Ick

I’ve been sick since Thursday.  Probably Swine Flu, but most likely a cold mixed with some seasonal allergies.  Because I’ve been down and out, Brig has had some extra time to relax.  And it shows.  Or else he’s pregnant.  Either way, I’m noticing some improvement in his legs.  The old farrier was supposed to come this morning but I cancelled last night.  I didn’t have the guts to tell him why.  I was expecting his voicemail.  I do need to call at some point to officially fire him.

Starting tomorrow I need to put Brig on the lunge, get him back on track.  Me, too.  I’ve lost some of my oomph and am feeling unmotivated.  Knowing that Brig has arthritic changes in his knees, though I wasn’t surprised, was sort-of a punch in the gut.  Instead of focusing on what I have now and what we’re doing now, I’m stressing about what to do with him when his knees are done and have actually put some effort into looking at horse retirement homes in warmer climates.  I didn’t think I’d have to deal with this for at least another ten years or so. 

But . . . no point in worrying now.  For now I just need to keep the weight at a reasonable place and keep him moving.  The 24/7 turnout is definitely in our favor.  I need to keep riding and when we get to that place, we’ll have to deal with it then.  What else can I do?  So, chin up, moving on, etc.

I’ve finally lost a solid two pounds on the scale.  Jeez . . . took long enough!  Despite being sick, I still worked out.  I decreased my calorie intake a bit more since I can’t taste anything anyway and I wasn’t feeling great.  It takes time to figure out what you can and cannot eat in order to stay within range and I’m getting there.  I use Sparkpeople, which is a great program.  It had me at 1,600 calories per day and with that allowance I easily went over.  I think 1,500 is a better goal for me and it’s was my goal back when I was healthier, too.

I am on week three of the Couch to 5k running plan.  I start today.  It’s going to be hard!  After this week, I am 1/3 of the way through the plan so I should be able to run 5k at a decent pace in seven weeks, or by the end of June.  I hope to run my first 5k on July 18th and want to be able to run it under 25 minutes.  By the end of summer I should be able to fit into all of my cute clothes, too.  Once I’m there, I’ll reasses my goals with a trainer.

The Big Pow-Wow

Since I had some time off, I was a little lazy about working out and paying attention to calories.  I think I did OK and I hit the gym on Saturday and hard (too hard?) on Sunday.  I was sore all over and took Monday off.  I’m back on today though.  Overall, I’m hanging in there.  I’m not sure whether I’ve lost weight or not because I think I screwed up my original weigh-in — I’m not good with non-digital scales.  Either way, I have a goal of five lbs. by the end of the first week of May and I’ll know if I make it or not.

On Thursday (J’s birthday), I fed in the morning as usual then went home and made J some breakfast.  Afterward he worked in the front yard — which, by the way, is now seeded!  Yay!  I think I watched my DVD of the 2008 Dressage Olympics that I received for Valentines Day.  Isabell Wirth’s horse reminded me of Brig with his little tantrums.  We went to E’s track meet later that afternoon where she rocked the 400 meter race in the hail.  Finally, I took J to dinner and we went back home and watched a movie together.  I stayed up until 11PM! 

Friday was the big day for Brig.  The BO fed so I could be out later.  The farrier I chose changed all of his appointments so he could be there when the vet arrived, which I thought was pretty spectacular of him.  The vet arrived first and gave his impressions of Brig.  He felt that his conformation and the trim together were like oil and water.  He did not suggest x-rays and thought it was pretty clear what the issues were.  However, the farrier felt that the x-rays would be important in correcting the damage that had been done by previous farriers.  Luckily Brig is a good boy so we didn’t have to sedate him.  I was relieved to find that everything in his feet looked OK.  He had a little rotation in one of his coffin bones, but that was pretty normal and can actually be corrected with the right farrier. 

The vet and farrier then conferenced about the appropriate course of action to take for my horse and thankfully for my sanity, were in agreement just about 100%.  The vet suggested eventers and the farrier suggested Vulcans.  We ended up with the Vulcans, pushing the breakover back a bit and I think we squared off the toe.  Don’t ask for specifics — my brain is fried on this subject.   It had only been four weeks since Brig’s last trim, so there wasn’t a lot the farrier could do yet.  I will take some photos this week and start comparing them to the originals and see where we get over time.  I can’t tell much without photos. 

