALjFpw19_srYASs_9gzqjaty_2Hp_9GyL48f4TZp-Kh9QdLjKh2LD_yviGkOP0RP0tSN2kGi1bd5EICpx1Nb4TMTHHB9L7fDXgxUb2aEZAkJoBd4y62U_WiZY/s320/Tucker+003.jpg" width="220" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tucker at 6 months old, just after arriving in Florida</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tucker at 3 months old, his photo on the adoption website</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Johnnie Showtime, Tucker's sire</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tucker's first birthday</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tucker's first ride at 3 years old</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tucker as a yearling</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our first horse trials</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our first horse trials</td></tr>
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TheSecretChronicleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05749616205918415902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6716329335608157521.post-2877719359142910462016-05-24T13:30:00.001-07:002016-05-24T14:01:44.165-07:00We're Going To A Show! Now What Do I Wear?<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5I5lM8PNZDFjo-r2068xyxXnxTHGXltajueenKwtMGq9f8uuJLqGsVIcUaKQSdSdLMeWNXHO_NAcFTmkfeymIxd-waukbzWgUqTAYWJNwDZgNcPgOWnBKZAQM3XtzgtEa7ooLl34pFpU/s1600/Tuckerdressage1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5I5lM8PNZDFjo-r2068xyxXnxTHGXltajueenKwtMGq9f8uuJLqGsVIcUaKQSdSdLMeWNXHO_NAcFTmkfeymIxd-waukbzWgUqTAYWJNwDZgNcPgOWnBKZAQM3XtzgtEa7ooLl34pFpU/s320/Tuckerdressage1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wearing my navy Madrids</td></tr>
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So the story of my life is that as much as I love to show (or used to, anyhow), I haven't really been to many shows with Tucker. Work, my health, his health, being poor...blah, blah, blah. <br />
We got through the EPSM episodes and I threw myself into dressage lessons with Bill Woods and this year was able to connect with Marcea Funk at Rocking Horse for our cross country and jumping lessons. We were entered in a schooling show last December, just a month coming off an injury to his front left ankle but while he had been sound and appeared on the mend, I pulled him up after our 3rd jump, not liking how he felt. <br />
We pretty much missed our eventing season, which in Florida, is from January to March for recognized events, so we entered the March trials, only for him to come up lame 3 days before the show. Hmmm....was my always sound horse trying to tell me that he didn't want to compete? I was feeling paranoid!<br />
So fast forward, the month of May comes to an end next week...and my husband Peter, myself and Tucker, all May babies, will be another year older. I have been preaching about trying to start making myself deal with this horrid heat and how I want to focus on our dressage and show jumping, so I decided to put my money where my mouth is, and I entered a schooling show at Rocking Horse this weekend. That, and my friend Tuesday kind of pressured me into going with her. Nothing like peer pressure! We are NOT doing cross country however...it is just too hot for that. One test (USEA BN2) and 2 stadium rounds ( 2'6 and 2'11) will be plenty.<br />
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We had our first dressage lesson since March this morning. I picked Bill's brain, as I have never done a dressage schooling show. Do I have to braid Tucker's mane? (No, but I just might anyhow!) And the biggest questions: What can I wear? I have the lovely Devon-Aire Madrids in navy, tan or charcoal. Are they acceptable? Yes, Bill assured me. But, he cautioned me: wear dark breeches with a light shirt or light breeches with a dark shirt. NO pink or purple and please don't wear black breeches and a black shirt, especially on a black horse. No Zorro or Batman styling. As a judge, he has seen it all! So! What do I wear? I am limited on my tops. I have a beautiful Ariat Sunstopper shirt in navy with white polka dots, but it seems to have disappeared. </div>
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Ariats Sunstopper Shirt</div>
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I wore it last week, now I cannot find it. I have taken to changing clothes at the barn, since I have a new car, with leather seats, and I want to keep it looking new a little while longer, but the shirt is not at the barn. I am sure I will find it. So I am thinking of pairing that shirt with the tan breeches. With my Mango Bay eventing belt in blue. Or, I could wear the charcoal breeches but I would have to get a white shirt. I have ratcatchers, but without a coat, or even with a coat, they don't seem like a very fashionable option anymore. And speaking of coats....I know it will be hot and it will take every thing I have to ride a 3 minute test without passing out from the heat, but the really vain side of me does want to wear my coat. I hate my post menopause bloating that won't go away and I really would like to hide it with a coat. That is one nice thing about the Ariat shirt...I normally refuse to buy anything Ariat (and I didn't buy this, it was a gift!) but this shirt is not form fitting so I feel that it hides the belly a little better than other shirts of similar styles. Oh, #eventerproblems! </div>
