When you fall down, you must pick yourself up and continue living

I have some terrible news today. Yesterday, I had to put Louize down. It was probably the hardest thing I have ever had to do in my life and I wasn't ready. I had been preparing myself because I knew that if I had one more year with her, I would be lucky, but no matter what you do you're never ready to say goodbye to your best friend.

Yesterday started as any other day, went to Witter to do chores, stopped at Maine Horse & Rider to get a few things and treats, and then decided to stop in at the barn to give my horses their dewormer. Louize was in her stall so I opened the door and almost immediately, I knew something was wrong. She was staring at the corner and she seemed weird. Not 5 minutes went by and she coughed up a glob of spit and her omeprazole for her stomach. She was choking. I took her out to lunge her around to try to help get things moving and she kept coughing, she pooped a few times (good, not colic), and she peed 3 times... that was weird. She never pees that much. I also had to really work to get her going and I felt awful forcing her to go but I had to. I called he vet and he was too far out to get there quickly so when my mom was done getting her truck fixed up, she hooked up the trailer and we took her to Foxcroft. Once we got there, she was just shaking and shaking, I just thought it was nerves because that happens to her a lot. We got the choke out and she seemed okay until the sedation wore off. She wasn't walking very fast, almost like she was exhausted and couldn't walk any more. I took her to some grass and she grabbed a few bites, chewed a little, and just stopped. She didn't even swallow the grass. She then just took herself into the barn there, looked around a little, looked back at me, and walked into a stall and just stood there. She was shaking everywhere. All of her muscles were shaking, her breathing was faster than it should be and it sounded like it was taking a lot of effort to breathe. After over an hour waiting to see if she would improve, we decided to take some blood and run some tests.

While we waited, nothing improved. She wouldn't eat. She wouldn't drink. Her eyes just had a stare like she had checked out. The blood work came back. Her calcium was unmeasurably high. Her protein was incredibly low. Her kidneys were shutting down (which explains all of her urination, her body was just getting rid of her fluids because her kidneys couldn't process anything). She was going into renal failure and there was nothing we could do to help her. We had to make the hardest decision ever, but if I had to make a choice I would rather Louize make it for us and she did. She was preparing herself to leave us. We did it on the trailer so we could take her back to our barn to have her buried. I couldn't be there when the vet did it but she went very peacefully and I'm glad. Her suffering and health issues were over. She's now at peace in heaven in endless green pastures with all the treats she can eat. Jason, my barn owner, was very helpful and had a hole dug by the time we got back. He buried her for us and even let us get a couple of apple trees to place by her to always remember her. My mom trimmed her forelock, mane, and tail so I could have that. I'm sending some of her tail hair to Tail Spin to get a bracelet braided with it with a charm with her name engraved on it.

I'll miss her forever. There won't be a day that goes by that I won't think of her. At least I have Yada and some really great friends around to help me get through this. Yada really helped today because she knew I was sad and she made sure she was on her best behavior. I don't know when I'll feel better but thinking back on all the great memories I have with Louize helps me feel better. If I could go back I still would have bought her. I might have changed a couple of things about barns I took her to, but I would never regret buying her or anything I've done to fight for her. She was 100% worth it and I can't wait to spend my next 20+ years with Yada.

What a summer

It has been exactly one month since my last post. I said I was going to try to post more often but we see how well that is working. Between working 35+ hours a week at Lowe's, doing 2 - 4 chores a week at Witter (1.5 - 2 hours each chore), doing my training sessions Tuesday afternoons from 11 - 1, my class time Monday nights 6 - 8, and fitting in time for my own two horses it becomes very difficult to remember to post on here! So here are my horse updates!

My summer class is going well (it's an equine management course because I'm adding an equine science minor to my degree)! I am learning not a whole lot that I didn't already know yet but the better stuff is coming. On the plus side, I can tell 11 Standardbred bay mares apart! At Witter, they deal strictly in Standardbreds except for their one exception: Francis, a draft cross gelding (the only gelding there) meant for larger, taller riders). They have 14 horses total. Francis who is a gelding, Roadshow who is a stallion, and all of the mares are bay except for one: Whitey... who is obviously a gray, haha! In my training session, we've been learning about fitting tack on a horse, grooming, and lunging. The only thing I didn't know was the helpful tips about fitting tack so that was nice to learn. Yesterday I learned how to mount a horse! GASP! However, we're required to get on and off on both sides... I can't get off on the right. It's something I clearly need to practice!