After the shoeing, there was a definite heel landing in the right hoof.  Unfortunately, the right knee is the bad knee and the right hoof is the good hoof.  The left foot was not a toe landing, but a whole foot landing.  That is the good knee and the bad hoof.  That foot is going to take more time.  Also, it was a little tender so we had to cut the frog down a tad.  See, the last farrier had my horse walking only on the walls of his hoof, the frog and the sole were not touching the ground at all.  So, by placing the frog and sole where they needed to be, there was some tenderness.  That tenderness seems to have gone away for the most part and I am planning on riding on Wednesday.

There are arthiritic changes in both of Brig’s knees, which is of no surprise to me.  He flexes very well in both knees, even his bad knee.   Otherwise, the vet says Brig is in great health and does not suspect any mineral deficiencies at all.  I did forget to have him check Brig’s teeth.  Dang!  But the chiropractor, who is also a vet, is coming out this week and I’ll have him do it.  I wasn’t going to float him unless he really needed it.  I mean, needed it now.  My financial priority was his legs.   X-rays are not cheap. 

The vet feels that the wobbly legs are a result of him being over at the knee and his knees.  I think the trims have made him more over at the knee and the farrier agrees.  We both feel that over time, while we won’t be able to correct his conformation completely, we can improve it and take the stress and strain off of those ligaments.  It’s just going to take time.  I can do that.

Moving Along

I’ve been working out and eating well, so all is well in that arena.  I have a personal trainer workout this afternoon that I’m sure will kick my butt and cause me major thigh pain through the weekend.

Tomorrow is J’s birthday.  He always takes his birthday week off and accomplishes some chores around the house.  Some years he rocks, some years, not so much.  This year, he’s 50/50.  At least it looks like he’s going to finish our front yard. 

I took Thursday and Friday off to spend some quality time with him.  It seems like we never have quality time together anymore.  I still have to feed in the morning but I told him I’d come home and make him brunch.  I’ll get to see E’s track meet for the first time ever later in the afternoon and then I’ll take him to dinner and a movie.

In the spirit of J’s family, the entire weekend will be all about his birthday.  So, on Friday night I’ll make his fave meal, those Cream of Mushroom Campbell’s Soup Chicken Enchiladas.  I’m not a fan and they are really messy to make, but the one thing I’ve learned is to purchase a rotisserie chicken.  Just easier all around.  On Saturday we’ll head to his folks’ place where we’ll continue his birthday celebration with dinner, cake and more gifts. 

Friday is the big day for Brig.  The x-rays.  I’m nervous and excited all at once.  Nervous because I’m afraid of what may be found.  Excited to just know.  They will be digitals, so I’ll be able to post them. 

I also found a farrier.  There were two and they were neck and neck.  I asked around relentlessly, called references and did a lot of research.  Of course, I called and interviewed the farriers, too.  At first I was going to base the final decision on price.  But, I was still leaning toward one over the other.  At the end of the day, I followed my gut and chose the one who is a bit more expensive but I feel pretty good about.

I’m Not a Happy Camper

I realize I need to know a certain number of things about hooves, as a horse owner.  I know I need to pay attention to my horse and know him so that if something is wrong, I can pick it up.   I didn’t go to farrier school or vet school and I definitely don’t have years of experience looking over every square inch of dozens of hooves every day. 

I don’t even know what to say now.  I’m so flustered, upset, worried and frustrated.  Not to mention, I feel guilty and stupid.  Part of me thinks I should have known.  But part of me realizes that maybe I shouldn’ve have known (see paragraph one).  I mean, the trainer and my fellow boarders never said anything.  For the most part, they are all way more experienced than I am.  Clearly, if they’d seen what I’m seeing now, they would have said something.

Basically, I think my farrier effed-up my horse.  I just hope that it’s temporary and there is no long-term damage as a result to the crappy farrier-work I’ve been provided.  And to think that I’ve actually paid someone to screw-up my horse.  To the tune of about $500.  I can only imagine what it’s going to cost to fix him.   

But, more than anything, I feel so bad.  You’re supposed to care for your horse and I’ve pretty much thrown him under the bus on this.  I’m irritated at myself for not having the vet out sooner, someone who maybe could have pointed out the obvious.  But, I’ve been such a helicopter horse parent over the past year, I just thought I was over-reacting again.  Plus, with everything else, the potential ulcers and the chiropractic problems, I guess my plate was full.

I had pretty much figured the leg issue was the result of his farrier.  I’ve started to call other farriers, based on recommendations, and they want photos.  So, I took some and once I looked at them on my computer screen, I saw the obvious.  The photos are here.  Can you see it?

