Yes, the birds are singing and if the temperature gets above about 50 degrees, we see a few bugs and hear all the frogs croaking. What is kind of fun is that the frogs are very temperature sensitive - we'll hear them for an hour or so and then, nothing. I suppose they've crawled back into their little mud holes until the next burst of kind of warmth.
Of course, the other things that go along with birds, bugs and frogs - mud! We pretty much have mud year round - last year I still found some spots in a few of the paddocks in August, but now we're in full-blown mud season. Over the years though, we've come up with some coping strategies. Several of the stalls have lovely runs on them now, with gravel and hoof grid, so they stay reasonably dry. Every year we add more gravel to the bigger paddocks. A few years back, we did a french drain in one and that has really helped. I could easily use another 20 loads of gravel though...whenever I see commercials on TV for 'buy your woman this or that', I always think "Why would someone want a big, gaudy ring/bracelet/necklace when they could have 10 loads of gravel?" I know it's not just me - several of my horsey friends have gravel envy too when we go to barns with huge piles just sitting there!
So, among the bugs and mud, we have been getting some riding in. I'm very slowly coming back; Monica and I went to Lord Hill yesterday and did a respectable ride without me wimping out. I am being very careful, as I've set myself back several times by being a little too presumptuous. sigh...the old body just doesn't heal like it used to!
Also, I have a young lady who is coming almost daily for lessons and is helping me out. She's been riding Andre, who is really starting to bloom. He's now cantering under saddle, although it's not quite confirmed yet. He's also popped over a few tiny jumps (sans rider) and looks like he will be pretty cute. Monica continues to ride Danny, who is looking very good. They are now cantering several jumps in a row and I heard mention of working up to flying changes. Whoo!
Mahri has had her first 'sit upon' and Ari continues to improve, so it's been busy here. We will have two foals born here this year; Aya (Aishet) is due in July and we have a new mare in, Cady, who will foal in late April. She is a sweet Arab-Hungarian mare and is bred to a Shagya. It should be a cute little foal.
Our plans for competing are up in the air, as I have a long way to go before I could even complete a trail ride, much less a Limited Distance ride. But, I'll keep plugging away and if I end up volunteering at some rides, that is ok too.
So, stay tuned and see what adventures we get up to next!
Saturday, February 9, 2013
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
Andre's First Trail Ride
We had a minor 'adventure' the other day. Monica and I took 3 Teke boys up to the Pilchuck Tree Farm for a short ride. I rode Galen (of course), she rode Andre in his 2nd real trail ride and we brought Ari for a horseless visitor, Maddy.
Now, this was a bit of a big deal, as Andre hasn't been out in company before, much less on busy trails. Ari has been on the back burner for quite some time and his last trail ride was last year with Julie. This was my second ride and the plan was to ride a little farther than an hour, but only at a walk, as we had two green horses in the group.
The Pilchuck Tree Farm at the Bracken parking lot is great for youngsters - reasonably good footing, tons of different loops, mild to major challenges (you just pick which ones you want).
So, we met up with the rest of our party and headed out, 7 horses strong. Andre was slightly nervous to begin with, but Monica did a great job of letting him know it's no big deal. Ari thought that all these horses meant an endurance ride and Galen was right there with him. Maddy did a great job of keeping Ari on track and Galen got to do lots of shoulder-in, halfpass and leg yielding. They aren't used to just walking on a trail ride - usually we warm up and head right into a trot. But, after a hill or two, they got with the program. Andre was such a gem! He had a ton of firsts: first hoof boots, first group trail ride, first hills, first loose dogs, first bridges, first tripod experience and he was perfect. This boy is really turning out nicely. Monica kept exclaiming about his comfortableness - very smooth boy!
We didn't stay out very long as I had to wimp out. My ankle (NOT the one that had surgery!) really started hurting at about an hour and 15 minutes. Everyone else was good sports and we headed back to the trailers, where Katie took a group photo of us (except for her- but she and her horse were on the trail with us).
From left to right: Aarene Storms on Fiddle, Duana Kolouskova on Hana, Monica Bretherton on Andre, Madeline Smart on Ari, ? on Horus and Cathy on Galen.
Then, we all met back at Fish Creek Farm and had a lovely potluck dinner/lunch, complete with homemade wine from Aarene and Jim.
Such a nice day!
Now, this was a bit of a big deal, as Andre hasn't been out in company before, much less on busy trails. Ari has been on the back burner for quite some time and his last trail ride was last year with Julie. This was my second ride and the plan was to ride a little farther than an hour, but only at a walk, as we had two green horses in the group.
The Pilchuck Tree Farm at the Bracken parking lot is great for youngsters - reasonably good footing, tons of different loops, mild to major challenges (you just pick which ones you want).
Two of our party through Galen's ears.