Yada is doing very well! She's looking great and I even replaced her halter! She has little fits once in a while and yanks really hard on the cross ties. However, the cross ties at my barn are very solid and so she ends up tearing the holes in her halter before getting loose from the cross ties. She has now ripped two halters and I finally gave in and replaced it. This one has fleece on the cheeks, head stall, and nose band! Now hopefully her face will regrow the hair that got rubbed off! I also got a tan halter because it won't show as much dirt since the pretty yellow one I got her before got all nasty and dirty.

Louize is also doing a little better! We have been having a really hard time keeping weight on her lately and it's been a pretty big concern of mine. I wrote out her feed schedule so that way there can't be any mix ups (there were some a couple of months ago about what she should be eating). Now she seems to be doing very well now that it is very clear what she should be getting on a daily basis because it's written out for everyone to see. I also added flax seed oil to her grain to add more fat and the omega 3 from the flax is good for her joints. She seems to be gaining some weight! It's coming slowly but she is. I might have to bump her to the full pump of oil (1 oz. per feeding rather than the half that she's currently getting). I want her to be fat before winter comes swooping back in. My great friend, Rose, has also offered to do some deep tissue massage on her once a week to see if that helps her loosen up and relax because relaxing will help her a lot since she already has stress-related ulcers and she can get stressed out fairly easily and it seems to be doing well for her. She's a lot more relaxed and her muscles are not as tense as they used to be. I'm so happy to see her really enjoying the massages, too!

Louize is also only put into pastures with grass and docile horses. Jason and I don't want her being picked on or chased around whatsoever so she gets only the nicest of friends. She's in with Ohana (a standardbred mare who LOVES Louize and no one else, haha) and a palomino gelding who just showed up... I still have yet to learn his name. She seems very happy in her pasture with grass and lots of friends! Jason tried putting her in a pasture with some grass but she was alone and unhappy so he put her with lots of grass to see if that would help but she hated being alone. He found her one friend, but he was nervous being moved so she got nervous and neither of them ate any grass. We finally tried Ohana, who quickly went to eating grass and Louize followed suit. I was so glad to see them get along so well! It helps that Louize hates picking fights and Ohana can probably sense that Louize is older and doesn't want to fight.

I would add pictures but Blogger is being completely stupid and won't let me. It's great. I want to break it.

From Racehorse to Western Roper

I took Yada to a clinic at Eastridge Stables in Charleston, ME and we had a blast! We only had one issue: Yada still doesn't like to load on the trailer. Not even peppermints got her on to head home! I did get some help from a clinician and looks like something I can try and can do by myself! YAY!

I went to the clinics Saturday and today (Sunday). On Saturday I worked on natural horsemanship with Elijah Moore and learned a lot that I can do with Yada! I even found some great tricks for trail rides if I run into any issues! We even learned how to do a one-rein stop! That would have been helpful to know the first time I rode western and dropped one of my split reins... we just kept spinning and spinning. Now Yada knows how to stop! ... mostly. After all of that, I also learned how to rope from the ground! I never knew how to rope before!

I got more roping practice in this morning with Ernest Garcia before my lesson with Gail McCormack. I learned a lot of good tips about roping! After roping and lunch was my lesson with Gail. I learned a lot about getting Yada to accept the bit and we worked on leg yields! Yada hasn't been that great at leg yielding or accepting the bit but now I have lots of homework to do! After my lesson, Ernest worked with Yada to see how she would react to roping! She didn't care whatsoever so I hopped on and started roping a barrel from her back! I got 6 "catches"! Yada did such an awesome job! I'm so proud of her. She is such a great girl! If you had asked me two days ago if I would ever rope from my horse's back, I would have said "No way!" but I decided to try and we did great! Ernest even said that Yada acted like she was in her teens and was surprised that she was so calm, especially for a Thoroughbred!