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As for our lesson? As Bill put it, accuracy, check, impulsion, check. Roundness...well, lets just say it is still a work in progress. Bill would like to be able to check that off, sooner than later. He suggested a different bit for schooling. Tucker goes in a loose ring snaffle, for both dressage and jumping. Bill thinks a skinnier snaffle or even a twist will get a little more respect from Tucker for a more immediate reaction to my asking him to round. Our test this weekend will be a good verification of where we are and what our summer goals need to be. Stay tuned.....</div>
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<br />TheSecretChronicleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05749616205918415902noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6716329335608157521.post-11113658703046129002016-05-15T12:52:00.000-07:002016-05-15T18:12:52.477-07:00I am Going To The Grocery Store....For The Horse!Several of us were talking today at the barn about the many items that we buy at Target or the grocery store... for our horses. Some of these are items that nobody would think twice about...except that the cashier or bagger may think it odd that you are buying enough gauze pads to patch up a literal army of wounded soldiers, while other items are embarrassing enough when you buy one of. When you are buying multiple tubes of Prep-H...extra strength and in large tubes....well, you may see a raised eyebrow or a smirk.<br />
Chances are when you see someone ahead of you with some of these items, you know that they are probably a horse person and you can commiserate with them!<br />
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The Raised Eye Brow/Giggle List:<br />
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<ul>
<li>Multiple tubes of Preparation H, extra strength and largest size (great for closing wounds that can't be sutured)</li>
<li>Multiple packs of maxi pads, extra strength (for packing hooves, stop bleeding wounds)</li>
<li>Multiple cases of beer, especially at 7:00 in the morning (for non-sweaters)</li>
<li>KY Jelly (sheath cleaning)</li>
<li>Desitin (wounds)</li>
<li>Vaseline </li>
<li>Tucks wipes (sores, fungus)</li>
</ul>
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Then there are the items which, well, lets say you put all of the following items on the conveyor belt, you can be sure that the cashier is going to be curious:<br />
<ul>
<li>WD-40 (great to remove tangled tails)</li>
<li>Duct tape</li>
<li>Electrical tape</li>
<li>Zip Ties</li>
<li>Athletic foot ointment (fungus)</li>
<li>Saran Wrap (poultice)</li>
<li>Baggies</li>
<li>Baby Oil</li>
<li>Vicks</li>
</ul>
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And then there is the list that no matter how many times my husband is with me, I STILL have to explain why I am getting these:<br />
<ul>
<li>Multiple packs of organic applesauce (every time he reminds me that the kids are grown!)</li>
<li>Apple Cider vinegar (fly control)</li>
<li>Diapers (see applesauce) (same use as maxi pads)</li>
<li>SOS pads (clean bits)</li>
<li>Castille soap (leather cleaner)</li>
<li>Listerine (we don't use that kind he tells me) (dandruff, linament)</li>
<li>Large gauze pads, usually multiple boxes</li>
<li>Betadine</li>
<li>Saline </li>
<li>Hydro cortisone ointment, large tube</li>
<li>Epsom Salts</li>
<li>Baby wipes</li>
</ul>
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I know that the list is endless....peppermints, Murphy's soap, bluing, Dippity Doo, oil, cornstarch...what unusual item do you buy for the barn?</div>
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TheSecretChronicleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05749616205918415902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6716329335608157521.post-60074662863940794352016-05-15T12:22:00.000-07:002016-05-15T12:22:05.355-07:00Farms of LexingtonOne of my favorite past times is to photograph horses, wildlife, old cemeteries & churches and barns. I have been known to be cruising along a back country road, only to slam on the brakes, put the car in park and jump out with camera in hand. I have gotten better about this....now I check the rear view mirror for cars behind me and if possible, I pull off to the side of the road. Sometimes I stop in the middle of the road if no cars are coming and will click away from the drivers seat. Honestly, I need a bumper sticker warning cars behind me that the car is prone to sudden stops and driver jumping from vehicle.<br />