We didn't stay out very long as I had to wimp out. My ankle (NOT the one that had surgery!) really started hurting at about an hour and 15 minutes. Everyone else was good sports and we headed back to the trailers, where Katie took a group photo of us (except for her- but she and her horse were on the trail with us).
Then, we all met back at Fish Creek Farm and had a lovely potluck dinner/lunch, complete with homemade wine from Aarene and Jim.
Such a nice day!
Saturday, December 22, 2012
First conditioning ride for 2013!
Yes, I'm finally !!!! back in the saddle. Monica and I went out for the first trail ride I've done since this past June? July?, anyway, it's been much too long! We made it a short one, as my ankle is still gaining strength and I sure don't want to overdo it and set myself back.
We went to the Redmond Watershed, where the great footing and tree coverage made up for a little bit of rain. I really bundled up, as I knew we wouldn't be going very fast.
Both Danny and Galen seemed very happy - lots of happy little snorts and snorfs, and I must say, both Monica and I did our share of big, happy sighs. We ended with big trail riding grins.
Here was a short break for a photo op. Monica took some slightly better photos that are on Facebook.
Our 'Solstice Ride' even had a little bit of sun (in between the raindrops!).
It was short, but sweet.
We went to the Redmond Watershed, where the great footing and tree coverage made up for a little bit of rain. I really bundled up, as I knew we wouldn't be going very fast.
Both Danny and Galen seemed very happy - lots of happy little snorts and snorfs, and I must say, both Monica and I did our share of big, happy sighs. We ended with big trail riding grins.
Our 'Solstice Ride' even had a little bit of sun (in between the raindrops!).
It was short, but sweet.
Monday, November 26, 2012
Busy Month
It's been about a month since I've posted anything and of course it's been a busy one! Thanksgiving has come and gone and now we're in the stretch to Christmas. The house still smells like turkey, but the Christmas decorations are down from the garage attic and I've started Christmas shopping.
Out in the barn, it's been busy as well. We have two new horses here (only one of which will be staying), Dune and Tulah, both from Kelsey Kempfert in Wyoming. They are both Durkkhal offspring and Tulah will be staying here on a broodmare lease, while Dune is waiting for his international health papers to head up to Cindy Swenson's Bold Vantage farm in British Columbia.
Dune chatting with the boys next door.
Tulah wanting to join the girls.
And, if that isn't enough, Merdan (Paddy) left for Colorado Thanksgiving day. He's off to Jas Shearer-McMahon's Magic Valley Ranch to be her future stallion and endurance horse. Of course, there are a few years between now and then, as he's only 8 months old.
So, I've been moving horses around to see who gets along with who - Sparky is now out with Scooter and Reggie, being a 'big boy'. His dam, Astra, went home last week. Sparky was fine with this, although Astra was not very happy. I'm sure being away from him will make it easier on her.
Sparky getting to know his big half brother Reggie
I'm still recovering from my ankle surgery, although I've been in the saddle a few times. Mainly, I've been trying to catch up. I have noticed that my overall fitness sure has gone down, amazingly enough. So, the next few months will be catching up, getting fit again, getting Galen fit again and planning who to breed to whom this next year, which is always a very fun thing to do!
Out in the barn, it's been busy as well. We have two new horses here (only one of which will be staying), Dune and Tulah, both from Kelsey Kempfert in Wyoming. They are both Durkkhal offspring and Tulah will be staying here on a broodmare lease, while Dune is waiting for his international health papers to head up to Cindy Swenson's Bold Vantage farm in British Columbia.
And, if that isn't enough, Merdan (Paddy) left for Colorado Thanksgiving day. He's off to Jas Shearer-McMahon's Magic Valley Ranch to be her future stallion and endurance horse. Of course, there are a few years between now and then, as he's only 8 months old.
So, I've been moving horses around to see who gets along with who - Sparky is now out with Scooter and Reggie, being a 'big boy'. His dam, Astra, went home last week. Sparky was fine with this, although Astra was not very happy. I'm sure being away from him will make it easier on her.
I'm still recovering from my ankle surgery, although I've been in the saddle a few times. Mainly, I've been trying to catch up. I have noticed that my overall fitness sure has gone down, amazingly enough. So, the next few months will be catching up, getting fit again, getting Galen fit again and planning who to breed to whom this next year, which is always a very fun thing to do!
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Bragging rights
I have to do a little bit of bragging about how well several of my 'kids' are doing. No, not the human kind, although they are doing pretty well themselves. There are two Khan offspring that I bred that are competing in the Pacific Northwest and doing a great job. The first is Asil Tumay (or Tommy), who is a 2006 Astrachan x Anastasia gelding, owned and shown by Shannon Mayfield. Shannon has had Tommy now for over a year and this year he did 1 endurance ride (Home on the Range) and several horse shows.