So, I called the vet and received two recommenations.  One of the recommendations is a man who is disliked by two people I know personally and liked by one.  The other, I Googled, has a MySpace page and says, and I quote, “Even though I’m a farrier, I don’t like horses.”  So, I highly doubt he’d have my horse’s best interests in mind.  Weird.  Don’t want to deal with it.  Plus, to be in your late forties with a MySpace?  I dunno . . .

There are two other farriers I’m speaking with.  One is the barn owner’s farrier who seems knowledgable, but I have yet to speak with him.  The other is someone I’ve been playing phonetag with and seems knowledgeable.  I know someone personally who likes him as a farrier, just not as a person. 

The vet comes out on Thursday and I’m going to get her view.  I know she is bringing her x-ray equipment and I also know it’s a good idea to have radiographs to see bone angles and so the farrier has a guide rather than flying blind.  Once I have her thoughts and diagnosis, then I’ll speak more with the farriers.  And I guess we’ll just go from there.

I love my horse, I really do.  And, as far as horses go, I waver between seeing them as a pet and as a sport.  I guess that is good — on one hand I won’t treat him like a dog and spoil him but on the other hand, I have empathy and won’t dump him at the auction if he breaks down on me.  But, in purchasing a horse off the track and even a thoroughbred, I often feel like I have bitten off more than I can chew.  I can certainly handle him (99% of the time, anyway) as he really is a level-headed horse, but his needs are killing me, financially and emotionally.  It’s always something with him!  He’s only ten and I often wonder when he’s going to have to go into retirement.  And, when he does go into retirement, due to being so high-maintenance, there is no way I can afford a second horse.  Sometimes I think I should have gotten a foundation bred quarter horse or foundation Appaloosa.  Or maybe, a hearty pony. 

Well . . . TGIF, anyway. 

I’m super sore from working out, but it feels good.  The Ballys downtown reeks like BO, but I got used to it after 20 minutes or so.  Unfortunately I could smell it on my sweatshirt all the way home since I’d put it in a locker during my workout.

My best friend moved back to town from Seattle and lives within walking distance of my house as of today.  She has been wanting to move back for years to be closer to her family and old friends.  Her job kept promising her a relocation and then something would come up and they’d put it off.  This went on for at least two years.  Finally, they said they were ready to open up shop down here and I got the excited call that she would be moving back in three weeks.  She called today to let me know that she’s moved in . . . and that she got laid off. 

I am taking E to the OHSET meet at Mt. Hood Equestrian Center on Saturday.  We’ll sit through that for a few hours, then head out to the barn.  On Sunday I have two people trying my hunt seat saddle.  I sure hope it sells.  With this latest situation, I can really use the cash.

Pretty Much Everything

I’ve been a busy girl.

Friday was E’s 14th birthday so I picked up food for her birthday dinner — steak, baked potatoes, salad and for dessert, a Snickers cake. 

Saturday, after K’s soccer game, E and I headed out to the barn.  She rode the pony in the English saddle and did well.  She jumped (about ten inches) and was humbled by the experience, to say the least.  Brig did well so we rode for only 30 minutes.  I had to re-introduce the flash band to him after Thursday’s ride where he spent waaaayyyyyy too much time flapping his jaw when he was annoyed and flinging his tongue around when he was really annoyed.  We had one good tantrum and a few smaller ones, but he’s over it and it’s helping him stay in the bridle and use his back. 

His legs are a touch better.  When I bring him in from his pasture he’s fine.  It’s only during the workout and afterward that his legs act funny.  So, I’m pretty sure it’s the farrier work and I think my current farrier is to blame.  Ironically, this started after two visits from the current farrier and had never happened before.  So, I’m looking for a new farrier who has experience in corrective shoeing.  I’m going to be speaking with the barn owners farrier as well as a local farrier who comes recommended and has Natural Balance experience. 

Brig is seeing an excellent vet this weekend who happens to be coming to the barn for the barn owner’s horse.  She’s just going to take a peek and give me some recommendations.  Then, another vet from her practice is coming next week for vaccinations and to do what needs to be done based on recommendations from this weekend.

Sunday was Easter and E’s birthday party.  I ate a lot. 

Speaking of eating a lot, I’m finally getting back into working ouit.  I’m fat.  And, I feel gross, like I’m ooozzzziiinnnngggg all over the place, especially out the sides of my chair.  Part of the reason for this blog was to motivate myself to get back in shape.  Oops!  Instead, I’ve become fatter and floppier. 