Whenever I leave the Kentucky Horse Park, upon exiting the park onto Iron Works Parkway, I will find a county road to turn down so I can ooh and ahh the beautiful barns, farm houses, stone walls and of course, horses. Actually I do this on all of my road trips. The state of Connecticut even has a barn app for your phone! I think my love of barns dates back to my own grandparents barn that was built in 1903. Standing in McMurray, Pennsylvania, it still stands today. It was the site of my best childhood memories, whether it was digging through and finding antique tack from my mothers youth, jumping into stale piles of hay, climbing into the rafters or playing hide and seek.<br />
Enjoy my special photo essay of the Lexington farms!<br />
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TheSecretChronicleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05749616205918415902noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6716329335608157521.post-13093109145947576782016-05-14T05:17:00.000-07:002016-05-14T05:19:07.128-07:00The Dogs of RolexHorse people love their dogs. And eventers especially have a fondness for more than the standard corgies and jack russells that you see at hunter shows. And nowhere is this more evident than at Rolex, where there are almost as many dogs in attendance as there are horses.<br />
Enjoy this photo gallery of the dogs of Rolex! (<em>All photographs are the property rights of Lori Tankel Photography: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/LoriTankelPhotography">www.facebook.com/LoriTankelPhotography</a>)</em><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilQCQU31hM6KCmsvmudcu_xf3NoBK53PxiTNdtJIOZ5-PLJFV9BiPwtwbffZHddDC3Xg3FtG9ze2bBaPRq0YmzUJtge3ZYmQRue4XQXJRX2NYkcth28gFLCRsFQLl23NUKerj9o08spIM/s1600/Rolex2016+083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilQCQU31hM6KCmsvmudcu_xf3NoBK53PxiTNdtJIOZ5-PLJFV9BiPwtwbffZHddDC3Xg3FtG9ze2bBaPRq0YmzUJtge3ZYmQRue4XQXJRX2NYkcth28gFLCRsFQLl23NUKerj9o08spIM/s320/Rolex2016+083.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even the dogs got into the shopping!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not all dogs packed their rain gear and had to resort to the trash bag look</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLJ8n2OTL9xl8hyMJiG53L-gVM68KibLrMjTbdYT0GuSvhGK2g95w6ZLLehS5gDLKapEzH7zo9L6zjg0MxSb5dF0EPJLRv4T0jMb4OdKIbW61HeFgLnl-8LTDq94g-hb-h-hMcgoXQqsk/s1600/Rolex2016Day2+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLJ8n2OTL9xl8hyMJiG53L-gVM68KibLrMjTbdYT0GuSvhGK2g95w6ZLLehS5gDLKapEzH7zo9L6zjg0MxSb5dF0EPJLRv4T0jMb4OdKIbW61HeFgLnl-8LTDq94g-hb-h-hMcgoXQqsk/s320/Rolex2016Day2+001.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think the owner of this dog, in the booth next to ours, probably wished she had a dime for everytime she had to explain that he was a cross between a poodle and an old English sheepdog! </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And one barn cat from the Hall of Champions!</td></tr>
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TheSecretChronicleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05749616205918415902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6716329335608157521.post-69025149708994950902016-05-14T05:06:00.000-07:002016-05-14T05:18:47.833-07:00ROLEX!If you are a horse person, over the age of 3, you know what ROLEX is! For the watch company, it has got to be the greatest branding ever, because while it's real name is the Rolex Kentucky Three Day Event, tell a horse person that you are attending ROLEX and they know what you are talking about!<br />
This year, I was joined by my daughter, Jen, who flew in from the DC area, my friend Sandy, who drove up from Tennessee, and my fellow boarder, Tuesday, who, being a recent transplant from England, has already been to Burghley and Badminton and would be able to now cross Rolex off her list for 4* events to watch!<br />
Held the last week of April, it has been on my bucket list for years. I finally got to attend last year, thanks to my position with Hilton Herbs, and I was fortunate to attend again this year.<br />
Held at the Kentucky Horse Park, which is like Disney World for horse lovers, add in the electrifying excitement of Rolex and you are about to experience one of the greatest horse events in the world. The only 4* event held in North America, not to mention that this is an Olympic year, and you are going to see the worlds best horses and riders. In addition to riders hoping to jockey for their position on the Olympic team, spectators would be watching as possible history would be in the making, as last years winner, German's Michael Jung, would not only be looking to repeat his victory, but he would be looking to then go on to Badminton in England the following week with hopes of winning, thus becoming an elusive winner of the Grand Slam, where a rider tries to win Burghley, Badminton and Rolex in a row. Spoiler....yes, Michael and his talented mare, Fischerrocana FST did win Rolex and yes, he went on to win Badminton the following week on last years Rolex winning mount, La Biosthetique Sam FBW. But you already knew that!<br />