Just recently, Shannon took him to the Eddie McMurdo Memorial show in Walla Walla, WA a few weekends back and has this to say
Earlier in the summer, he went to the Pink Ribbon Classic and here are a few photos:
They have been racking up the ribbons, cups and other assorted award items. It will be great to see what they do next year.
And then there is Mazaly, a 5 year old Astrachan x Mirija (7/8 Teke 1/8 Hanoverian) mare, owned and ridden by Catrina Mettam of Centerville, WA. Mazaly has done 3 shows/events this year and has really blossomed. Catrina brought her up to the ATAA Conference this past weekend and she and Maisie (Mazaly) jumped our outside jump course with Monica and Magdan. I just got a new computer and still haven't found all my old files, but will upload some photos as soon as I do. Maisie is a full sister to Mahri and Andre, both of whom are still here at CGAT and ready for their forever homes.
Of course, I have to mention Danny (Magdan) who did 5 LD endurance rides with Monica this year and has also been jumping. Danny and Monica have been really doing well and we're thinking we'll do some shows over the winter.
Monica and Danny jumping September 2012
It will be great fun to see how everyone does next year. I'm planning on getting Mahri started this winter and getting Andre to the next level. Goshen will continue his training too, so I should have lots more big grins to report.
Galen and Cathy, Shannon and Tommy and Monica and Danny at Home on the Range in March 2012
Just recently, Shannon took him to the Eddie McMurdo Memorial show in Walla Walla, WA a few weekends back and has this to say
"I was really proud of him. We
competed against all other breeds, and he did really well with the
competition. There were some fantastic national quality show horses
there, and we ended up winning the novice horse class! Totally
thrilled. =:)"
And then there is Mazaly, a 5 year old Astrachan x Mirija (7/8 Teke 1/8 Hanoverian) mare, owned and ridden by Catrina Mettam of Centerville, WA. Mazaly has done 3 shows/events this year and has really blossomed. Catrina brought her up to the ATAA Conference this past weekend and she and Maisie (Mazaly) jumped our outside jump course with Monica and Magdan. I just got a new computer and still haven't found all my old files, but will upload some photos as soon as I do. Maisie is a full sister to Mahri and Andre, both of whom are still here at CGAT and ready for their forever homes.
The two horses on the bottom are Mazaly and her owner/rider Catrina Mettam and Magdan and his rider Monica Bretherton. Both horses were bred here at CGAT and both are Astrachan offspring.
Thanks to Betsy Wandler for taking these photos!
Of course, I have to mention Danny (Magdan) who did 5 LD endurance rides with Monica this year and has also been jumping. Danny and Monica have been really doing well and we're thinking we'll do some shows over the winter.
Monica and Danny at the Mt. Adams LD ride 2012
Friday, September 7, 2012
Upbeat, not Beaten
It's been a very busy month or so here at Cascade Gold. I had ankle surgery on August 21st, where they found a big tear and several adhesions. Happily, they fixed them up and said I should end up back around 100% on that leg. That will be amazing, as I've struggled (ignored) this problem for years. This year though, it came home to roost.
Last year's "medical adventure" put me on 'stall rest' for about 7 months (breast cancer surgery and radiation), so I started 2012's conditioning behind the curve. We did our conditioning, moving up from walking in the arena to trotting/cantering 3 or so hours on the trails. In past years, that has been enough to get me and Galen ready to go for our first LD of the season. Ahh....the glories of age!
We went to our first LD, Home on the Range, at the end of March. We went at a conservative pace, as we had Danny there for his first ride and I wasn't sure that I was really in top shape. This turned out to be not so good for me, as when we came into the first vet check and I got off, I thought I'd somehow broken my ankle. I suspect that is when I did the big tear they found during surgery. Now, a SMART person would have Rider Optioned right then, but I'm an endurance rider (or right now, an LD rider), so I took a bunch of advil, found someone to trot Galen through the vet (thank you Monica) and continued on. By the end of the ride, I wasn't a happy camper, but we finished and more advil and a bunch of beer made it bearable.
We kept conditioning and I decided on a new strategy for our next rides - go faster to spend less time in the saddle! Galen has the years of conditioning, so he's all for this. So, I went out fast and Monica and Danny went at a reasonable pace. This strategy worked fairly well, as we got 11th at Mt. Adams (would have been around 8 or 9, but I couldn't get off to walk him in and it took a few minutes to pulse down), 3rd at Grizzly and 10th at Klickitat. All good right?