This clinic was worth every penny! Not only did I learn a lot, but I also met a lot of great and new people! However, there is one thing I did learn... I might like western a little better with a more comfortable saddle... and stirrups that weren't a little too long. At least I have a lot of things to work on this summer with Yada!

Spring into Summer!

It's been months! So far, a lot has happened. I might have to post bits and pieces to make this manageable but I guess I'll start with the latest news.

In March I had lovely news: Jill Schnedler of Coldbrook Equestrian Center continues to trash talk about me. It really disgusts me that she has nothing better to do. The new rumors floating in the air say A) I didn't pay board for 7 or 8 months (I've heard 2 different versions), B) I left in the middle of the night, C) I stole a bunch of stuff, D) I was never at the barn, and E) I didn't care about my horses (specifically Louize).It's funny though. I was only there for 4 months, we did pay board (only deducting amounts of money that she owed us), we also paid for all of July and stayed for only 3 days, if I left in the middle of the night then I'm sure that Hampden police officer we brought with us wouldn't be happy to be there, and if we had stolen anything, why didn't she tell the officer that was there with us? I also like to add that if I was never at the barn, why did she bring two pitchforks for chores? One for me and one for her? Why did she ask me if I wanted to do hay or water? If we left in the middle of the night, why were helpers at the barn and why was it light out when we arrived at Jason's? What, did we keep the horses in the trailer overnight? I think not. Coldbrook Equestrian is clearly not a very good place if she tells these things to someone she doesn't even know, a person who worked at my current barn, a person who then went behind my back and told people these lies. Don't worry. I called her out on it and she's no longer at my barn. Jill is out of my life. Forever. She can run her mouth but I haven't said anything like that about her and I don't plan on it. I'm not going to lower myself to her level and spread lies. To boot, most of her fences are on the ground now... VERY safe next to a busy road...

Also, the Dixons have left Jill's barn! They brought their three OTTBs from Bits & Bytes Farm to my barn. They were quite underfed. Poor things! There were not that skinny when I last saw them in July so I'm proud of the Dixons for taking the appropriate step for their horses' health. Apparently Jill Schnedler was feeding their grain to her horses because she couldn't afford to feed them herself. The Dixons seem to be happy and so are their horses. Endless hay and NO barn drama! It's very peaceful and nice at Triple D Stables in Eddington, Maine!

News at the barn: There are now three new litters of kittens (the oldest being 6 weeks old) and there's a new percheron foal! She's about two months old now and the cutest thing ever. Her name is "Silver Lace" (Lacey) because she's got a silverish color to her coat. She's very sweet! Also, the other filly is about 9 months old. She's taller than 15hh and her name is "Amazing Grace" (Gracie). She's also very sweet.

Tomorrow is also the day that I am taking Yada to a clinic! It's a western clinic (though I usually ride English) but it will be a great learning experience for the both of us! My mom is currently in Ireland so it's my first solo ride with the trailer and my mom's truck. Should be interesting! It's also Yada's first time (that I know of) riding alone in the trailer so I hope she doesn't mind. I will tell you one thing, I'm going to drive as carefully as possible. Hopefully all goes well! I'll start posting more frequently, or at least try.

It's Winter in Maine

I apologize that I haven't posted in ages. It's been a crazy couple of months with school and everything. Winter has officially set in here. It was 25 degrees last night and didn't get above 35 today. We even got a light dusting of snow yesterday and we're supposed to get a storm tomorrow or Thursday. Might stay north of us, but we could get hit with it. Only time will tell... I wonder what Yada will think of the snow? 

To update you on a few things:
-Yada's new adult teeth are coming in quite nicely!
-The new filly is getting big! She's on the last holes on her foal halter... she'll be getting pony halter soon, I imagine. She's also getting really independent and will run away from her mother to greet people at the fence, now! She used to be clued to her mom like glue!
-There are three new boarders at the barn! One owns a thoroughbred gelding, Neb. One has a morgan mare, Champagne. And the other just purchased Jason's little white pony. So the boarder is new, but not the pony.