Rolex is where dreams are made and dreams are squashed. Nobody knows that more than America's sweetheart, Allison Springer, who dropped from 2nd place after dressage, to 44th after cross country. It is a place where spectators get to see their heros. For my friend Tuesday, she got to see her beloved Sir Mark Todd, FEI Horseman of the Century! My daughter, Jen, developed a new hero, after Boyd Martin gave her a hug after their cross country walk on Friday, giving way to lots of jokes about her new bestie!<br />
Unfortunately for me, while I get to attend Rolex, I do spend most of the time in the Vendor Village. There is a jumbo trom, but it is difficult to see from my booth, unless I step a few feet out into the aisle...luckily, just about everyone is outside, braving the nasty cold and rain (while a week later, the Kentucky Derby always enjoys sunny skies, cross country day at Rolex is always rainy and cold!) and so it is easy to do just that.<br />
This year, I resolved to arrive at the park 2 hours before the Vendor Village opened and to take in the scenes. It was a great plan, as riders are warming up and there was the chance to see part of Sunday's inspection. I also managed to get away for the last hour of cross country to watch some action, thanks to my friend Sandy, who watched the booth for me!<br />
Being at Rolex means seeing friends that were made last year, like Katie of Sotera Safety vests. A visit to her booth means a complimentary glass of Pimms, which was a break from my noon trip to get a Man O' War....Rolex does also mean Bourbon, and one must indulge in all traditions while at the park! Rolex means seeing old friends like Phyllis of Dark Horse Chocolates and Pam, of Mango Bay Belts, and checking out local restaurants...one not so good, one, well, such a disaster that we will be laughing about it for years to come. I met fellow COTHers, who stopped by the booth to introduce themselves, pony clubbers from the Sunshine Region stopped by for treats for their ponies and I made new friends, like Judy, from Fleeceworks....I am excited to receive my new eventing saddle pad, made of bamboo fibers!<br />
Shopping is a huge draw to Rolex spectators. Last year, my friend Sandy purchased a saddle from one of the many saddle vendors. There are lots of giveaways, meet and greets with sponsored riders and the chance to see the new and well, the unusual, such as the funky stirrup irons in the booth next to Hilton Herbs. It is a chance to see the latest fashions, perhaps buy some property from the booth on the other side of me, get a great deal from Bit of Britain, buy a Rolex shirt, or maybe buy a horse trailer! Since I have the opportunity to shop at the trade shows twice a year, I rarely pay retail anymore. My only purchases were a Rolex cap, t-shirt for Jen and another commemorative glass; I updated my Ride Safe bracelet with a charm that has Tucker's show name (Patronus) for $10, and the bamboo saddle pad, which I was able to get at wholesale. I consumed four Man O' Wars, which I nursed along each day, and when Tuesday went a little bonkers with the fair food, I sampled some horrible, sickening sweet funnel cake for the first time.<br />
Rolex means that good memories are formed that will last a lifetime. Jen and Tuesday asked directions to the inspection from Jock Paget and were so smitten, that they didn't pay attention to the directions. We got to speak to the groom of Tsunami and learn a little about this beautiful mare. Jen got hugged by Boyd, we got to see Michael close up at the jog and Jen and Tuesday snuck into a restricted area to watch show jumping close up and personal! Every evening, I would take us on an impromptu tour of the surrounding farms, and I think my passengers are now familiar with my sudden stops to jump out and take photos of babies, barns and old cemeteries!<br />
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<em>(All photos are the property rights of Lori Tankel Photography: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/LoriTankelPhotography">www.facebook.com/LoriTankelPhotography</a>)</em><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A regal looking Tsunami, 17 year old TB mare</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Lemon Heads from the Sunshine Region </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We got to see Funny Cide, grazing in his paddock at the barn of Champions</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiSuQ4kqoHth4aEIjz3uEpWUcWl-m2eAmm4EWZ9YX6vmB753-tjmzmcV0vUu-TC41AQkc8GAT6K40RtxyuyO-sx9FBzkGmk8elfzYRWDnl8IJMJitqDaFqSmNg5R5U_WcyT2goCw7XemE/s1600/Rolex2016+332.