Well, Klickitat had a few routing issues and we ended up doing around 37 miles. I think 25 would have been ok, but that last 10 miles I had to have Galen walk most of it, as my leg was screaming. No doubt it was saying something like "You idiot, listen to me!'. In fact, I know it was. We came in and I was so sure I was way down in placings that I didn't even ask where I was, although we came in 10th. Galen was NOT happy about that boring walking in and let me know it. I had big blisters on my hands that night. Both of us were a bit disgruntled at the final vet check. Once again, I was a grade 3 or 4 lame and I had to ask someone (thank you John!) to trot Galen out. But, good drugs and more beer and I was soon feeling fine.
But, it finally did sink in that my leg wasn't getting better, so off to surgery I went. We had tried some injections (nope, didn't help much) and I had tons of tests, where nothing showed up. But, as my leg man said "We'll see what we find when we open you up". And they did find something - a big longitudinal tear on the tendon and a bunch of adhesions. All that was fixed and now it's just the boring aftermath - no weight bearing, physical theraphy and lots of time with my leg in the air. But, he tells me that if I do my physical theraphy, I should be back to 100% sooner or later. I'm really looking forward to that, because I plan that next year will see us moving back up to 50s and doing lots of rides (the original plan THIS year).
It did make me think though, as we get older, we can't skate by on the 'sort of' conditioning we used to. Or, maybe that is just me...I do tend to think that 6-8 hours of farm work a day along with conditioning SHOULD be enough to get everything working right. But, what works at 40 obviously doesn't work quite as well at 50. Sadder (and sorer), but wiser!
So, if there is a moral to be found here, what would it be? Don't expect what worked 10 years ago to work now? Take better care of yourself as you get older? Or maybe, don't be so dang stubborn and ignore obvious issues. I have plenty of time to think about it.
Last year's "medical adventure" put me on 'stall rest' for about 7 months (breast cancer surgery and radiation), so I started 2012's conditioning behind the curve. We did our conditioning, moving up from walking in the arena to trotting/cantering 3 or so hours on the trails. In past years, that has been enough to get me and Galen ready to go for our first LD of the season. Ahh....the glories of age!
We went to our first LD, Home on the Range, at the end of March. We went at a conservative pace, as we had Danny there for his first ride and I wasn't sure that I was really in top shape. This turned out to be not so good for me, as when we came into the first vet check and I got off, I thought I'd somehow broken my ankle. I suspect that is when I did the big tear they found during surgery. Now, a SMART person would have Rider Optioned right then, but I'm an endurance rider (or right now, an LD rider), so I took a bunch of advil, found someone to trot Galen through the vet (thank you Monica) and continued on. By the end of the ride, I wasn't a happy camper, but we finished and more advil and a bunch of beer made it bearable.
We kept conditioning and I decided on a new strategy for our next rides - go faster to spend less time in the saddle! Galen has the years of conditioning, so he's all for this. So, I went out fast and Monica and Danny went at a reasonable pace. This strategy worked fairly well, as we got 11th at Mt. Adams (would have been around 8 or 9, but I couldn't get off to walk him in and it took a few minutes to pulse down), 3rd at Grizzly and 10th at Klickitat. All good right?
Well, Klickitat had a few routing issues and we ended up doing around 37 miles. I think 25 would have been ok, but that last 10 miles I had to have Galen walk most of it, as my leg was screaming. No doubt it was saying something like "You idiot, listen to me!'. In fact, I know it was. We came in and I was so sure I was way down in placings that I didn't even ask where I was, although we came in 10th. Galen was NOT happy about that boring walking in and let me know it. I had big blisters on my hands that night. Both of us were a bit disgruntled at the final vet check. Once again, I was a grade 3 or 4 lame and I had to ask someone (thank you John!) to trot Galen out. But, good drugs and more beer and I was soon feeling fine.
But, it finally did sink in that my leg wasn't getting better, so off to surgery I went. We had tried some injections (nope, didn't help much) and I had tons of tests, where nothing showed up. But, as my leg man said "We'll see what we find when we open you up". And they did find something - a big longitudinal tear on the tendon and a bunch of adhesions. All that was fixed and now it's just the boring aftermath - no weight bearing, physical theraphy and lots of time with my leg in the air. But, he tells me that if I do my physical theraphy, I should be back to 100% sooner or later. I'm really looking forward to that, because I plan that next year will see us moving back up to 50s and doing lots of rides (the original plan THIS year).
It did make me think though, as we get older, we can't skate by on the 'sort of' conditioning we used to. Or, maybe that is just me...I do tend to think that 6-8 hours of farm work a day along with conditioning SHOULD be enough to get everything working right. But, what works at 40 obviously doesn't work quite as well at 50. Sadder (and sorer), but wiser!
So, if there is a moral to be found here, what would it be? Don't expect what worked 10 years ago to work now? Take better care of yourself as you get older? Or maybe, don't be so dang stubborn and ignore obvious issues. I have plenty of time to think about it.
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Photo Shoot
Another one of Merdan
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