Since I moved in with J, I have gained 35 lbs.  I’m only 5′4″ tall, so 35 lbs is a ton.  I was in great shape back then, though I could have lost another 10-15 lbs in order to be pretty much perfect.  While I’d be really happy to lose that 35 lbs, my goal is to get down 50 lbs.  But, more than that, I want to feel healthy, strong and alive.  I want that runner’s high again instead of dreading it and feeling like a galloping elephant.  And, I really want to wear all the cute clothes in my closet, not to mention, be able to buy cute clothes again.  I won’t let myself purchase clothes at this weight — unless they are really needed. 

I have a personal trainer now.  I see her on Wednesday nights after work.  I bought ten sessions as they are super reasonable (in packages of ten) through the end of the year.  I plan on buying another ten packages once these are used up.  The good thing about the bad economy are the deals out there.  We discussed my goals and plans, including the riding.  I am to bring in dress boot measurements tonight.  I guess the pressure is on!

The personal trainer is not at my gym, but at a posh gym on my way home from work.  The fees aren’t too bad, but it’s not exactly convenient to me.  I may switch at some point, but we’ll see what happens over these next ten weeks, first.  The gym I belong to now is within an easy walk from my office and other gym is an even easier walk from my house. 

In addition to the weekly personal trainer, I’ve signed up at my gym for a 30 minute bootcamp class on Thursday nights through May and I have some classes mapped out, to include Yoga and Pilates, both of which are great for riding dressage as it focuses on core strength.  I’m going to start running again as well and would like to enter a 5k race this fall with E, who loves to run is a track star. 

Food-wise, I am back to using Sparkpeople for my daily calorie count.  I eat what I want, but eat smart as to keep the calories in the ranged they need to be.  So, if I want cake I have to cut out calories elsewhere.  Or, I have to go for a smaller slice.  When I cook, I eat healthy — very little processed foods, lots of lean proteins and fresh veggies.  But I eat a lot when given the opportunity and when bad foods are offered, I’m like, “Sure!” and take more than my fair share.  I tend to overeat, too, because I’m too lazy to measure and pay attention.  I also occasionally grab crap food, especially at lunchtime when I’m so close to all these delicious and convenient restaurants.  In March, I spent over $100 on fast food.  I look at that and think, “That’s two riding lessons plus the gas to get there!”,  so it just kills me to see that.   Oh, and speaking of finances, I spent over $800 on horse-related stuff!  OUCH!!! 

Bowls

It’s been a busy week.  Work is insane, but it’s going well.  We’re bringing in new jobs, so that’s good news.  I was at a four-hour seminar today after submitting a proposal and now I’m finally able to breathe a bit.  I have two more proposals due in the coming weeks plus my regular work. 

My riding hasn’t been consistent this week.  After lessons I really want to ride, but seems that life gets in the way.  If my schedule stays this way, I might not be showing this year, but definitely next year.  I’m glad that while my horse still needs work, he’s not green.  He’d be forever green with the way this is going! 

So, when I fed Brig his nasty mush in one of these, he would grab the side with his teeth and dump it all over the place.  Then he’d fling it around, making a huge mess and wasting a ton of money. 

I then started to use a flat back water bucket and tying it to something, a ring, a pole, whatever.

The bucket worked well, until we moved and Brig no longer has a stall.  My one complaint was that by sticking his face in it, he always had dried, crusty goo on his nose and jaw that I’d have to pick off and flies were attracted to.

So, I got to looking at my dogs’ no-tip bowls. 

The design seemed perfect, so like a moron, I started looking for a major, super jumbo sized bowl just like it for Brig.  I mean, you can’t tip it, you can’t pick it up with your teeth (hell, I can barely pick it up unless I use two hands — it’s really awkward!).  I had no luck. 

Until, at the feedstore, I found this!

Now, I mix and soak the food in the bucket and pour it into this thing called a mineral pan — it’s actually for a mineral or salt block.  Not surprisingly, the first thing Brig did when I presented him with this new bowl was try to pick it up with his teeth and dump it.  When that didn’t work, he just ate the food.  Yesterday as I was mixing and pouring the much from the bucket to the bowl, he hooked his top teeth on the edge and carefully slid it closer so he could begin to eat out of it!   Today though, I found the bowl upside down.  Not sure how that happened.  So, I placed it on the ground and mashed it into the earth as much as I could.  I’m also finding a lot of waste around the area of the bowl.  Guess I need to stand there and watch him eat one of these mornings.

It’s all very exciting . . . I know.