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiSuQ4kqoHth4aEIjz3uEpWUcWl-m2eAmm4EWZ9YX6vmB753-tjmzmcV0vUu-TC41AQkc8GAT6K40RtxyuyO-sx9FBzkGmk8elfzYRWDnl8IJMJitqDaFqSmNg5R5U_WcyT2goCw7XemE/s320/Rolex2016+332.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sir Mark Todd and NZB Campino</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the farms we stopped at to watch the babies play!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Courtney Cooper and her team, showing Who's A Star a lot of love!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGps9Vh6HRD-CB-76d70WZokBxR06Qn8e1owTrgr2GkXgaR6g-12MH9RON4cGXVHOIgixPBo26U61rWmfA2CfCkeMjNw_Jk21DvpuuclRnJpl-8ZJoD80ojhrcJF-5vOZImlrZ85QDmoE/s1600/Rolex2016+739.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGps9Vh6HRD-CB-76d70WZokBxR06Qn8e1owTrgr2GkXgaR6g-12MH9RON4cGXVHOIgixPBo26U61rWmfA2CfCkeMjNw_Jk21DvpuuclRnJpl-8ZJoD80ojhrcJF-5vOZImlrZ85QDmoE/s320/Rolex2016+739.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The champion, Michael Jung and FischerRocana FST</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's all about the fashion at the inspection!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoK1wWhXIejOpQlrDwzWlqHSnP0nBktTdcQ89ZfPjBM8liO6i0NxgO9sNlLfgObFRPE9zlZ7IQl3GK9EWl-tI9UrjIdZYklk6O9n9WYOHt3uPsJThsztCZf7ck_cB84W_W_BDRFoLV_7w/s1600/Rolex2016day1+026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoK1wWhXIejOpQlrDwzWlqHSnP0nBktTdcQ89ZfPjBM8liO6i0NxgO9sNlLfgObFRPE9zlZ7IQl3GK9EWl-tI9UrjIdZYklk6O9n9WYOHt3uPsJThsztCZf7ck_cB84W_W_BDRFoLV_7w/s320/Rolex2016day1+026.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the beautiful farms of Kentucky</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQpaP4cyJLREuSdSrzSXOfT5uj7zaYvYji7dBnSunxiRpyONiWWgG-HA1M0qUkd9GEHCAI5K-bMNshWsUNDXLJbLKCWcvKU3Zq1DHPz0beDPDW-KSH60y8k7qBg_y5YLQfrYEnk0AISrY/s1600/Rolex2016Day2+034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQpaP4cyJLREuSdSrzSXOfT5uj7zaYvYji7dBnSunxiRpyONiWWgG-HA1M0qUkd9GEHCAI5K-bMNshWsUNDXLJbLKCWcvKU3Zq1DHPz0beDPDW-KSH60y8k7qBg_y5YLQfrYEnk0AISrY/s320/Rolex2016Day2+034.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dressage warmup</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguMUylrb0FZopEY6Z2ZLSI6EBsJaMGrKURUEiYBz_0Jc5KLz-1BoLBuscE4fwUhivQVX79LVQgwKfl0XTUVA1PNyu3slxy93JNSdrdW7v2wyele_DqB01RJoN25bimHjerA9NBNIOLz7I/s1600/Rolex2016Day2+099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguMUylrb0FZopEY6Z2ZLSI6EBsJaMGrKURUEiYBz_0Jc5KLz-1BoLBuscE4fwUhivQVX79LVQgwKfl0XTUVA1PNyu3slxy93JNSdrdW7v2wyele_DqB01RJoN25bimHjerA9NBNIOLz7I/s320/Rolex2016Day2+099.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buck showing Petite Flower some affection</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVC9-Y0GQXyOSbLsJAFZtbOwRY6GPjW3PkdspeVkvWqRqC4AkjnCo7yJ3Pw75mKYV6HMEnEZzdQmOWd8w_WeLahsFhlARFBEj_Jnq1Ubfh5qrtxa6qslYCp_W7xMFyKNPYvSG8u5FDLxw/s1600/Rolex2016Day2+124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVC9-Y0GQXyOSbLsJAFZtbOwRY6GPjW3PkdspeVkvWqRqC4AkjnCo7yJ3Pw75mKYV6HMEnEZzdQmOWd8w_WeLahsFhlARFBEj_Jnq1Ubfh5qrtxa6qslYCp_W7xMFyKNPYvSG8u5FDLxw/s320/Rolex2016Day2+124.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dressage warm up</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCWZQWEt5xHhFGvQ0Anac6PRcEG_K65dlwEcHjZ6l2tESgwKSq5oKC8cPWqRiQfIu6w29DDwKk3rcEeFsRP5SiI98_9GWTeQCHwa-fFwhWcT1JH8fshGG0bZcHQ3Ihh7qN8rrIQjV1jNY/s1600/Rolex2016Day2+158.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCWZQWEt5xHhFGvQ0Anac6PRcEG_K65dlwEcHjZ6l2tESgwKSq5oKC8cPWqRiQfIu6w29DDwKk3rcEeFsRP5SiI98_9GWTeQCHwa-fFwhWcT1JH8fshGG0bZcHQ3Ihh7qN8rrIQjV1jNY/s320/Rolex2016Day2+158.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dressage</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSJ734i-SVETcNn6oGJJhE6a5XamDwbhyzre-MQSx6tyHLNAAM-o5quaKDXZsfov7mxfIVeOWAN_CPf5XIpvTIEzs4DXdXPfojrsmgkS_uYeu9z3fZuCvjzvRrFFzf0p64PO-XYninFao/s1600/Rolex2016Day2+177.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSJ734i-SVETcNn6oGJJhE6a5XamDwbhyzre-MQSx6tyHLNAAM-o5quaKDXZsfov7mxfIVeOWAN_CPf5XIpvTIEzs4DXdXPfojrsmgkS_uYeu9z3fZuCvjzvRrFFzf0p64PO-XYninFao/s320/Rolex2016Day2+177.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading back to the barn</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidUQzqLGN0lITYwOSxB52bBgpoIrb_iE_0IW09BFUFCyKkkof95jE-IUCDxfkzNrllriuQ-LCayA_oidFEbflBcNDnhuXVaf5Er821K9kIXwoyDFUM8OdpUw9gYFoi6kyNtfZn8XwX5rg/s1600/Rolex2016Day2+201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidUQzqLGN0lITYwOSxB52bBgpoIrb_iE_0IW09BFUFCyKkkof95jE-IUCDxfkzNrllriuQ-LCayA_oidFEbflBcNDnhuXVaf5Er821K9kIXwoyDFUM8OdpUw9gYFoi6kyNtfZn8XwX5rg/s320/Rolex2016Day2+201.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dressage</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi9wqBR-x0t99vOpvKHCy7Cfv69eevcCNaTtRmsZ-5UEdS7v8dhvF4wh9E4FZE_Fcs_oCuhd77SaRLLfSIbsanYIt-dW9vuSa2Tq2iRc1tmriHuE28pXp6E6HCwiJM447vA7TZsByPv8M/s1600/funkystirrup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi9wqBR-x0t99vOpvKHCy7Cfv69eevcCNaTtRmsZ-5UEdS7v8dhvF4wh9E4FZE_Fcs_oCuhd77SaRLLfSIbsanYIt-dW9vuSa2Tq2iRc1tmriHuE28pXp6E6HCwiJM447vA7TZsByPv8M/s320/funkystirrup.