I have also been working on Yada with a few things. She has this habit that as soon as I mount up she immediately starts walking forward. I had had enough one day when she walked forward and I almost landed on her back, behind the saddle. I was NOT happy with that because she refused to stop. Now, I get on and I make her stop and stand there. Only issue is that she hates to stand still. She wiggles, side passes, goes backwards, and on occasion she rears up a little and throws her head. As long as she's not going forward, I just try to make her stay in one place. I'm hoping one day she backs into something and learns her lesson about going backward but so far she keeps stopping before she hits anything. She's also started acting up whenever she hears Louize whinny in the pasture. She stops, stares, whinnies, and then starts pacing, rearing, throwing her head, and wiggling everywhere. Somehow, she thinks this will make Louize magically appear or I will stop riding and let her back out with her sister. NOT happening. When she finally stops (in both occasions) and stands still for a few moments, I pat her, say "Good girl!", and then let her walk forward and we continue doing whatever it was we were doing before.  This has only happened 4 or 5 times but I think she's finally getting the idea. The last 3 times I've ridden she stands still until I'm settled but then she just launches forward before I tell her to and the process starts again until she can stand still.

Today we did a lot of work on halting. I was riding bareback with just a set of reins attached to her halter and I want to make her as good at stopping as Louize. With Louize, I lean back slightly, pinch lightly with my knees, and every so softly pull back on the reins and she comes to a dead halt. It's awesome! Yada is getting there. I practiced a lot with just the knees, leaning back, and saying "Whoa" and she was starting to get the idea and became quicker at responding. She is even starting to stand still better! What a good girl!

On to Louize: She has an AMAZING winter coat this year! I don't remember the last time she has such a thick winter coat! It was 25 last night and she didn't need a blanket! Usually she shivers because she doesn't get fed properly by stupid barn owners and she doesn't stay outside to get acclimated to the weather. Now, she spends about 50% of her time outside so she's WELL adjusted and is doing great! I'm thrilled! On top of that, she's officially eating all of her hay and grain without her omeprazole! I have been giving it to her about once a week just for maintenance and I don't want to chance taking it away completely but so far she's doing amazingly well! I taped her last Friday and she was about 850 lbs (she lost a little water weight since the move) and then today she was 865 lbs. That's a record since last year! She's come such a long way when last February she was measured as low as 739 lbs. Looking back at those pictures brings tears to my eyes. Even thinking about it now upsets me. So people out there just shouldn't be left in charge of horses...

Louize has also been super pampered these past couple of months. When I ride her I usually ride bareback with a halter and lead rope. We wander the arena a little and then we head outside to eat grass. She is living the dream! Yada actually has to do work and get trained! She lives a tough life... haha! This winter will also be the "canter project" in which I will get started on really cantering her and perfecting that. I can't wait! I always feel 100% safe on her. Even riding bareback (I'm very insecure riding bareback because I'm used to Louize who is narrow, wiggly, and I fall off of her easily when riding bareback) I feel secure! It's great! She really takes care of her rider. The first time I cantered her she didn't even go fast like a maniac! She was mellow and it was amazing! She just didn't want to stop cantering... that's all.

In all, I have been having a blast with my horses. Even if I only have time to visit them in the pasture and give them treats. I always have fun with them!

New Arrival

There's a new arrival at Triple D Stables! Sometime between Saturday and today a new baby Percheron was born! She's a little filly and absolutely adorable! She's all black with a star and she's super sweet! Came right up and let me pet her and she sniffed my hand! I have never met a newborn foal before so that's new to see a baby with no teeth! Her mom was so sweet! I gave her some peppermints to become better friends with her just in case she got protective of her baby.

For size reference, that gate is a little over 4 feet tall.

We've been waiting since before I moved my horses for this little filly to be born! She's really cute!

Babies are so cute!

Also, Holly is now in the indoor arena so the baby and her mom, Daisy, can have the back of the barn and Holly's big stall as their "run-in" shelter. Poor Holly has to stay in now because she has a terrible abscess on her front left foot. Poo thing. =[  However, the filly and Daisy probably stay out 24/7 because that's how it was with Holly and her mom, Dawn. This little filly seems so happy! Daisy is such a great mother!