Sunny Days

How incredible was the weekend?  Well, except for the part where I had to break out the fly spray.

I had a lesson on Saturday morning.  We trailered out and since it was so nice out, I just left Brig tied to the trailer in the driveway during my co-boarder’s lesson.  He ate hay from his bag and watched as horses were being turned out in their pastures for the day.  He was a really good boy, standing still (and calm) while horses were running, bucking, whinneying and being led to their fields.

The lesson was fine.  I must’ve worked hard because my thighs are still sore.  My entire body was sore yesterday, but a lot of that is from tension.  I need to relax.  Breathe.  Just ride.  Anyway, Brig was good for the lesson for the most part.  At the first lesson he was quite “up” but at this lesson he was more pissy toward the end when he was tired and had to pee, and had a hard time paying attention while trying to keep track of where his buddy was at all times. 

On Sunday I was up early, made everyone a big breakfast, then E and I were off.  Friday is E’s birthday so we went to the store so she could pick out an outfit.  I was surprised she chose to do her shopping at Coastal instead of, say, Old Navy.  She ended up with a pair of Cruel Girl jeans, a Cruel Girl long-sleeved tee and a white top with some pink horses on it.  Super cute clothes and surprisingly expensive!

Afterward, we headed to my Mom’s for a quick visit.  She’s good.  Went to the feed store where I picked up a new leather halter for a great deal.  Found out at the barn it was only a great deal because it’s a yearling size.  Doh!  Stopped at Subway for take-out, then off the barn.  E rode the pony in a too-small (for her)  english saddle while I did some spring cleaning, shoveling mud from the mats in Brig’s field and I don’t remember what else.  I rode, Brig was fine.  Being warm, he had a good workout, so I decided to bathe him, which he was not happy about.  E bathed the pony, too.  Both rolled within seconds of being turned loose, but what can you do but laugh? 

I’m thinking of going out again tonight to ride.  Depends on how my day at work goes.

The Week In Print

The barn owner told me I could choose “the lesser of two evils” and I figured that screwing up his legs/feet in the far pasture was more likely to happen then the shelter falling on him in the closer pasture.  On Saturday I moved him over.  He was happy to have the space again and he and his girlfriend raced up and down the fenceline all afternoon.  He’s not cleaning his plate, but I’m pretty sure it’s due to the amount of grass in this four-acre field. 

Brig’s legs are still shaky/buckly, but he’s still forward, happy and doesn’t seem to be in pain.  I do need to call the vet today to get him an appointment (note: just called vet and emailed barn owner to make an appointment and should have this done by end of day).  I’m not in a huge hurry because otherwise he seems just fine and happier than he’s been since I’ve owned him.  I just don’t get it. 

Yesterday was Brig’s 10th birthday and I completely forgot.  He didn’t get ridden, so I’m sure that was a plus for him.  Today I poured a bag of baby carrots into his grain and we played beauty shop.  Spring has sprung, plus we have a lesson at the trainer’s barn tomorrow, so it’s time to look pretty.  (Which reminds me, I’m in need of a pedicure.)  I pulled his mane using a new technique.  It’s called scissors.  I rat the mane like I’m going to pull it but instead of pulling, I cut.  Looks exactly the same and this was my first time.  Plus, he didn’t find it painful and I didn’t have to fight with him.  I even trimmed his bridlepath with the scissors, but don’t look too close!  I’ll have to redo that with the clippers.  I put six braids in his tail so that tomorrow it’s all full-looking and wavy.  That way he’ll look more like a warmblood and I won’t feel so out of place at my lesson!

Now that Martha is at her new home (and is doing great!), Camden is back on meds for his ear.  Right before she left they had a play session and she must’ve gotten a hold of that ear and it blew up bigger than before.  He does OK on the meds but yesterday we got home from work to find that he pooped in the house, which he hasn’t done in at least 9.5 years.  Weird.  After he ate, he barfed twice.  It was like special effects, I’m not kidding.  So, we’re keeping an eye on him.

As if I didn’t have enough going on, Baxter has developed a strange limp on a hind leg, or maybe his hip.  He’s quite the drama queen so if I try to feel around to see where it hurts he’ll just scream in pain the entire time, whether or not there is any.  Take him to the vet and it’s worse, so he’ll need x-rays.  It seems to be getting better though, so I’m going to give this some time.  He’s eating, running, just the same dog, so I’m not worried.  Plus, he’s 15, and if it’s serious . . .

Finally Friday

The past couple of days have been interesting.  I’ll fill you in.