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What a $400 stirrup looks like!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDJUdtNRCBJcPpmJA2y4qyA-JCKWAbL9BODziZhWc0v3wUgCpAn2JI8v2gFFKdZb3e_8rF7g-vOSdhfb38pbleivLKRU74hBoXGQSHMDozvU6dJlJWLcyc5pnQrYpbpbF5ooB5w4u0vhM/s1600/JenandBoyd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDJUdtNRCBJcPpmJA2y4qyA-JCKWAbL9BODziZhWc0v3wUgCpAn2JI8v2gFFKdZb3e_8rF7g-vOSdhfb38pbleivLKRU74hBoXGQSHMDozvU6dJlJWLcyc5pnQrYpbpbF5ooB5w4u0vhM/s320/JenandBoyd.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jen and Boyd</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUEkjnrzLmhpxXJFNd1vd06C2XVqKBm0Tc2GaORl4JrSbJoMsnUHFa9bpTFK1DGBpV52yxjtBaCQzAtHV483rvB6WaFPPR_jJzXE2rqLbQvQ_TRBzLkxkxcPUttWQyCBT6ZVw1hCAliXw/s1600/rolex2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUEkjnrzLmhpxXJFNd1vd06C2XVqKBm0Tc2GaORl4JrSbJoMsnUHFa9bpTFK1DGBpV52yxjtBaCQzAtHV483rvB6WaFPPR_jJzXE2rqLbQvQ_TRBzLkxkxcPUttWQyCBT6ZVw1hCAliXw/s320/rolex2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Hilton Herbs booth</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7racUnIrho7e-gl52ZRm60mew0hcxXeAiDQHLEyJ-_9gufj2DHNHvdUxI2uYeKnav1sxx91JS2z6IBe1-VNe79GVUGc0PXPrbqJcdL_VMYIBCz7ba6ODvBfyB3VBcV6AjwavIdQk2A_s/s1600/rolex.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7racUnIrho7e-gl52ZRm60mew0hcxXeAiDQHLEyJ-_9gufj2DHNHvdUxI2uYeKnav1sxx91JS2z6IBe1-VNe79GVUGc0PXPrbqJcdL_VMYIBCz7ba6ODvBfyB3VBcV6AjwavIdQk2A_s/s320/rolex.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tuesday, Jen, Myself and Sandy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLSn2Tb_6VpMbuaPdrDO2ZLWbTdLJrF2y6vwzhfxThAyGRhTSiSnfN8Hxh-qzawzO-qX2gTj3-KZwepNm_yzipQRYqpR9ymXfixw6z754No-Oxs0UgGNbCOWDkoqdnFePNe9bbV-xfS2c/s1600/Rolex2016+291.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLSn2Tb_6VpMbuaPdrDO2ZLWbTdLJrF2y6vwzhfxThAyGRhTSiSnfN8Hxh-qzawzO-qX2gTj3-KZwepNm_yzipQRYqpR9ymXfixw6z754No-Oxs0UgGNbCOWDkoqdnFePNe9bbV-xfS2c/s320/Rolex2016+291.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cross Country</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzdJQIjoKe64cLzHxTUl14ImrDbo9x8vgWOzkHYKumwzzmIr4QPfrSzL5-Xw5PxTC-bmtI5A_6sg8l-xETAsYXrK9cUf2-16KXVG6lAtszcxLcD8AY_LEZ1GYDLgDVzyx4O2qEftGIfig/s1600/Rolex2016+362.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzdJQIjoKe64cLzHxTUl14ImrDbo9x8vgWOzkHYKumwzzmIr4QPfrSzL5-Xw5PxTC-bmtI5A_6sg8l-xETAsYXrK9cUf2-16KXVG6lAtszcxLcD8AY_LEZ1GYDLgDVzyx4O2qEftGIfig/s320/Rolex2016+362.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mark Todd</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit5IME7T53xST6DIQrnuDat7SDtWggfTNy-nfUQwaGwwqOznnhOvMOxbDdlcMIfoLumN2PEYLjj16ernp8N9x17-A4uSOPEMuZ-R9o2JsF4XqwyP1-Qk_oUm1DXMLvPhp2rxlwI975y-w/s1600/Rolex2016+388.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit5IME7T53xST6DIQrnuDat7SDtWggfTNy-nfUQwaGwwqOznnhOvMOxbDdlcMIfoLumN2PEYLjj16ernp8N9x17-A4uSOPEMuZ-R9o2JsF4XqwyP1-Qk_oUm1DXMLvPhp2rxlwI975y-w/s320/Rolex2016+388.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buck Davidson</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNCMa5x9gaBUPMa0t_oAN1CFTjMRxxiCOxlZCn2z8nwrGDgZRdWzN_n5cSNJxza6HSjQe-gAJIQmtZTbtpLZMvoNsafd6Qdn3T7a3qPLH4w_RtuXSJmU_vvzzu8x3sWA9Q3Qeq-Bi0Zqo/s1600/Rolex2016+413.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNCMa5x9gaBUPMa0t_oAN1CFTjMRxxiCOxlZCn2z8nwrGDgZRdWzN_n5cSNJxza6HSjQe-gAJIQmtZTbtpLZMvoNsafd6Qdn3T7a3qPLH4w_RtuXSJmU_vvzzu8x3sWA9Q3Qeq-Bi0Zqo/s320/Rolex2016+413.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cross Country</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTq6j9cYeRsKHR5gTvklBHgUZsWYX97vHRDKKwWVoWzmT4feAEWTBYYfQfdi-fmgB7QjoCri5cENXKZOCUKR9qtvldtSPmRNK4hGj2eQHra27ACA_ULnDeIrnsZXzj0fED10giRNZ2sO4/s1600/Rolex2016+254.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTq6j9cYeRsKHR5gTvklBHgUZsWYX97vHRDKKwWVoWzmT4feAEWTBYYfQfdi-fmgB7QjoCri5cENXKZOCUKR9qtvldtSPmRNK4hGj2eQHra27ACA_ULnDeIrnsZXzj0fED10giRNZ2sO4/s320/Rolex2016+254.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bobby Meyerhoff and Dunlavin's Token</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT94aLDGUVFw1OeJABUygvZuWazQmjUXmqhpBKbDXBe_k_jgtFeafmqvrAf0OD8IY2VD7ZEJbd3YiVUKYlTuPtld8dyGSif3f1cKfryr2SAJmulwKZaf2i3vKHGlvKZLIwaWs1e6IW8Gc/s1600/Rolex2016+455.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT94aLDGUVFw1OeJABUygvZuWazQmjUXmqhpBKbDXBe_k_jgtFeafmqvrAf0OD8IY2VD7ZEJbd3YiVUKYlTuPtld8dyGSif3f1cKfryr2SAJmulwKZaf2i3vKHGlvKZLIwaWs1e6IW8Gc/s320/Rolex2016+455.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cross Country</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN_Ii87JXg0rqrkJoIT6S6KrBHprcBkjoEext_MOuTsgNVRssZoytRFFWVfElSYZ1KOdrzZnBZ7s9RkxhvZ1JMryi9il8KSJ3-vzo4g31UeQyBHpyGJHY9u_DxLIsIzHSsTTCh6Ps6nFU/s1600/rolex1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN_Ii87JXg0rqrkJoIT6S6KrBHprcBkjoEext_MOuTsgNVRssZoytRFFWVfElSYZ1KOdrzZnBZ7s9RkxhvZ1JMryi9il8KSJ3-vzo4g31UeQyBHpyGJHY9u_DxLIsIzHSsTTCh6Ps6nFU/s320/rolex1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Man O' War</td></tr>