Tomorrow, I'm bringing my real camera (instead of my phone which is usually what I take pictures and videos with) to take some really great pictures of the filly! I think I'll take some great ones and print them for Jason and Sandy later.

On another note, I gave Louize a back massage and gave my girls (and Daisy) some peppermints I found at the Ocean City Job Lot for $1! They're the best candies ever! I stocked up on a variety of my favorites and got the peppermints specifically for the horses! They were so excited! 

That's Yada's nose and shadow trying to eat the peppermints while I was trying to take a picture. Peppermints were the first and only treats she took from me when I first got her! Apples and carrots and other treats were NOT her thing.

Also, Louize went 3 days without her ulcer medicine and only left a handful of grain in her bucket! I didn't not give her the medicine on purpose, I just keep getting busy or tired or whatever and not going to the barn lately. I'm going to have to ask my mom to visit, brush, medicate, and treat my horses starting next Monday while I'm at marching band camp. I won't have the time or energy to visit them. =[  Rehearsals start at 8am and I'm not done until 9pm. Plus driving back and forth and showering and I need sleep. The girls will just have to suck it up! I'm sure they'll get spoiled by my mother. I just have to make sure she doesn't overfeed them treats... she likes to do that. They don't mind but their stomachs might.

Something Different

I don't usually like to do the same things all the time when riding. The indoor arena is pretty cluttered with hay, wagons, tractor, etc. and so I decided to try something new! I rode Yada out in her pasture with Louize just wandering around. At first when I was walking Yada, Louize would follow us around and look at me like I was a weirdo. When I started trotting Louize followed a little and then gave up. She was trotting better than I saw previous but it could just be because no one was on her back, too. I'll ride her today or tomorrow to see if she's still stiff and sore and then my mom and I will consider calling a chiropractor for her. Might be good for Louize. Also, Louize has been eating very well! Even when I don't go by the barn and forget to get her ulcer medicine to her she has been eating everything! She hasn't left a single piece of grain which makes me very happy! The first thing I do is check out their buckets, grab a lead rope, some treats, put on my boots, and go outside to give Louize her medicine and some treats to both of them. There were a couple days when I didn't visit them and she still ate everything! Yay Louize! Maybe her stomach is finally settling down and she can come off the ulcer medicine sometime soon! For now, she's staying on it... don't want to change too much and cause it to flare up again when she's just getting better. It's obvious she responds to stress because she was like this before we moved her out of Jill's and then stopped eating after the move. At least it didn't take as long to get her to start eating. At Jill's it took WEEKS! Here, it took maybe a week or two and I had to make sure she got her meds EVERY day! Now she's getting better and that makes me very happy!

I have also noticed that Yada, in the indoor arena, stumbles and kind of limps for a few steps when making turns (mostly to the right). I have a feeling it's just because the turns we have to make inside are fairly sharp and she may have pulled something because riding her in the pasture didn't seem to cause the same issue. She was just super lazy and I had to work to keep her going, except in the slightly sloped areas of the pasture when we went downhill. Only issue I had was keeping her on the fence line because she wanted to go in the middle with Louize, haha!

I also noticed that Jason and Sandy have started to wean Holly from her mother! She's an adorable 3-4 month old Percheron filly. She's only about a hand or two away from being Louize-sized! She's been inside in a big stall for most of the time so at least she has room to wander. She's not outside with her mother now because she's back with the other drafts. A baby with 5 big drafts probably isn't a good idea, so I understand that. She could, I guess, hang out with Yada and Louize! I bet they could be great friends! Louize is very motherly (she's had babies in the past before I bought her) and Yada is VERY sane for a 3 year old. Oh well, she's not mine but maybe I'll offer it as an idea so Holly can go outside more.

In other news, Daisy hasn't foaled yet! She has to be 12 months pregnant now! They have her in a stall at night now and she is in a separate pasture but no baby. They keep waiting! They were hoping she would foal back in June when I first came by to check the place out! Hopefully soon there will be a baby in that pasture. Who knows, maybe when I go see my girls this afternoon there will be a baby!