There has been no change or progress in Brig’s knees/legs so I need to get the vet out, or we’ll have to go to her.  He’ll probably need x-rays or something else expensive.  There does not seem to be pain and he is not unwilling to work — and we all know that he’s not shy about not wanting to work!  He is willing and forward.  Today I lunged him in the sand outdoor and he loved it.  But, talk about shaky legs afterward!  No tripping though.  I was thinking about the possibility of a deficiency . . . selenium?  I don’t know.

He’s settled from his lady friend being gone.  She comes back tomorrow and I’m sure he’ll be doing a happy dance.  But, he needs to move pastures again.  He is in the recovery pasture and a horse who is actually recovering needs it.  So, I have two options . . .  One option is to move him back to his old pasture.  He’ll have one neighbor and can’t see the rest of the horses due to buildings and landscape.  So, he’ll be off his food again and pacing, stirring up mud and stepping all over himself.  Now that he has the new shoes, that adds an additional problem and with the pacing, it can’t be good for his legs now that he has his new “issue.”

The second option, which the barn owner is not thrilled with, is to move him to the pasture next to his girlfriend, closer to the barn.  He can see most of the other horses from this point, too.  However, the shelter is not very stable and there is a fear that it may fall.  The barn owner’s horse, when not in training, usually lives in this field.  Due to the economy, she does not have the funds to reinforce it right now.  She is afraid that a high wind will bring it down like it did the one next to it this winter.  It’s a tad stronger than the one next to it, but basically the same.

So, what should I do?  I can’t put another horse in with him as he is food aggressive. 

The Quiessence may be helping or else he’s just not being a freak.  I don’t know which it is.  I’ll soon find out because I’m just about out of it.  I had a sample, primarily to see if he’d eat it and whether or not it would make him grumpy like some supplements do.  I’m waiting to talk to the vet before buying more of the Quiessence or any supplements, really.  If he has blood drawn to test mineral levels, it should probably be when he’s not being supplemented.

In other news, Martha went to her new home on Tuesday morning.  It was bittersweet but reports from the new family are very good and everyone is super happy.  She has settled in quite nicely.  J’s kids will probably give me the silent treatment this weekend, but that’s OK.  I can use a quiet weekend anyway.

Settle in, already!

Brig is having yet another set-back at the new barn.  His girlfriend is gone for the week.  Oh, the horrors!  When the neighbor gelding is out of his sight, he just can’t function.  So, this morning I found a wet, whinnying horse.  When I put him back out after exercising him, he stood in the mud, in the corner not eating, just looking for his buddy.  He didn’t move a muscle for at least ten minutes. 

He can’t stay in the paddock, it’s too small and will be a drylot this summer.  He has access to a wonderful four-acre pasture and he’d rather sit in a tiny lot.  What an idiot.  And what frustration for me.  I scoured the earth for this for him and now he just can’t handle it.  I never realized he was so insecure and kinda stupid. 

I am trying Quiessence with him to help him get a hold of himself and relax.  Hopefully it will take hold and work.  I’m not sure what I’ll do if this doesn’t work.  He gets himself so wound up that riding is a bitch and he creates mud and chews up his space walking back and forth, which makes me unpopular with the barn owner.  Actually, she is very cool, but I feel bad.

The farrier was out yesterday and I think we addressed the buckly leg issue.  Long toes, no heel, over at the knees, long pasterns all contributing to something like pulling on the tendons and him wanting to bend the opposite way for comfort.  I’m sure you catch my drift.  He worked on his angles and added an aluminum breakover shoe, extended in the back.  Now, I’ve never noticed his buckley knees until probably January, maybe December, but I wasn’t riding so I noticed it once or twice.  My farrier started working on him in August or September.  I know he has experience with TBs and works for some of the hunter/jumper barns in the area.  Anyway . . . we’re going to try this and if it doesn’t work I may look for someone who has more/different experience.

So, aluminum shoes are spendy.  These were $30 a pair.  Luckily he can have steel shoes in the back, when I put shoes on the back next month or so.  He has to wear bellboots 24/7 now.  I picked some up last night, but I need new ones for riding.  The ones I bought make too much noise and annoy me.  I did not ride, but lunged him and he’s still getting used to them.  His reach in the back is crazy big at the walk now (weird), his trot is awfully slow and so is his canter.  He doesn’t seem sore, so I’m assuming he’s feeling awkward.  I probably won’t ride until the weekend. 

It’s been a long and frustrating week and it’s only Wednesday!