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<br />TheSecretChronicleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05749616205918415902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6716329335608157521.post-14724077394418975462016-05-06T05:26:00.000-07:002016-05-06T05:26:22.092-07:00Fire Safety In BarnsAs a former DC of our local pony club, we would have a local firefighter, Chris Woodcock, from the Chuluota department, come out to my barn and do talks on fire safety. The following below has been published before by me, but in light of the Fort McMurray fire, I thought it was a good time to re-publish it. This will be part one, as I will also publish again my disaster planning article.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
So the main ideas of fire safety in the barn is good old common sense. The first and foremost is:<br />
<strong>Absolutely, positively, NO SMOKING! This is not up for discussion. I am always shocked to see someone smoking in or near a barn.</strong><br />
In addition, the obvious (at least to me) are:<br />
<ul>
<li>Keep flammables and machinery out of the barn. </li>
<li>Keep debris off the roof.</li>
<li>Keep vegetation away from barn. You should maintain a 40-50 foot firebreak around your property.</li>
<li>Remove cobwebs. Not only are they unsightly, but cobwebs are fire hazards. (So you no longer have to justify your meticulous barn cleaning and the fact that your barn is cleaner than your house).</li>
<li>If possible, store hay in a seperate building. I learned this at the age of 6, when my grandfather explained why he wouldn't store hay in his 4 story wood barn (built in 1904 and still standing!). Stack hay loosely and make sure it is properly cured and dry.</li>
<li>Use only UL listed appliances and outdoor extension cords. .</li>
<li>Don't leave extension cords exposed to horses. I never understand when I walk into a barn, and the electrical outlet is right next to the stall door, right where the horse can chew on it. Yes, it is there for convience, but surely, is it not obvious that sooner or later, a horse is going to chew on the cord?</li>
<li>While on the subject of cords: don't run them across floors, where a shod horse can step on one. If you have a cord that is patched with electrical tape, toss it. The life of your horse is worth more than the $7 to replace it.</li>
<li>Don't set heavy objects on cords, which can generate heat. Chris mentioned a house fire they put out, which was caused by a sofa sitting on an extension cord.</li>
<li>Fire extinguishers! Have them at every opening,in the middle and at both ends of the barn and within ready access. Make sure you know how to use one!</li>
<li>Smoke detectors! Get the good kind, that won't be triggered by dust. Put one in your hay loft or attic....Chris said many fires he goes to, the homeowner had no idea the house was on fire, until a neighbor knocked on their door to alert them to a fire in their attic.</li>
<li>If possible, install a fire sprinkler.</li>
<li>Have hoses outside the barn.</li>
<li>Is your wiring up to date and safe from critters chewing on it? Make sure all wiring is enclosed in metal conduit. Replace any frayed wires.</li>
<li>Is the master switch to the power readily accessible outside the barn?</li>
<li>Install lightning rods.</li>
<li>Do not use electrical heaters in the barn! A barn fire last year killed several horses when the owners put a heater in a stall to warm a newborn calf.</li>
<li>Do not use Lasko or other box fans. They are not designed for barn use! Buy only heavy duty metal fans! There have been recalls of Lasko's due to them catching fire. They are not safe for barns!</li>
<li>Hay rolls! One year, I fed a hay roll late into spring, which was a first for me. The season was already warm, but we still didn't have enough grass yet. One day after an impromtu rain, which didn't give me time to cover the hay roll, I was pulling back the wet layers, and discovered that the hay just below the surface was hot. Just as damp hay in a barn can combust, so can a hay roll.</li>
<li>Don't forget shavings! Many of us now use bagged shavings, and these too can combust. They should be stored safely.</li>
<li>Manure piles also can "cook". You should be keeping them spread thin anyway, but if you do have a manure pile, keep it away from the barn. Common sense, but I did know of a barn that dumped the manure about 20 feet from the barn (the flies!) and one summer day, the manure pile caught fire.</li>
<li>Scan your barn. Do you have rags, assorted cans, fertilizer and other contaminates lying around? You would be surprised at what you find.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
In addition, make sure your barn is easily accessible by a fire truck. Is the driveway wide enough? Are overhead tree limbs going to hinder the firetruck? Do you have large numbers which are easily read on your fence, gate or mailbox?<br />
You should make contact with your local fire department. Ask them to come to your farm, so they know that they can reach your barn, and know where local water sources are at. Show them around your barn and ask them to point out potential hazards. And while you are at it, ask them if they know how to lead a horse. Show them how to halter a horse while in its stall, in case the unthinkable happens and they need to rescue your horse.<br />
According to an article in Practical Horseman, published in 2012, the author states that there were over 200 barn fires in the US and Canada the previous year. This includes the devastating fire of Boyd Martin on Memorial Day of 2011. That fire, caused by an electrical problem, killed 6 horses, and nearly killed Boyd's beloved Neville Bardos, who was saved at the last minute by Boyd and Phillip Dutton. Neville has made a miraculous recovery and went on to compete in the Olympics in 2012!<br />
Barn fires are also caused by wildfires, which is why it is important to clear debris. During dry seasons, pay extra attention to the news and be aware of any fires in your area. Be prepared to evacuate at moments notice. One year, a friend tried to evacuate her mare from the barn where she was boarding, only to be told that the road was closed and she couldn't get to the farm. Thankfully, the fire went around the barn and she was eventually able to remove her horse, but had the barn owner given an evacuation order earlier, instead of practicing a "wait and see", my friend, the other boarders and all the horses at the farm would have been saved from the stress and the inhaling of the heavy smoke. She said that when she went to load her horse, who is normally an easy loader, the mare was so stressed from the smoke and excitement, that she didn't want to load and it took a while to get her on the trailer.<br />
Do you have an evacuation plan? Just like you should have a plan for hurricanes and tornadoes, everyone should have a fire evacuation plan. And you should practice your plan! Make sure your boarders know what your rules are in the event of a fire and hold fire drills at least once a year.<br />
What else can you do? I am all about prevention. I don't ever want to have to live through the death or injury of my horse for something that I could have prevented.<br />
If you are building a barn, use fire safe materials. For an existing barn, make any possible updates you can to make it safer. Just by following the above list will give you a huge lead on this. Brick or block barns and metal roofs are safer than wood barns, but you can paint your wood barn with 2 coats of fire retardant latex paint.<br />
How many entrances are there to your barn? I have always preferred a barn that has exterior stall doors in addition to the interior doors. Boyd's new barn features these now. Have a place to remove the horses to. Loose horses will just run back into a burning barn.<br />
And what do you do in the event of a fire?<br />
Your first priority is to call 911. It takes just minutes for a barn to become fully ingulfed. That doesn't leave much time for rescuing horses. Horses that are easy to halter and lead, and have an exterior door to their stall, will have the greatest chance of being saved. Having halters and leads accessible will also mean the difference between life and death. It is a good idea to have extras of these at the entrance of the barn, or at the exterior stall doors. Even if you can locate the ones next to a stall door, chances are it is already engulfed in flames, or too hot to touch, so having spares will aid in the rescue tremendously.<br />
If you are a boarder, you should choose a barn that places an emphasis on safety. I have walked into expensive boarding barns that had extension cords dangling right in front of a horses stall, within easy reach of his curious mouth, where smoking is allowed and chemicals and other flammable materials are stored. Just because you don't own your own place doesn't mean you can't keep your horse safe. <br />
There are several websites which will help you be fire smart. <a href="http://www.firesafetyinbarns.com/">www.firesafetyinbarns.com</a> is an excellent site to start with.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHnHzCyXwYWVguE_3CMDE4QXLzzkQsUETHm007I6LCTeGGF7PhyphenhyphenxIYzHw05oULs5Z9ycXte4cinBSbWIhN4BgTx9mCcm_InymrDm16cbHCVJOTuOeOBslPEPN28RxoW1k8ACcfvtprS4U/s1600/IMG_0038++ret.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHnHzCyXwYWVguE_3CMDE4QXLzzkQsUETHm007I6LCTeGGF7PhyphenhyphenxIYzHw05oULs5Z9ycXte4cinBSbWIhN4BgTx9mCcm_InymrDm16cbHCVJOTuOeOBslPEPN28RxoW1k8ACcfvtprS4U/s320/IMG_0038++ret.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Listen to Tucker...practice fire safety in your barn will keep your horses ALIVE!</td></tr>
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